With alcohol being so prevalent in society, it takes more than one episode of the podcast to cover questions on the subject adequately. In this episode, Thom explores the question of being able to replicate the effects of alcohol ‘naturally,’ and explains the difference between alcohol and drugs or spirit medicine in this regard.He discusses references in Vedic texts to alcohol, and how to distinguish between actual references to alcohol and metaphorical references to the effects of ‘Soma’ in the body.Lastly, the role of Vedic Meditation in helping someone attain sobriety is covered from two different angles. Whether alcohol is part of your life or not, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of mechanics for why alcohol has become a part the lives of so many.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q- How Can You Replicate the Effects of Alcohol Naturally?[01:31] Understanding the Pathway of Alcohol [03:19] Alcohol Destroys Brain Functioning[04:16] Selective Poisoning of the Brain[05:17] Inhibitions Can Be Good[06:54] What Meditation Does For Us in Contrast to Inhibition[08:04] Strengthening the Good Inhibitions[09:02] Q- Can You Discuss the Mention of Alcohol in Ancient Indian Texts and Modern Culture?[09:18] Soma- The Cocktail of All the Bliss Chemicals[11:04] The Unsustainable vs the Sustainable[13:12] Q- Is it Common for People Struggling With Imbibing to Take to Vedic Meditation Enthusiastically?[13:39] Imbibers Are Brave People[15:28] "There Has to Be Something More Than This"[16:43] Turiya - The Fourth Consciousness State[18:25] Godhead - Where Individuality Meetis Universality[20:01] An Imbiber is a Seeker[21:09] Q- What's the Spiritual Explanation for the Worse Experience in the Early Days of Sobriety[21:26] People Experience Different Feelings While Becoming Sober[23:19] The Process of Diminishing Returns[25:09] Habituation to Our Former Devotion[26:57] Monkey Traps[28:24] Addiction Makes You Lose Your Freedom[29:39] Your Problems Are Forgotten[30:54] Letting Go Through Vedic Meditation[31:45] A Pleasure Greater Than Any AddictionUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/