Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The "new science" of psychedelics (NPR)

Michael Pollan, (NPR); Ananda M., Dhr. Seven, Jen B. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Michael Pollan is out with a new book about the science behind psychedelics.

"Reluctant psychonaut" Michael Pollan embraces the "new science" of psychedelics
Host
Author Michael Pollan had always been curious about psychoactive plants, but his interest skyrocketed when he heard about a research study in which people with terminal cancer were given a psychedelic called psilocybin -- the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms" -- to help them deal with their distress.
Fresh Air"This seemed like such a crazy idea that I began looking into it," Pollan says.

Long-Term Effects Of Psychotropic Drugs Are 'Cloaked In Mystery'"Why should a drug from a mushroom help people deal with their mortality?"
 
Pollan, whose previous books include The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food, started researching different experimental therapeutic uses of psychedelics, and found that the drugs were being used to treat depression, addiction and the fear of death.
The '60s Are Gone, But Psychedelic Research Trip ContinuesThen he decided to go one step further: A self-described "reluctant psychonaut," Pollan enlisted guides to help him experiment with LSD, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT, a substance in the venom of the Sonoran Desert toad.
 
Each of Pollan's experiences with psychedelics was proceeded by worry and self-doubt. But, he says, "I realized later that was my ego trying to convince me not to do this thing that was going to challenge my ego."
 
How to Change Your Mind
How to Change Your Mind
Pollan's new book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence, recounts his experiences with the drugs and also examines the history of psychedelics as well as their possible therapeutic uses. More + AUDIO

No comments:

Post a Comment