AEther Drugs

Aether as a component has the ability to store raw, conceptual power. Conceptual power is generated by all Souls. Rifters call Aether 'Soul-Stuff' in their language for that reason and it is a common reference term for Aether; especially across the Scarred Lands and among those less educated in the field of Aether Theology. Rifters were the first to actually distil Aether into various substances they make use of to enhance their chances to survive their trips into Rifts and the Inner Worlds. By now, the Roman Empire as well as the Alliance and several other factions have picked up this questionable branch of Alchemy to produce drugs that help them push their efforts to breach further and further into the Inner Worlds and take advantage of their secrets.
Aether drugs directly affect the soul of any sentient being when consumed, exposing it to the influence of Ghosts, Shadows and otherworldly Phenomena in general. For Sinners, this means the connection between their Daimon and their Meta-Body becomes much stronger and they can draw from its power with ease. It doesn’t reduce the amount of Anguish generated when doing so, unfortunately, which lead to many a drug users demise. When venturing into the Inner Worlds, using Aether Drugs expands the users consciousness and accelerates communication between their Daimon and their immortal Soul. This renders the Sinner in question a much more powerful being when on the other side, as the benefits of their Ego can be utilized to their full potential without sacrificing their sentient thought-process. Aether drugs also enhance a Sinner's powers and conceptual senses, which classifies them as combat drugs.
The long- term effects of Aether Drug use shouldn't be under-estimated. While the consumption of raw Aether is rather deadly, the use of Aether Drugs is still far away from being easy on the user. Mood swings, hallucinations, schizophrenia and possession are only some of the side effects that you sign up for when regularly consuming Aether Drugs. When not overused, the soul will recover and heal from these conditions.
Aether drugs don't cause physical addiction per se, but being so close to ones Daimon and feeling the raw surge of power is quite exhilarating. It inevitably leads to disappointment when the effect ends and invites the user to even push themselves harder next time. Using Aether on the Meta Body can slowly dissolve it, leading to organ failure, illness and death, whereas the sSoul slips away into the Inner Worlds for good, leaving an empty shell behind. Another common end for Aether Drug addicts is over-using the substance to a point where their Soul becomes an open channel for their Daimon’s powers, leading to a constant build up of Anguish that cannot be stopped. The resulting Schlag-Frequency inevitably kills the Meta Body at some point and it is unclear what happens to the Soul, afterwards.
All this said, we are speaking about Sinners, here. It's not recommended to give Aether Drugs to a Lamb as they don’t have a Daimon attached to their Soul. But fun to watch, if you are a sadistic prick.