DOSE:
Various
BODY WEIGHT:
186 lb
Float Tanks: A Chronicle of Experimentation
This report is designed to act as a summary of six separate experience reports. The collection of reports is a series of experiences that each takes place in sensory deprivation, or floatation tanks, under the influence of a variety of substances. Each experience could be read on its own, but I believe that tying them together as a collection is more useful as it allows a reader to hear about the different facets of sensory deprivation while on a variety of substances from a singular perspective.
The reports were written using extensive written notes from before, during, and after the experience as well as audio recordings taken during the experiences (when not in the tank). The sensory deprivation experiences occurred over a span of 8+ months. The experiences that I chose to produce full experience reports for were not the only times I used these (and other) substances during this time period. I intentionally had no tolerance for these full-report experiences.
For all of the reports in this collection, I prepared dosages using a freshly calibrated milligram (.000 g) scale. The substances ingested were sourced through highly vetted chemists with the exception of pharmaceuticals that were sourced from legitimate pharmacies.
I have been using sensory deprivation / floatation tanks intermittently for the past eight months. I have had a full spectrum of experiences during float sessions. Some have been easy and positive, others hectic and riddled with anxiety. No matter the nature of the time spent in dark, I keep coming back for more. I consistently felt grounded, more peaceful, and generally happier after floating.
Please find below a link to each of the related reports. Below the links are some retrospective comments on my floatation tank experimentation.
Take 1 [sober]: Discovering a Useful Wellness Tool
Take 2 [alprazolam & etizolam]: The Nod-less Nods
Take 3 [esketamine]: Embracing Shallow Thoughts
Take 4 [esketamine]: Decimation of Mental Clutter
Take 5 [oxycodone]: Deep Happiness
Take 6 [MDMA]: Clarity of Silence
Background:
I consider myself to be well versed in the realm of substance use. Previous experiences include opioids, stimulants and psychedelics. A fair amount of my substance usage history includes novel research chemicals, often in less than common combinations.
I have amassed all of my notes and experiences into a series (in no particular order) of comments regarding sensory deprivation tanks. The content below leverages data from not only the six experiences that are discussed in the formal reports, but also a number of other experiences for which the notes never reached a finalized product. Please keep in mind, all commentary below is my personal experience and your mileage may vary.
What is a float tank?
Without getting too historical or bogged down with technical details, I�ll offer my quick down-to-earth description of what a float tank is. A float tank is a device used to experience sensory deprivation. Sensory deprivation occurs when one is deprived of normal external stimuli, such as sight, sound, and feel. Floatation tanks come in a variety of designs and styles, but the pods I used most often are similar to large wide bathtubs that have a lid that flips open to allow the user to enter. Inside each tank is roughly 9 and 12 inches of a solution made of Epsom salt and water. The float center I patronize most often aims to make a saltwater solution that creates a specific gravity of around 1.27. The temperature of the liquid is typically 95-Fahrenheit degrees, while the air in the room is maintained at around 75.
Audio Effects:
The auditory effects I have experienced during sensory deprivation sessions have ranged vastly. Sometimes there are no effects at all and I am immersed in a deep silence. Other times strange mechanical noises clatter, clang, and grind so loudly I cannot concentrate on anything else. The most common effect in my float sessions has been a light ringing tinnitus. I find I will notice the ringing, and then it somehow slips into the background for a while. Eventually I notice it again but the sound is generally not disturbing or annoying. The most interesting auditory effect in my experiences thus far was when my tinnitus synched up to my emotional status. The most interesting auditory effect in my experiences thus far was when my tinnitus synched up to my emotional status.