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I recommend reading the LSD Clincial Handbook: https://www.maps.org/resources/responding_to_difficult_psychedelic_experiences/185-handbook-for-the-therapeutic-

I recommend reading the LSD Clincial Handbook: https://www.maps.org/resources/responding_to_difficult_psychedelic_experiences/185-handbook-for-the-therapeutic-use-of-lysergic-acid-diethylamide-25 https://www.maps.org/resources/responding_to_difficult_psych... LSD changed my life, and continues to do so. If you live in California, check out MAPS and Psychedelic Seminars. I’m a huge advocate because I have experienced first hand the profound transformation that occurs as a result of a psychedelic experience.

alexandercrohde 8y ago
Not to negate this anecdote, but just to point out your mileage may vary. The research on this subject is still in its infancy. I know a lot of people are looking for that "magic-bullet" panacea for all their small woes (social anxiety, minor depression, etc) and have tried everything under the sun (exercise, all kinds of diets, all kinds of books). It's been my experience with the people I knew personally who did acid/psylocibin didn't always improve as much by my measure as they did by self-report.
- tranchms 8y ago
  I hear ya. My anecdote is unique. If I provided more context, and told you my life story, it might make better sense. And it’s impossible to assign responsibility solely to psychedelics, but after years of hospitalizations and addictions and depression and suicidal attempts and witnessing a few friends suicides, there was a turning point in my life, and it conincided with my experimentation of LSD and mushrooms, something I only put together years later in hindsight. I think the psychedelics nurture the ability to recognize that feelings and narratives are not representative of reality, that there are multiple realities bound up in which perspective you possess, or which one possesses you. The ability to detach from self, to recognize a spectrum of truth, of perception, is one of the greatest benefits of psychedelic experiences. I’ve used LSD for years off and on, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken it. So many I lost count long ago. It’s a beautiful experience, and it helps me and everyone I share it with to this day. I have friends who remark what a profound life changing experience it was for them years after our trip together, and it always catches me off guard. You never know how profound it affects a person. Sometimes it takes years to recognize the shift that took place. Either way, I think there is so much promise. I’m a huge advocate, and I think people who struggle with mental health issues should definitely explore psychedelics (I would caution those with schizoid tendencies/ family histories). Anyone with anxiety, depression, addictions, compulsive thoughts... there is much promise there.
  - Sohakes 8y ago
    >I think the psychedelics nurture the ability to recognize that feelings and narratives are not representative of reality >The ability to detach from self, to recognize a spectrum of truth, of perception It sounds a lot like meditation and buddhist practice. I mean, I already hear that everywhere and there are some clinical trials with meditation too. But your narrative fits nicely. That's cool.
    - ycombinete 8y ago
      Yes. In his book Waking Up, Sam Harris (yes, that Sam Harris), makes this same connection. He does it in a very sensitive way too, without suggesting psychedelics as a shortcut to mindfulness. Edit: I've never experienced psychedelics myself, but have had been using mindfulness/meditation to come to terms with these same ideas.
- simplemts 8y ago
  Research has been conducted since 1950 (With a gap period of a few decades). It's pretty clear it works effectively, there are several meta analysis' done on modern and historical studies. I agree that many normal things help even simpler, such as good sleep, exercise, good diet, meaning work, connection to community/society/family, etc. You are absolutely correct that there is no panacea.

alexandercrohde 8y ago

Not to negate this anecdote, but just to point out your mileage may vary. The research on this subject is still in its infancy. I know a lot of people are looking for that "magic-bullet" panacea for all their small woes (social anxiety, minor depression, etc) and have tried everything under the sun (exercise, all kinds of diets, all kinds of books). It's been my experience with the people I knew personally who did acid/psylocibin didn't always improve as much by my measure as they did by self-report.

tranchms 8y ago
I hear ya. My anecdote is unique. If I provided more context, and told you my life story, it might make better sense. And it’s impossible to assign responsibility solely to psychedelics, but after years of hospitalizations and addictions and depression and suicidal attempts and witnessing a few friends suicides, there was a turning point in my life, and it conincided with my experimentation of LSD and mushrooms, something I only put together years later in hindsight. I think the psychedelics nurture the ability to recognize that feelings and narratives are not representative of reality, that there are multiple realities bound up in which perspective you possess, or which one possesses you. The ability to detach from self, to recognize a spectrum of truth, of perception, is one of the greatest benefits of psychedelic experiences. I’ve used LSD for years off and on, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken it. So many I lost count long ago. It’s a beautiful experience, and it helps me and everyone I share it with to this day. I have friends who remark what a profound life changing experience it was for them years after our trip together, and it always catches me off guard. You never know how profound it affects a person. Sometimes it takes years to recognize the shift that took place. Either way, I think there is so much promise. I’m a huge advocate, and I think people who struggle with mental health issues should definitely explore psychedelics (I would caution those with schizoid tendencies/ family histories). Anyone with anxiety, depression, addictions, compulsive thoughts... there is much promise there.
- Sohakes 8y ago
  >I think the psychedelics nurture the ability to recognize that feelings and narratives are not representative of reality >The ability to detach from self, to recognize a spectrum of truth, of perception It sounds a lot like meditation and buddhist practice. I mean, I already hear that everywhere and there are some clinical trials with meditation too. But your narrative fits nicely. That's cool.
  - ycombinete 8y ago
    Yes. In his book Waking Up, Sam Harris (yes, that Sam Harris), makes this same connection. He does it in a very sensitive way too, without suggesting psychedelics as a shortcut to mindfulness. Edit: I've never experienced psychedelics myself, but have had been using mindfulness/meditation to come to terms with these same ideas.
simplemts 8y ago
Research has been conducted since 1950 (With a gap period of a few decades). It's pretty clear it works effectively, there are several meta analysis' done on modern and historical studies. I agree that many normal things help even simpler, such as good sleep, exercise, good diet, meaning work, connection to community/society/family, etc. You are absolutely correct that there is no panacea.