How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

Michael Pollan

4.27(80073 readers)
A brilliant and brave investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs--and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences

When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. Thus began a singular adventure into various altered states of consciousness, along with a dive deep into both the latest brain science and the thriving underground community of psychedelic therapists. Pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.

A unique and elegant blend of science, memoir, travel writing, history, and medicine, How to Change Your Mind is a triumph of participatory journalism. By turns dazzling and edifying, it is the gripping account of a journey to an exciting and unexpected new frontier in our understanding of the mind, the self, and our place in the world. The true subject of Pollan's "mental travelogue" is not just psychedelic drugs but also the eternal puzzle of human consciousness and how, in a world that offers us both suffering and joy, we can do our best to be fully present and find meaning in our lives.

Publisher

Penguin Books

Publication Date

5/15/2018

ISBN

9780525558941

Pages

480

Categories

Medicine

About the Author

Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan is an American author, journalist, activist, and professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is also the director of the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism.

Excerpted from Wikipedia.

Questions & Answers

Psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, have the potential to transform our understanding of consciousness, mental health, and human potential in several ways. They disrupt the normal waking consciousness, leading to profound experiences that can alter perceptions of self and reality. This disruption allows for the exploration of consciousness beyond the usual boundaries, potentially revealing deeper insights into the human mind and spirit.

In mental health, psychedelics have shown promise in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma. They can facilitate deep introspection, helping individuals confront and process difficult emotions and experiences. The potential for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy suggests a new approach to mental health treatment, offering hope for those who have not found relief with conventional methods.

Moreover, psychedelics may unlock the human potential by fostering creativity, empathy, and a sense of interconnectedness. They can expand consciousness, allowing for new perspectives and possibilities, which could lead to transformative personal growth and societal advancements. However, research in these areas is still ongoing, and the potential benefits must be balanced with the risks and ethical considerations.

The historical context of psychedelic research significantly influences its current state and future potential. Initially, in the 1950s and 1960s, psychedelics were researched for their potential in treating mental health issues and spiritual experiences. However, the rise of Timothy Leary and the counterculture movement led to a moral panic, causing research to be halted and the drugs to be criminalized. This period of prohibition and the subsequent resurgence of interest in the 2010s have shaped the current state of research, which is cautiously exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. The historical lessons of the 1960s, such as the importance of proper guidance and setting, have informed modern research, and the future potential of psychedelics in treating conditions like addiction, depression, and anxiety is being cautiously explored with renewed scientific rigor and ethical considerations.

Psychedelic therapy shows promise in treating various mental health issues like addiction, depression, and anxiety. Benefits include potential relief from symptoms, improved well-being, and enhanced self-awareness. However, risks include potential for adverse reactions, such as panic attacks, psychosis, and psychological distress. The effectiveness and safety of psychedelics in therapy depend on factors like proper dosage, setting, and experienced guidance.

Psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin, alter the brain's activity by reducing the default mode network (DMN), which is associated with self-referential thinking and introspection. This reduction leads to a decrease in the sense of self and increased connectivity between brain regions, fostering a sense of oneness and expanded consciousness. This reorganization of neural networks may explain the therapeutic effects of psychedelics in treating mental health issues like depression and addiction. By disrupting rigid thought patterns and promoting neuroplasticity, psychedelics may offer a novel approach to mental health, potentially leading to a better understanding of consciousness and its relationship with the brain.

The psychedelic renaissance has significant implications for society, culture, and our understanding of human nature. Firstly, it challenges traditional views of consciousness and mental health, suggesting that substances like psilocybin and LSD can treat conditions like depression and addiction. This could lead to new therapeutic approaches and potentially reduce reliance on conventional medications.

Secondly, the renaissance encourages a reevaluation of spirituality and the human experience, fostering a sense of interconnectedness with nature and others. This could reshape cultural attitudes towards spirituality and mental health.

Lastly, the research into psychedelics may deepen our understanding of human nature, revealing the brain's potential for transformation and the complexity of consciousness. This could lead to a more nuanced view of human potential and the nature of human experience.

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