Deep Happiness

DOSE: T+ 0:00 15 mg oral Oxycodone (pill / tablet) T+ 2:29 12 oz oral Alcohol - Beer/Wine
T+ 3:04 12 oz oral Alcohol - Beer/Wine
T+ 3:22 15 mg oral Oxycodone (pill / tablet) T+ 3:22 12 oz oral Alcohol - Beer/Wine
T+ 3:49 12 oz oral Alcohol - Beer/Wine
T+ 4:27 10 oz oral Alcohol - Beer/Wine
T+ 4:59 11 oz oral Alcohol - Beer/Wine
T+ 5:26 12 oz oral Alcohol - Beer/Wine

       BODY WEIGHT:
   182 lb
     

This report is part of a collection of seven reports. The collection consists of a summary report that is retrospective and generalized in nature as well as six more detailed chronicles of my experience with sensory deprivation, or floatation tanks. If desired, please see the summary report, where one can find links to each of the other experience reports.

A little background: I consider myself to be well versed in the realm of substance use. Previous experiences include opiates, stimulants and psychedelics. A fair amount of my substance usage history includes novel research chemicals often in less than common combinations.

With the exception of the time spent in the isolation tank, I kept detailed written notes in combination with an audio recording device in order to write this report as accurately as possible. I am confident that all timestamps are correct to within a + / - 60 seconds.

Tolerance is a non-issue for the oxycodone. I have not used any opioid or opiate substances for over eight months. I have been drinking alcohol regularly for the week leading up to the experience (2-3 drinks per day). I have not been smoking cannabis much lately either, it has been over five days since I last smoked.

The substances used in this experience were sourced reliably from a pharmacy. The pill I use in this experience is produced by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and is blue and round with a �break mark� on one side with a 30 imprinted one on side of the line and on the other side of the pill is imprinted with the letter M inside a square outline.

It has been 21 days since my last float. This is the longest I have gone between sensory deprivation experiences since I began a regular schedule. I had a bad head cold that made the idea of lying on my back extremely unattractive. I am excited to resume the practice since I�m feeling better this week. I am also looking forward to taking an opioid in general. This is a class of substances I chose to use relatively infrequently in order to ensure I do not develop an unwanted dependency. I have several options available but opt for the oxycodone as I have more experience with this substance than the others and want to have the best chance as hitting the �sweet spot� for the float.

I often start small with this class of substances and work my way up to a desired state level of effects. This is not an option while in the float tank so I utilize notes about onset, duration, and dosage from past experiences as well as a reputable harm reduction website to help decide the timeline and dosage for this experience. My goal was to avoid nodding out or being close to that point. I also did not want a mild intensity. Being that I will likely take at least a month off before taking any opioid or opiate after this experience, I want to really capitalize on the opportunity to experience sensory deprivation while significantly under the influence of this substance.

The experience took place on a Friday. I had a productive day working at home that I was able to wrap up early to run some errands. I am in a good mood overall without any major external stress. My upper body is slightly sore from a workout yesterday. I had a light fruit-based smoothie for breakfast around 8:00 AM and some barbecue chicken with mac n� cheese for lunch around 1:00 PM. I have consciously drunk some extra water throughout the day to ensure I am well hydrated.

Floatation Tank: Deep Happiness

T + 00:00 [5:15 PM]

I use a utility knife to split the 30 mg pill neatly along its break mark. I have tension in my stomach and a rush of adrenaline coursing through me. I am confident in the safety of my dosage but I have some slight concern about nausea. I place the half pill onto my tongue and swallow. The instant I am past the point of no return, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders knowing there is no more debate to be done regarding dosage.

T + 00:07 [5:22 PM]

My stomach is tight and some slow turning nauseous sensations are present. I attribute this to my nerves and anxiousness rather than the ingested substance.

T + 00:09 [5:24 PM]

I can say with certainty I am feeling the first effects of the oxycodone. My stomach is relaxing and my mind is calming down. The beginnings of a good mood are developing: happiness and relaxation are replacing the anxiousness I was feeling.

T + 00:14 [5:29 PM]

I�m at a � on the Shulgin Rating Scale. A natural feeling of happiness is taking over my mood. I know that the dosage will be fine, more than fine; likely perfect. This is going to be an awesome experience! I�m feeling more excited and begin to collect my things I need to head to the float session.

T + 00:21 [5:36 PM]

The dog has been fed and my wallet, coat, and notebook have been laid out on the counter ready for departure. A light tingling is vibrating in my forearms. This buzzing sensation is wonderful, like a warm euphoria is being generated in my bones and travelling out towards my skin.

T + 00:23 [5:38 PM]

My partner Kai is my designated driver today and we head to the car and begin the trip to the float shop. As we walk, I feel a slight drop in coordination and motor skills. I by no means look intoxicated, but I can feel some minor clumsiness in my steps and when capping my pen, I miss the tip on the first try.

T + 00:33 [5:48 PM]

My mood continues to improve. I am so happy! I have been chatty with Kai on the drive and have been thinking about contacting close friends and loved ones and how much I desire to spend time with these people. This desire is limited to my inner circle, unlike MDMA or other stimulants where any human interaction would be welcomed. Now, I desire the intimate conversations but I�m not feeling particularly outgoing or upbeat. I�m feeling nostalgic and completely content.

The physical effects are ramping up now. The light buzzing I felt in my forearms is intensifying. Warm euphoria pulses up and down my arms. My muscles are not significantly sedated but they are shedding natural tension and relaxing.

T + 00:39 [17:52 PM]

The interaction with the employee as I checked in was uneventful. I tried to keep it short as I am having some notable auditory effects. Everything sounds muted, like I am underwater or have earplugs in. This makes me a little conscious of my volume level. I can�t tell if I�m talking too loudly or not.

I am now in my float room and undressing. I usually have a routine of neatly folding up my clothes and arranging my notebook and phone in order to make the intoxicated exit simple and avoid getting things wet. Today I forego this process. I can�t be bothered with the effort and my clothes and belongings end up in a haphazard pile on the bench.

I put in my earplugs without too much difficulty from deteriorated fine motor skills. The physical buzzing continues to increase in intensity. The sockets of my shoulders are pumping out pleasant warmth that flows out towards my upper back and down my arms.

As I climb into the float tank I feel as though the intensity of the effects are settling into a plateau. I find myself hoping things increase, especially since I am not experiencing any nausea.

T + 00:44 [5:57 PM]

I shut the tank lid behind me as I enter.

As I slip into the salt water, I turn off the interior light of the tank and allow the darkness to consume me. My stomach has completely settled and there is no discomfort and queasiness, even as my body bobs up and down slightly in this sensory void. With my main concern about the experience squashed and my body happily warming up in the solution, I am able to really release my mind.

Initially a sensation of good old-fashioned happiness washes over me. I feel a sense of accomplishment. What have I accomplished though? I am not sure; I don�t care. The feeling is real, and I�m enjoying it.

My pride over the unknown accomplishment evolves a step further. I�m a particularly genuine happy that seems unselfish. It feels deeper than some of my other moments of happiness recently. I feel the same way I do when I think of the perfect gift for a loved one during the winter holidays.

I�m having no problem staying still in the tank today. No restlessness is present and I find that I�m drifting around less than average. When I do slowly drift towards one of the walls of the tank and become aware of it, I am less concerned than normal with resetting myself to the center. I simply allow my body to lightly touch the edge and I allow myself to rest in this position, staying in contact with the tank for a few moments before reluctantly exert the minimal energy required to push off the side (something I have never done while floating on any other substance or sober).

I couldn�t be much more comfortable than I am in this moment. Complete relaxation has been achieved. My muscles are loose but not sedated to the point of numbness. I can still feel the soreness in my pectorals from yesterday�s workout. In fact, I feel perhaps more aware of my body than I have on other substances in the tank. I feel perhaps more aware of my body than I have on other substances in the tank.