With the release of the Michael Pollan’s Netflix documentary series ‘How to Change Your Mind’, there seems to be an increase in interest both within and beyond the medical community on the usage of psychedelic medicines for the purposes of mental health and well being (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8LRb4jfZ9g&t=1s).
I wanted to repost an article I wrote two years ago about the research and possibilities of this ‘psychedelic renaissance.’
Of note, this article is not intended to provide medical advice etc. , rather it is to inform the reader of the theory and research being done on psychedelics.
Admittingly, I was first hesitant to write about psychedelics. For better of worse, these substances have become associated with the anti-establishment and counterculture movements of the 1960’s. Consequently, psychedelics carry a lot of stereotypes and cultural baggage from the past. Nonetheless, after reading Michael Pollan’s fantastic book, How to Change Your Mindand looking into additional research I became convinced of the potential of psychedelics to bring about transformative experiences. If used under the guidance and supervision of trained medical professionals, psychedelics have been shown to have significant positive effects in mental healthcare.
Psychedelics which include substances such as DMT, LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) produce altered states of consciousness resulting in temporary changes to cognition. At a rudimentary level, psychedelics appear affect the brain’s serotonin system, fostering new neural pathways in the brain.
You may still be wondering, how one experiencing these peculiar and strange altered…
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A Life of Virtue: Philosophy as a Way of Life 
My husband and I have been watching the show. It’s very fascinating and interesting! I hope the research can continue moving forward.
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Hey Andrew! Not sure if we discussed this psychedelic topic before; I’m keen on the area as well; watched the 4 part docuseries you referenced and a few other Netflix/Youtube resources…most recently, Magic Medicine – a British doc from ’18 involving a small study on applicability to depression. I have tried micro-dosing psilocybin and have recommended it to a few friends with all positive feedback from those who tried…some more enthusiastic than others, but no negative experiences ( again, small sample). Hope yr enjoying summer. Best, -s
On Mon, Aug 1, 2022 at 9:59 AM A Life of Virtue: Philosophy as a Way of
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Thanks hope you are doing well. Very cool, would be interested in hearing about these experiences next time we connect
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