Expert Answers Psychedelics Questions From Twitter (ft. Michael Pollan) | Tech Support | WIRED
TLDRIn this insightful discussion, Michael Pollan, author of 'This Is Your Mind On Plants', addresses various questions about LSD and other psychedelics. He explains how LSD works by mimicking serotonin, the potential for ego death, and the therapeutic benefits for mental health issues like anxiety and addiction. Pollan also touches on the importance of set and setting in shaping psychedelic experiences and the ongoing research into these substances' potential for healing, despite their controversial and illegal status.
Takeaways
- 𧬠LSD works by fitting into serotonin receptors in the brain more snugly than serotonin itself, acting as an agonist and triggering a cascade of effects on perception and consciousness.
- π« There's no known case of LSD erasing memories or completely rewriting the brain, but it can induce psychotic breaks in some individuals, especially those predisposed to mental health conditions.
- π« To avoid a bad trip, the advice given in research trials includes surrendering to the experience and not fighting the feelings of disintegration or fear.
- π Ego death is a profound experience where the sense of self crumbles, potentially leading to a sense of unity with the cosmos or others, which can be ecstatic if accepted.
- π Microdosing involves taking small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics to potentially enhance well-being, productivity, and creativity, although the actual effects are still unclear.
- π DMT is known for causing geometric hallucinations, which may be influenced by the user's expectations and the setting of the experience.
- π« People with schizophrenia are generally advised against using psychedelics due to the risk of exacerbating their condition.
- π Psilocybin has shown promise in treating anxiety, particularly in cancer patients, by helping them confront their mortality and potentially reconcile with death.
- πΏ Ayahuasca has been researched for its potential in treating depression and there is speculation about its use in treating addiction, although more research is needed.
- π§ββοΈ DMT users often report encounters with 'machine elves' or similar entities, suggesting that the content of hallucinations can be influenced by preconceived notions or theories.
- π Despite being classified as Schedule 1 substances, recent research has shown that psychedelics like psilocybin can help break addictions by disrupting rigid thought patterns.
Q & A
What is the molecular basis for LSD's effects on the brain?
-LSD is structurally similar to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and other functions. It fits snugly into serotonin receptors, acting as an agonist and activating these receptors, which contributes to its long-lasting effects.
What is the 'ego death' experience during high doses of psychedelics?
-Ego death is the sensation of one's sense of self crumbling. It can be accompanied by an ecstatic feeling of merging with the cosmos, nature, or others, which some find appealing if they surrender to the experience.
How can one avoid a bad trip during psychedelic use?
-Research trials suggest 'flight instructions' which include not fighting but surrendering to the experience, relaxing, and floating downstream. Having a guide present to support the individual and to help process the experience afterwards is crucial.
What is microdosing and how does it potentially affect well-being and creativity?
-Microdosing involves taking tiny doses of psychedelics, like one-tenth of a normal dose, which is sub-perceptual. It is believed by some to improve well-being, productivity, and creativity, although the placebo effect may play a significant role.
Why might geometric hallucinations occur with DMT but not with other psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin?
-The 'set and setting' theory suggests that the nature of the hallucinations is influenced by expectations and environment. Synthetic drugs like DMT might lead to more geometric hallucinations due to the expectation of such experiences.
Is it advisable for individuals with schizophrenia to take psychedelics?
-In general, it's not recommended for those with schizophrenia to take psychedelics due to the risk of exacerbating their condition. Current research excludes individuals at risk for schizophrenia.
How have psychedelics been used to help with anxiety, particularly in cancer patients?
-Psychedelics, specifically psilocybin, have been used to help cancer patients confront their mortality and in many cases, lift the anxiety they feel about death, allowing them to find peace.
What is the phenomenon of 'DMT entities' and how common are they?
-DMT entities, often described as elf-like creatures, are a common part of the DMT experience. Their existence is still debated, with some attributing their appearance to preconceived notions popularized by figures like Terence McKenna.
How can psychedelics be medically used for addiction therapy despite being Schedule 1 drugs?
-Although classified as Schedule 1, recent research has shown that substances like psilocybin can help break addictions by 'shaking the snow globe' in the brain, allowing for new patterns to form and breaking old ones.
What was Albert Hofmann's experience when he first discovered the psychoactive effects of LSD?
-Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who first synthesized LSD, accidentally ingested a small amount and experienced its effects, initially believing he was going insane before realizing the substance's psychoactive properties.
Why are psychedelics not as extensively studied as other substances, such as peyote?
-Peyote, containing mescaline, isηθ΄΅η and in limited supply, and its use in research could detract from its availability for Native American religious and healing ceremonies. Additionally, mescaline's long duration makes it less practical for research.
Why is there resistance to using psychedelics for medical purposes despite their potential benefits?
-Psychedelics carry a stigma from the 1960s and are often associated with societal disruption. However, attitudes are changing, and they may soon be recognized as valuable tools for addressing mental health crises.
What are the barriers to federal funding for psychedelic research?
-Federal funding for psychedelic research is limited due to the substances' controversial nature. Most research has been privately funded, but for the research to gain legitimacy and scale, federal support, such as from the NIH, is needed.
Outlines
π§ LSD and Brain Function
This paragraph delves into the effects of LSD on the brain, comparing its molecular structure to serotonin and how it binds to receptors more tightly, leading to its long-lasting effects. It touches on the limited understanding of the full cascade of effects from receptor activation to altered perception and consciousness. The paragraph also addresses concerns about the potential for psychedelics to trigger psychotic breaks or erase memories, emphasizing the importance of set and setting, and the guidance of a 'trip sitter' during a psychedelic experience.
πΏ Psychedelic Therapy and Ego Death
The second paragraph discusses the concept of 'ego death' during high-dose psychedelic experiences, where one's sense of self is felt to dissolve. It describes the potential for this to be an ecstatic experience if accepted, leading to a sense of unity with the cosmos or others. The paragraph also covers the practice of microdosing with psychedelics, its purported benefits, and the current lack of scientific consensus on its effectiveness. Additionally, it explores the influence of expectations and environment (set and setting) on the nature of psychedelic experiences, particularly contrasting the naturalistic visions from organic substances like magic mushrooms with the geometric hallucinations associated with synthetic drugs.
π Psychedelic Research and Mental Health
This paragraph focuses on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, especially for individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and addiction. It highlights the historical use of psilocybin for cancer patients to alleviate the anxiety associated with death and the ongoing research into using psychedelics for treating substance addiction. The paragraph also raises the question of the legality and scheduling of psychedelics, which complicates their medical use despite promising therapeutic outcomes. It concludes with a reflection on the societal perception of psychedelics and the possibility of them becoming recognized as valuable tools for mental health treatment in the future.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘LSD
π‘Serotonin
π‘Psychedelic
π‘Ego Death
π‘Microdosing
π‘Set and Setting
π‘Schizophrenia
π‘Anxiety
π‘Addiction
π‘Ayahuasca
π‘DMT Entities
π‘Psilocybin
Highlights
LSD's molecular structure closely resembles serotonin, fitting into brain receptors more tightly and acting as an agonist, which may explain its long-lasting effects.
There is limited understanding of the full cascade of effects from LSD receptor activation to changes in perception and consciousness.
Psychedelic experiences can trigger psychotic breaks or schizophrenia in some individuals, although it is a rare occurrence.
Flight instructions for psychedelic research trials advise surrendering to the experience and not fighting feelings of disintegration.
Ego death is a profound experience where one's sense of self crumbles, potentially leading to a sense of unity with the cosmos or others.
Microdosing with small amounts of psychedelics is believed to enhance well-being, productivity, and creativity, though the evidence is anecdotal and subject to the placebo effect.
Set and setting significantly influence the nature of psychedelic experiences, shaping the type of hallucinations and imagery one might encounter.
People with schizophrenia are generally advised against using psychedelics due to the potential for exacerbating their condition.
Psychedelics have shown promise in treating anxiety, particularly in cancer patients, by helping them confront mortality and find peace.
Ayahuasca has been researched for treating depression and may have potential in treating addiction, although more research is needed.
DMT is known for inducing encounters with 'machine elves' or entities, a phenomenon that may be influenced by pre-existing expectations.
Psilocybin has been effective in helping people break addictions, with over 50% of participants in studies quitting their habits.
The first person to intentionally take LSD, Albert Hofmann, initially thought he was going insane before realizing the substance's psychoactive effects.
Blind people's experiences with LSD are unknown and present an area for further research.
Peyote, containing mescaline, is not extensively studied due to its scarcity and cultural significance to Native Americans.
LSD is not recommended for use as a wound antiseptic due to its psychoactive properties and potential health risks.
Carrie Grant reportedly found psychedelic therapy transformative for his depression in the late 1950s.
Federal funding for psychedelic research is limited due to its controversial nature, despite promising early results for treating various conditions.
Psychedelics are increasingly seen as potential tools for addressing the mental health crisis, rather than as societal disruptors.
Transcripts
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