Brain trip or 'scientific enlightenment'? Demystifying Magic Mushrooms

A few weeks back, we talked about a trip to Paris and how the dopamine chemical gets into action when we exhibit goal oriented behaviour. This week, I am about to discuss a trip to the unknown – the world of psychedelics!

The topic I am about to delve into is as fascinating as it is controversial. Personally, I wouldn’t have imagined getting into psychedelics ever in the Human Intelligence newsletter. But as a curious student of the ‘school of human potential’ (which we all are, right?), I am consistently seeking out new frontiers of research in areas of psychology, science, spirituality, health & wellness, leadership & management and more; and what learnings we can draw from them. The domain of psychedelics is indeed a very good candidate, because it falls in the domains of both science and spirituality.

The term "psychedelic" originates from the Greek words "psyche" (mind, soul) and "deloun" (to manifest), and it is commonly used to describe a class of psychoactive substances that produce profound alterations in consciousness, perception, and mood. It was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s during the cultural and scientific exploration of psychedelic substances such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (found in certain species of mushrooms), mescaline (found in peyote and San Pedro cacti), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine), among others. These substances were initially studied for their potential therapeutic uses, as well as their ability to induce mystical experiences, enhance creativity, and expand consciousness.

Mystical experiences? Yes, that is correct! In fact, psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been used traditionally in indigenous shamanic ceremonies in various cultures, particularly in Mesoamerica and parts of Central and South America. These mushrooms are often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "sacred mushrooms," that induce altered states of consciousness characterized by vivid hallucinations, spiritual insights, and profound introspective experiences.

Now you may think all ‘trips’ are equal, but psychedelics are different from stimulants/opioid drugs like cocaine and heroin.? Opioids produce feelings of euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation.

Psychedelics, in contrast, are classified as hallucinogens, which means they alter perception and mood. On the other hand, cocaine and heroin are stimulants and opioids, respectively, affecting the central nervous system in distinct ways. Cocaine gives a short-lived burst of energy and euphoria, while heroin creates a euphoric feeling of intense relaxation. However, cocaine and heroin are addictive drugs, with high withdrawal symptoms. But psychedelics are known to have low addiction potential. In fact, they are being researched for potential treatments for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. Cocaine and heroin have no accepted medical uses.

Having said that, psychedelic drugs are illegal in most countries including India. I will come to the reasons for that later, but first let us look at some of the findings that have sparked scientific and commercial interest in these drugs.

Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, can produce a wide range of experiences that vary depending on factors like dosage, set (mindset) and setting (environment). It can be described as a trip to the subconscious mind, which cannot happen when you are awake. Some of the possible experiences recorded are as below:

Visual distortions: Objects may appear to warp, breathe, or have intensified colors.

Synesthesia: Blending of senses, where sounds may have colors or smells may have textures.

Enhanced sensory perception: Sounds, sights, and touch can become sharper and more detailed.

Subjects may have a feeling of euphoria and/or a feeling of introspection and self-reflection. They may have a strong feeling of connectedness to themselves, to others and nature. A session with magic mushrooms could lead to a sense of detachment from the ego and feelings of unity with the universe. Surprisingly, people may also have increased creativity and problem-solving abilities. But these are only a subset of the wide range of possibilities. While some experiences are positive, others may have very frightening ordeals. Mindset can influence the outcome.

But in a positive mindset and supportive, controlled environment scientists believe that psilocybin can be a powerful tool for self-exploration and potentially treatment for mental health conditions.

What happens over the long term? It appears that with psychedelics, people are found to develop more openness to new perspectives. Their use is being considered in a variety of medical realms – treatment resistant depression and anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, addiction, end of life care, obsessive compulsive disorder, migraines, Alzheimers, etc.

Coming to the legal aspect, one major reason for the ban on these products was the psychedelic counterculture movement of the 1960s, associated with anti-establishment views, coincided with a rise in moral panics around drug use. This led to stricter drug control policies, including the classification of psychedelics as Schedule I drugs (high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use) despite limited evidence on addiction.

Today, some of the benefits discussed are being explored and there are strong voices in both camps on legalizing psychedelics. Regulators would typically argue that more research is still needed to actually understand their impact on the body, safety risks and long-term effects. Sometimes, as mentioned, they produce very negative psychological experiences and can be misused by individuals, which is why governments are wary of their larger repercussions on society.

What I found most profound, however, is how psychedelic drugs actually impact the human brain, and make it… ahem… childlike! Can a drug really make you spiritual, or alter your life in very significant, meaningful ways? We will discuss the actual mechanism of how psychedelics impact the brain next week, basis the science. ?

Disclaimer:?Important to remember, psychedelic mushrooms, including magic mushrooms containing psilocybin, are illegal substances in most countries. This article is for informational purposes only and does not recommend the use of psychedelics at all. It explores the ongoing scientific research in this field. I am a writer, not a medical professional, and this blog post is not a substitute for professional advice.

Lead image is indicative. Article authored with inputs from Gemini.google.com and Chatgpt.com

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