Before you book your trip to Costa Rica or somewhere to get help from depression, PTSD, or addiction by engaging in ayahuasca ceremonies, read this book.

Ernesto was a New York Times reporter who had covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan after growing up gay in war-torn Columbia. When his depression became unmanageable, he sought help through psychedelic therapy. He booked his first trip to a center in Brazil, and right away his depression got better, but he knew he could continue to explore his childhood and time covering wars, so he didn’t stop there.

We’ve known for years that things like LSD can help treat alcoholism, but the Nixon era drove promising lines of research to a screeching halt. Same thing with MDMA, which is now making a comeback, but research was cut off in 1985 (MDMA is also known as ecstasy) when the DEA added it to the list of banned substances. If you think of all the veterans who committed suicide because this promising research into help with addiction and depression and PTSD were just stopped, it’s infuriating.

Scientists theorize that by “disrupting routine patterns of thought and memory processing, psychedelic trips often yield profound insights and a reprieve from the obsessive thought loops often associated with mental illness.”

People who have been suicidal have showed decreased blood flow among regions in the brain, which indicates a degradation in neural links. “Taking psychedelics like ayahuasca appears to have the opposite effect. These compounds seem to enhance the brain’s wiring system, enabling richer interaction among neural networks.”

Some of the problems with the fact these drugs are not yet readily available here in the states means people who can afford to (or in some cases get into debt over because they can’t afford it but are desperate for help), have to go to the Amazon or Costa Rica, where they can be scammed out of their money. Also, he writes about one “shaman” who raped women after they’d taken the drug and were clearly in no shape to give consent. (Not to mention, many women who seek help with PTSD they got from being raped or molested.)

One of the remarkable things about MDMA and psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in psychedelic mushrooms is how quickly they relieve symptoms of PTSD, depression, and addiction, and how long their effects last for many patients.

Ernesto liked wine and red meat before his first trip to Spirit Vine, but after doing ayahuasca several days in a row, he changed in ways he couldn’t predict. Even though alcohol wasn’t a problem, he became a teetotaler and eventually entirely gave up meat. He’d been on blood pressure medication for years, and, suddenly, he no longer had to take meds because his blood pressure fell into a normal range.

Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are becoming decriminalized in places in the United States and in Vancouver, they have mushroom dispensaries like we have THC/CBD places here. Here in Denver, you can grow and consume mushrooms, but right now you can’t buy or sell them. Voters made it legal, but some therapeutic settings would cost a lot of money, which would put a lot of vulnerable people out of luck when it comes to getting help.

We need more research, but I’m hoping that people who need help will be able to access it in a way that is safe and in economic reach for everyone.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this book, which RELEASES MAY 7, 2024.

Thank you, Netgalley and Celadon books for this advanced readers copy. This book was a wild ride, part historic trip about the history of psychedelics in the treatment of mental illness and part memoir. The author speaks of his family history of mental illness and his own history of depression. He talks of the many ways, now and the past, people have used to treat mental illness and the ways they have been viewed. When some have treated those methods and they have not worked, they may look toward unconventional methods, such as psychedelics, as a last resort. This book describes the authors experience and research into the world of psychedelic treatments and shows the good it may do for some, also, as with everything, possible risks. Thank you for sharing your experience with us through this journey.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Celadon Books for an advanced copy of this book that is both a memoir about depression and the new treatments that are being adapted to fight this scourge, by looking to old ways, and new chemical compounds.

Ask anyone today how they are doing and a surprising amount of people will answer not well. The economy, politics, social media, employment or lack of, everything and everyone seems off. I know I have. Depression has been something I have always dealt with, meaning that it has always been there, has controlled me in many ways, destroyed relationships and made me an unpleasant person, ie a bore to be around. I have tried different things, but none of theme took. Talk therapy never clicked, and prescriptions always gave me the side effects, never a good effect. Over the last few years I have quite about psychedelics and treatment for a variety of mental issues. Some sound too good to be true, some sound, eh maybe maybe not. There is a bit of hucksterism, to it, psychedelics will change depression therapy, like bitcoin will change currency and social media will make us all come together. Trippy by Ernesto Londoño, a war correspondent, New York Times reporter and self-confessed unhappy person, has given me something this other books really didn't. Hope.

Ernesto Londoño, at the opening of this book is at the top of his game. A war correspondent, op-ed writer, now made chief of Brazil Bureau for the New York Times, Londoño seems to have it all, but is literally teetering at the edge, thinking thoughts of self-harm, and self-loathing. Londoño's life seems empty and meaningless, even with a recently adopted dog. Londoño decides to take part in a ayahuasca ceremony, something he can cover for the Times, and see what all the fuss was about. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew, that has become the new cure all for finding one's self, and even more finding where the mind is hurt, and aid in curing it. Londoño is amazed to find out that it helps, exposing feelings, hates, and disappointments that he never even knew, and after a few more treatments radically changes his life. Londoño begins to investigate this lucrative, controversial field, discussing the many dangers psychedelic tourism can offer, from being sold stuff, to sex predators. Londoño also looks at America and the changes that are happening in laws and even thinking, helping veterans deal with PTSD, with a high success rate.

The book is written as a memoir and an investigation into the world of psychedelic treatment, and really is a stunning read. Londoño holds nothing back about himself, his past, his sexuality, and his fears and life. One can tell that this treatment, not only changed his life, but changed Londoño entire outlook on life, people and understanding. The personal, explaining his treatments, what he saw, sharing how it changed really gives a focus to what these medicines can do for people. And his examination of the scammers and predators are even more important, and makes one wish that American healthcare and insurers get on the ball, and make this treatment more available. Which is an impossible dream, I know. Something that I had never thought of either is the stigma that is still present dealing with depression, PTSD, and treatment like this. There are many mentions of future employers, or government contractors looking at one's history and going, yeah you got problems, wait your went where for what, isn't that illegal, no thank you. For these people Londoño included to come out, is a real act of bravery, and probably of better mental feelings.

To read about Londoño being so miserable, and so trapped by feelings he didn't even know he had, and getting to the last chapter and seeing what lays ahead for this freed soul is really wonderful. A fascinating and touching book. I'm so glad this has helped Londoño, and I want to thank him for sharing his tale, for this has given me a bit of hope that even I can change.

Get ready to embark on a mind-bending journey into the heart of psychedelics with Ernesto Londoño's "Trippy." Strap in, because this book is one wild ride.

So, picture this: it's 2018, and our protagonist, Ernesto, is at rock bottom. I'm talking depression so deep he's contemplating taking a leap off his terrace. But instead of diving into despair, he dives headfirst into the Amazon rainforest for a psychedelic retreat led by a mysterious Argentine woman. Yeah, you heard that right.

Now, this ain't your average vacation. We're talking about imbibing a brew that's not only vomit-inducing but also contains DMT, a mind-altering compound that'll knock your socks off. And guess what? It works. Ernesto finds himself catapulted into a personal transformation that forms the backbone of this gripping tale.

But hold onto your hats, because Londoño doesn't stop there. Oh no, he takes us on a whirlwind tour of the psychedelic world, introducing us to a colorful cast of characters. From Indigenous elders who see psychedelics as gateways to the spirit realm, to war veterans finding solace from PTSD, to clinicians trying to resurrect a once-promising field of medicine, this book has it all.

What makes "Trippy" stand out is Londoño's knack for weaving together riveting personal anecdotes with hard-hitting journalism. You'll find yourself glued to the pages as he navigates the highs and lows of the psychedelic renaissance, shedding light on its potential, pitfalls, and everything in between.

In a world where mental health treatment often feels like a shot in the dark, "Trippy" offers a glimmer of hope. It's a must-read for anyone curious about the healing powers of psychedelics and the complex web of science, culture, and spirituality that surrounds them.

So, whether you're a seasoned psychonaut or just dipping your toes into the world of psychedelics, "Trippy" is your ticket to enlightenment. Trust me, you won't want to miss this trip.