Could psychedelic drugs change our worldview?

"Self and Spirit define the opposite ends of a spectrum, but that spectrum needn't reach clear to the heavens to have meaning for us. It can stay right here on earth. When the ego dissolves, so does a bounded conception not only of ourself but of our self-interest. What emerges in its place is invariably a broader, more open-hearted and altruistic – that is, more spiritual – idea of what matters in life. One in which a new sense of connection, or love, however defined, seems to figure prominently'

A very eye-opening read!

A controversialbit appealing and well researched book about Psychedelics. Will appealt to fans of the Joe Rogan show.

A very interesting read about the history of psychedelic research and about where it may be heading in the future. I thought about the topics raised for weeks afterwards and may re-read at some point.

Could psychedelic drugs change our worldview? One of America's most admired writers takes us on a mind-altering journey to the frontiers of human consciousness

When LSD was first discovered in the 1940s, it seemed to researchers, scientists and doctors as if the world might be on the cusp of psychological revolution. It promised to shed light on the deep mysteries of consciousness, as well as offer relief to addicts and the mentally ill. But in the 1960s, with the vicious backlash against the counter-culture, all further research was banned. In recent years, however, work has quietly begun again on the amazing potential of LSD, psilocybin and DMT. Could these drugs in fact improve the lives of many people? Diving deep into this extraordinary world and putting himself forward as a guinea-pig, Michael Pollan has written a remarkable history of psychedelics and a compelling portrait of the new generation of scientists fascinated by the implications of these drugs. How to Change Your Mind is a report from what could very well be the future of human consciousness.

I kinda wish some of the substances talked about had been included with the book - Michael Pollan has a way of making me want to take psychedelics even though I've never wanted to before! Well-written, presented and researched, this book has a lot of thoughtful ideas.

Thank you Penguin UK and Netgalley for this ARC.

This book is based upon controversial yet fascinating subject matter. I was really interested to understand the scientific evidence of microdosimg amd also understand deeper social impacts. The book was quite heavy going at times so I read it in smaller chunks over a longer period.

I will be really interested to see future impacts of micro dosing in future generations. If it is implemented, what will longitudinal studies reveal, will it be everything hoped or will there be newly discovered implications ?

Any interesting, thought provoking book and subject.

Thank you for the opportunity to read in return of my review.

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I haven't made my mind up on this topic, but I find it very interesting and I also agree that the studies about mind and psychedelics has to go on, in a very controlled way but it cannot be stopped. I will try to stay updated on the subject even if there is my Ego that strongly disagrees :)

Non mi sono ancora fatta un'opinione certa sull'argomento che prevede lo studio del cervello alla luce del'uso controllato delle sostanze psichedeliche, ma sono comunque certa che le ricerche debbano continuare e debbano essere effettuate in modo strettamente controllato, in modo da poterne verificare la veridicitá dei risultati senza tema di essere smentiti. Cercheró di rimanere aggiornata sull'argomento, anche se il mio Ego non é assolutamente d'accordo.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW1

This was a fascinating exploration of psychedelic drugs. It covered not just the chemistry behind them, but the history and societal impact. I especially enjoyed the discussions on the science vs spirituality of the experiences, and I'm not usually one for spirituality.

A fascinating insight into the positive potential of psychedelics drugs, How to Change Your Mind details the turbulent history of psychedelics and illuminates on their current and potential future usage.

The psychedelics being focused on here are mainly Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) and LSD. The latter in particular gained a pretty bad rep towards the end of the 60s and still has a real stigma attached to it. This is unfortunate, as early research in psychedelics as an aid to a range of illnesses and conditions was incredibly promising. However, the tide appears to be turning and many recent studies suggest impressive results with subjects who are suffering from depression, addiction or terminal illness patients who fear impending death. In many cases, a single dose seems to have led to remission of symptoms for many months. Furthermore, a case is made for perfectly healthy people to try psychedelics also - for many it has been a profound and life-changing experience. (It should be noted that the cases outlined here are mainly taking the drug in controlled conditions, with either doctors or 'guides' on hand to help them through the process)

Pollan is an objective and likeable voice throughout and it is fascinating to read about the experiences he, as a mild sceptic, has as he tries the drugs. There are also numerous accounts from subjects who have amazing stories to tell of their 'trips'. It's difficult not to be intrigued by these accounts and I think there will be a massive upturn in flights to Amsterdam as a result of this book!

The only downside is that the book is overlong and could have done with a tight edit. In particular, the history sections could really have been trimmed down. But this was a hugely interesting read into drugs that could potentially move beyond their outdated reputation and make a hugely positive contribution to society.

(Thank you to the Publisher and Author for providing an ARC)

Michael Pollan has done extensive research on psychedelics, both on others and on himself. He explores the role these drugs can play in treating a multitude of conditions. It was fascinating to read about the renewed interest in this area and Pollan's personal experiences with the drugs.
I do believe that the book could have been a bit shorter and more concise, but it was a very informative and enjoyable read. I recommend that anyone interested in research and the history of psychedelics, as told by a specialist, read this book.

Fascinating insight into the history of psychedelic experimentation, its vilification and its potential for treatment of mental health. While it is a little rambling and could have been better edited, nevertheless, it's well worth reading..

I received an ARC from Netgalley with no obligation to review.

Despite this being the 21st century, Michael Pollan has tackled a subject that will raise a few eyebrows in the establishment given the history of psychedelic drugs. This is a comprehensive book in that it provides a historical background going back over 70 years ago when the effects of LSD were first discovered. His views and personal experiences are documented thoroughly within the book.
It is a fascinating read, although the key points could have been made in a more condensed style. What interests me is whether Pollan and others can influence mainstream thinking that will lead to overall progress in this area of medical science and benefit mankind.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Essential reading for those who think it a good idea to reboot their minds. I found this book a very personal take on the use of mind altering drugs

How to Change Your Mind is an extremely interesting study of the use of psychedelics within the field of psychology. How such psychedelics, like LSD could be used to aid depression and other mental health issues when used in a controlled environment. There isn’t really a romanticised or demonised view of what these drugs are, the evidence is based on research alone. It’s a shame that we continue to use drugs that financially benefit government rather than drugs which origins begin in nature to cure ourselves.
A fascinating read.

An intriguing but sometimes hard-going look at the world of psychedelic drugs

LSD was discovered in the 1940s and for a brief period looked as if it might be a wonder drug in the world of psychology, offering us a new perspective on human consciousness and helping cure diseases such as depression and addiction. However, by the 1960s, in response to the counter-culture that developed around this new compound, LSD was banned and all research on the substance prohibited. Only recently have scientists been able to re-start investigation of the potential uses of LSD and other similar drugs such as psilocybin. In this book, the author looks at the history of psychedelic drugs, the past and current research evidence behind their effectiveness and talks us through his own first-time experiences of ‘tripping’ and what they taught him about consciousness, spirituality and the human mind.

Before reading this book, I had only vaguely heard of the potential usage of LSD and other psychedelics for the management of mental illnesses, despite having studied a medical degree. This shows how effectively efforts of government bodies and anti-drug campaigners have worked to quash any suggestions of the usefulness of these compounds and promoted them to the public and medical world as nothing but substances of abuse. However, Pollan demonstrates through both anecdotes from the past and from his own personal experience that this narrow view does not fully encompass what these drugs can do to the human mind. His writing flows well and the evidence he presents on the effectiveness of psychedelics in both managing mental illness and enhancing the minds of those who are psychologically healthy is fascinating and convincing. He recounts the history of psychedelics and their downfall in an engaging and informative way, explaining how they became inescapably linked with anarchy and rebellion in the eye of the law. Finally, he describes his own ‘trips’ (experiences that he comments are notoriously indescribable) in a way that validates the opinions and conclusions he draws on the effect of these drugs on the mind and manages to convey accurately to the reader the mind-expanding power of these substances.

This was quite a lengthy book and at times was a little hard to get through, and I did find myself getting confused at times between all the researchers and scientists that the author refers to throughout. Whilst it could certainly be understood and enjoyed by someone who was not scientifically minded, How to Change Your Mind may be a little intense and complicated for some readers. Some parts were more slow-moving than others, and I did feel that the writing became a little repetitive at times, saying what was essentially the same thing in slightly different ways (particularly when describing psychedelic experiences).

Overall, this was an eye-opening look at psychedelics that taught me a lot I didn’t know and was written in a way that kept your interest and didn’t bog you down in complex scientific lingo too much. An interesting read for non-fiction fans and anyone interested in the psychology of this area.

Daenerys

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

I have such a wide range of non-fiction reading interests that sometimes, until I actually see the book and its subject, not even I knew that I wanted to read it! But if it is something I am eager to know more about, I know right away.

Let me start by saying, the only drugs I have even taken are those prescribed for me by a doctor, so I have no idea about other drugs, including psychedelic ones. What I do know about is how strong painkillers (morphine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, oxycodone etc) can certainly have a big impact on the way your mind works while taking them, so this book intrigued me in that respect.

In "How to Change Your Mind", Michael Pollan aims to discover whether psychedelic drugs can alter your worldview. When LSD was discovered in the 1940s, it seemed to researchers, scientists and doctors as if the world might be on the cusp of psychological revolution. The sort that would lead to groundbreaking discoveries on consciousness, as well as bring relief to addicts and the mentally ill. But in the 1960s all research was banned. However, in recent years this work has begun once again on the potential LSD, psilocybin and DMT. Pollan bravely volunteers as a guinea-pig and writes a remarkable history of psychedelics that paints a compelling portrait of this extraordinary world.

The narrative is accessible and will appeal to researchers, scientists, doctors and the general public alike. Pollan is clearly a guy that takes pride in his work, even taking psychedelics himself in order to make this study as reliable as possible. It's testament to his character that he chosen to do this, where others may have merely consulted those who have experience of taking the drugs.

Many thanks to Penguin Books (UK) for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Admittedly this is a subject I know very little about but Pollan has created not only an incredibly fascinating book but has allowed to readers to completely get sucked into his narrative whilst never letting the reader feel uneducated. loved it.

Neither LSD nor magic mushrooms harm you. They are not addictive, toxic, debilitating or destructive. They cause no illness and have no side effects. They seem to unlock receptors in the brain, causing mashups and unexpected connections (and therefore perceptions). They dissolve the ego by restricting blood flow to the Default Mode Network of the brain, which can cause users to lose the border between their persona/self/ego and everything else (eg. the universe).

They do not take over (unless you allow it). You can manipulate your bad trip as well as your good trip if you so desire. You can switch from love to hate, you can send demons away, and explore more of what you are appreciating. It’s something like directing your dreams, except you will remember everything, and it will change your outlook. Possibly for life.

Michael Pollan has done the research and tried four different psychedelics, always under the administration of guides, either underground/outlaws or in labs. They were psilocybin (mushroom), LSD (artificial chemical compound), DMT (the venom of the Sonoran toad), and ayahuasca (Brazilian plant compound). How to Change Your Mind is an exploration of the experience and the potential of these chemicals. From what Pollan has seen, it is all very positive. And he is not alone. Engineers, doctors and other researchers all seem to have one thing in common: once they’ve tried psychedelics themselves, they want absolutely everyone to try them too. No other drug has that rep.

The mind-expanding powers of psychedelics is a function of the infinite connections the brain goes through when its receptors are unlocked and the Default Mode Network (DMN) powers down. The DMN runs the core brain and defines the ego/conscious/persona. It fights to keep control and sends corrective signals to reinforce what it has learned over its lifetime, to the point of denying/correcting what you see in front of you.

We spend our lives specializing, becoming more expert in an ever-decreasing number of subjects. To the DMN, anything that diverts from that is irrelevant and a waste. The ego actively suppresses them. So we lose our childlike appreciation of most everything. We also become set in our ways and our perceptions.

By opening up to all the possibilities at once, users flood themselves with new appreciations and insights – to plants, animals, the planet, the stars, music – anything that pops into their minds during their trip. Instead of all inputs being directed to their appropriate receptors, it is possible for music to have shape and color, for rocks to become animated, for objects to melt into the scenery. And for the now borderless, bodiless self to merge with nature (“I was swimming in the ocean. I was the ocean” for example). Suddenly, absolutely everything is possible.

For all the dozens of trips Pollan describes, the most common change is being one with nature or the universe (for some it is seeing God). No one seems to have incredible sex or become fabulously wealthy. It’s not about peace on Earth, but merging with and appreciating the facets of the universe. And as Pollan found, “You bring a different self to the journey every time.” Perhaps disappointingly, he says, the most common takeaway from psychedelic trips is that love is everything. Trite, but that by itself seems to change everyone who tries them.

When directed by guides, psychedelics help the dying be relieved and appreciate their position and role in the universe. (Aldous Huxley had his wife inject him with one final dose of LSD on his deathbed.) It has stopped people from smoking because smoking is so superficial and irrelevant. It can reverse depression and anxiety. And it’s all quite illegal, thanks in large part to Timothy Leary.

There is a long tale of Timothy Leary in all this. He is reviled by the community for making such loud and obnoxious noises that all such compounds became illegal and research all but completely halted. Leary set back the discipline by decades, though at the same time, he made it known to the world. His gleefully unscientific approach (Tune in, turn on, drop out) remains a horror to medicine to this day. They’re still trying to live down that reputation.

Pollan is not the most economical of writers. The book could have been a hundred pages shorter and still imparted the same information. There is a lot of description, history, speculation and self-questioning that becomes a little tiresome. It often reads like an infomercial, with endless testimonials from satisfied customers – including Pollan – that on television would be followed by an 800 number. But the information he delivers is valuable. He dispels myths, corrects wrong impressions and sets the record straight.

The science of the brain is fascinating. We are still just cracking the code. Importantly, Pollan shows how seriously beneficial such compounds can be, and how seriously research scientists take them. There is a huge future for psychedelics in medicine. How to Change Your Mind tackles the small-mindedness (in every sense of the term) and beats it up pretty good.

David Wineberg