Deep down, we humans are driven by an animal instinct, resulting in our seemingly unstoppable attraction to foods or drinks that we like. After all, our earliest ancestors leaped through the underbrush to collect fermented fruit (the first real drugs we tasted), and the attraction to intoxicating substances hasn’t stopped since. Just ask some of our friends in the animal kingdom, who will go to great (and somewhat humorous) lengths to get drunk or stoned. We can learn a lot about our behavior by observing some “animal junkies” in the wild. Still, which cases are the most fascinating. Which ones can definitely shed light on the dangers of drugs and alcohol? Let’s take a closer look at the big wide world of animal junkies.
Reindeer and Magic Mushrooms
Rudolph would certainly “run, run” to town if he practiced the same habits as his wild cousin. According to reports, reindeer will purposefully seek out the fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria), a fungus that induces severe hallucinogens. (You can easily spot this red-and-white-spotted mushroom, as it has appeared in the legends of fairy rings and magic.) According to scientists, reindeer that eat these mushrooms will wildly run around (like they are drunk) and makes strange noises and movements.
Prairies Pack a Punch
Did you know that some of the biggest collections of animal junkies are found in the southwestern Great Plains of the United States? In this region, horses and other grazers will sometimes consume the Astragalus and Oxytropis plants. Although the activity might be infrequent, animals who have consumed these addictive grasses will (according to reports) continue to use these plants over and over. Scientists have recorded some animals exhibiting a lopsided gait, poor vision, and listless behavior after eating these grasses.
Tree Roots for Jaguars
We’ve all seen the funny and charming behavior exhibited by our pet cats after they indulge in catnip, but, in the jungles of South America, one of their giant cousins shares a similar experience after eating a tree. Researchers confirm that jaguars will gnaw at the roots and bark of the yage plant (Banisteriopsis caapi), a vine that contains hallucinogenic properties. (You might better know the plant as the ayahuasca). While native tribes use the plant for rituals, the jaguars eat it for a pastime and will exhibit kittenish behavior after doing so.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, or Addiction
Alcohol and drugs are very real and very dangerous parts of our society and will immediately drive a wedge into your private life and social life. If you, a friend, or loved one is suffering from a severe case of alcohol use or drug use, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these substances. The time to take back control of your life is now.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to alcohol and drugs today.