DOSE:

inhaled

Ether

(liquid)

BODY WEIGHT:

175 lb

[Erowid Note: The "water extraction" method is ineffective in separating diethyl ether from the volatile hydrocarbon liquids/gases in "starter fluid". Our understanding of the literature is that there is no such thing as safe use of volatile hydrocarbon gases: their psychoactive effects are inseparable from nerve and organ damage.]

I first experienced ether at a friend's house. I was already very high on weed at the time, however, and the only effects I felt were a mild alcohol-like intoxication.

I became curious again a few weeks later, so I separated some started fluid in a glass jar, dipped in the corner of a rag, and placed it over my face. After the first breath, I only noticed the chemical taste of the ether and a mild head rush. after the second, I felt more light headed. After that, I took several more breaths and took the rag off of my face. For the Rest of the night (max 90 min.) I was disoriented and light headed, and also extremely apathetic. At one point, I heard my girlfriend's ring-tone on my cell phone at least 3 times, and did not feel the usual desire to speak with her. This is unusual, even when smoking cannabis, I always feel like talking with her. I fell asleep while still under the effects.

The next night, I decided to repeat the procedure, but prepare better. I soaked the rag more heavily this time, and I did not take the rag off until I was certain if I took another breath I would not be able to move my arms to remove it.

This experience was amazing. At first I felt as though I was falling into my bed, but this gradually changed into a feeling of falling into myself. I saw reality, in the form of my field of vision, start to spiral off into the distance. I was scared at this, and successfully regained my real field of vision, briefly. Soon, I saw everything spiraling off again, and this time I was powerless to stop it. I was there in blackness for awhile, and remember wondering if I would ever go back to my room. However, this time, I was not scared at all: I didn't have a preference in where I stayed. Soon after, I realized that my eyes were closed and opened them. Everything was very grainy for the next few minutes as I was coming down, and when things were finally starting to come into focus, I let myself fall asleep.

Overall, it was a very pleasant experience for me to be able to just watch the real world leave for awhile. I have done ether since, but never with such pronounced effects.

Exp Year: 2005	ExpID: 47845
Gender: Male
Age at time of experience: Not Given
Published: Feb 10, 2008	Views: 36,480
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Ether (131) : General (1), Alone (16)