Digital Drugs: Harmful or Therapeutic?

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The practice of “consuming” digital drugs is known as “i-dosing.” Companies like i-Doser are at the forefront of this new trend of “drugs” in which a team of sound technicians create various so-called digital drugs that are created with the intention of evoking specific experiences in the user that can be described as “euphoric highs.” Basically, digital drugs are what are known as binaural beats, which are two toned beats that are meant to create a third sound that can alter brain waves as well as the mental state of the user, leading to feeling high.

Usually in the form of MP3s, they can run as much as $3 to $5 a “dose.”

The intention of digital drugs is to get you high by listening to intentionally-designed tones of sound. Because of this effect, some might argue that digital drugs are no different than other types of drugs that come in the form of potions, powders, and plants that can be consumed in the more literal sense.

Digital Drugs: Harmful or Therapeutic?

The idea of a digital drug might be met with skepticism, but the Saudi government is taking it extremely seriously. Arab News reports that three government agencies: The National Commission for Drug Control, the Directorate General for Drug Control, and the Communications Authority have come together to combat the use of digital drugs, with some researchers advising that “binaural beats” can be addictive and even dangerous.

So far, digital drugs have been in use in neighboring countries, such as the more-cosmopolitan Lebanon, but no cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia as of yet. The joint commission doesn’t want to see digital drugs becoming an issue for their citizens and have been discussing preventative measures.

Saudi Arabia has some of the harshest drug laws in the world, with the sale of narcotics almost always resulting in the death penalty. The country is taking a typically hard stance on any potential dangers of digital drugs.

Abdullah Al-Sharif, secretary-general of the National Commission for Drug Control, told Arab News: “The three parties have held urgent meetings to study this type of drug” and expressed a desire to “curb the spread of this scourge.” Binaural beats have been around in the West for a while, but with mixed reports on whether or not you can catch a legitimate buzz.

However, Al-Sharif clearly believes in the strength of digital drugs and is doing everything within his power to prevent his country becoming zombified by sound.

Digital Drugs: Harmful or Therapeutic?

Those who are using digital drugs will sit totally still in the dark listening to i-dosing tracks. The truth is the use of binaural beats has been used in therapeutic settings for a long time. For instance, digital drug – binaural beats – might help with issues such as ADHD, sleep problems, anxiety, and addiction.

Another argument “for” the use of binaural beats as a form of therapy rather than a potential harm when it comes to addiction treatment is that, sound isn’t an actual substance. In the world of recovery, the general consensus is that one must abstain from all mood- or mind-altering substances.

Although it can be argued that digital drugs such as binaural beats are used for the purpose of altering one’s state, 12 step fellowships recognize that the use of other treatments and therapies, such as psychotherapy and even antidepressants, can be important addictions to someone’s program of recovery, supplementing their step work for a better chance at success at staying clean and sober.

If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction and have tried several different treatments but can’t seem to “get it,” or if this is your first attempt at getting sober, Palm Partners offers a novel approach to treatment, combining many different therapies and recovery coaching to set you up for success. Call toll-free today at 1-800-951-6135.