Binaural Forum

I've tried a few doses now, and even though I had really high expectations, I have to admit to being a bit disappointed. The only one that's had a significant effect on me was Heroin, and even that was barely strong enough to be worth sitting through a half an hour.

I use a sleep mask, to filter out most of the light. I lie in a comfortable position on my couch and don't move. There isn't any background noise, and anyway, my headphones block out most sound. I focus on the sound and try not to let my mind wander. I did use condition once, and it helped, but it didn't help enough to be worth the time.

Will the doses work better as time goes on? Am I doing something wrong? Or is this about as good as it's going to get? I have to admit, if this is as good as it's going to get, I'm very unhappy about having spent money to buy good headphones, plus the doses.

Yes, doses will work better as time goes on, assuming you continue to listen to them. Practice, practice, practice! This means listening to the same dose more than once to get effects.

Also, you mentioned you got minor effects from heroin. There are two things to be said here;
1.) You got effects early on, celebrate this fact and continue practicing!
2.) You shouldn't go into the more advanced doses (such as heroin) until you are getting effects from the more 'basic' doses. For example, heroin says for new users to try the Opiate/Opium dose first. Also, avoid quick hits until you've got the longer versions down.

Don't be discouraged by (2), because there are plenty of amazing beginners-level doses! Try A-Bomb, Anesthesia, Nitrous, Opium, Morphine, and Demerol, just to name a few. Make sure to do these doses several times if you're not getting any effect from them. Remember, effects come with practice!

Lastly, you said you 'had really high expectations'. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, this is a BIG no-no. What you WANT to do and SHOULD do is go into a dosing session with no expectations. By not expecting anything in particular to happen, you increase the likelihood that the dose will work. If you expect something to happen, you'll be looking for that something throughout the dose, breaking your focus, and causing you to think negatively when you don't find that something.

Other than that, I'd say you're doing everything correctly. Generally, the first time I use a dose I would not use condition. Use it after your first time. And a tip for focusing; focusing on the sound is great, but requires much discipline in the way of meditation. Rather, pick a large, 3-digit number and begin counting down from that number as fast as you can. This should take most, if not all, of your attention. When this gets easier, begin to envision the numbers as you count down.

Hope this helped, stay positive, and good luck dosing!

*EDIT* Here's a big list of the 'beginner' doses I recommend: A-Bomb, Alcohol, Anesthesia, Chloroform, Codeine, Content, Demerol, Downer, First Love, French Roast, Kava, Klono, Kratom, Lullaby, Marijuana, Methadone, Morphine, Nitrous, Opiate/Opium, Sleeping Angel, Trip, and Unwind.
This list is full of AMAZING doses that I really enjoy, so they should hopefully keep you busy until you are ready for more advanced doses.