Psychedelic expert Paul Austin discusses the changing perception of psychedelics, the potential benefits of microdosing, and the misconceptions surrounding psychedelics. They also explore the risks and cautions of working with psychedelics, the use of supplements, and the potential benefits of microdosing. The importance of training for psychedelic guides is also highlighted.
Psychedelics have gained recognition for their potential role in psychotherapy, treating trauma, depression, and end-of-life issues.
The changing cultural landscape towards the acceptance and understanding of psychedelics is highlighted through the personal journey of guest speaker Paul Austin.
Microdosing psychedelics, taking sub-perceptual doses, can potentially offer benefits such as increased energy, improved mood, creativity, and flow.
Deep dives
The Potential of Psychedelics in Therapy
Psychedelics have gained recognition for their potential role in psychotherapy, as adjunct components to treat trauma, depression, and end-of-life issues. They show promising results even in microdosing form and have been researched by renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins University. Psychedelics are not just anecdotal or for recreational use, but have potential healing benefits when used intentionally and responsibly.
Personal Experience Shapes Perspectives on Psychedelics
The guest speaker, Paul Austin, shares his personal journey with psychedelics, growing up in a conservative setting, and later exploring the potential benefits of psychedelics. He discusses the difference in perspectives between himself and his parents, highlighting the changing cultural landscape towards the acceptance and understanding of these substances.
Understanding the Term 'Psychedelic'
The term 'psychedelic' originated from two ancient Greek words, psyche meaning mind and delos meaning manifesting. Psychedelics are substances that facilitate processes of ego dissolution, deep reflection, and insight. They can include classic psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca, as well as substances like MDMA and ketamine. The set, setting, intention, ritual, and integration play vital roles in the psychedelic experience.
Misconceptions About Psychedelics Debunked
Common misconceptions about psychedelics include the belief that they are highly addictive like other illegal drugs, that they are only for certain groups like hippies, or that they are solely for therapeutic purposes. While psychedelics can be therapeutic for mental health conditions, they also have potential benefits for personal growth, creativity, and enhancing relationships. It is important to approach psychedelics with respect and in safe environments.
The Power of Microdosing Psychedelics
Microdosing refers to taking sub-perceptual or sub-intoxicating doses of psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin. It involves taking a small fraction of a regular dose, typically two to three times per week, for an extended period, usually a month or two. Microdosing can potentially offer benefits such as increased energy, improved mood, creativity, and flow. However, it is not a magic solution and should be approached with intention and in conjunction with other supportive practices.
When I was growing up, psychedelics like LSD and mushrooms were considered quite taboo. Sure, they were talked about in stoner circles but pretty much nowhere else.
These days, things have changed dramatically. Psychedelics, while still illegal in most places, are being recognized for their potentially powerful role as an adjunct component to psychotherapy. There is even evidence though numerous clinical trials they can assist in treatment of trauma, depression, and coming to terms with issues facing the end of our lives. And we are not talking about anecdotal evidence from Cheech and Chong; we are talking about credible research from internationally renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins University.
Even microdosing psychedelics appear to show promising results. Yet, there’s a lot of mystery that we’ll uncover such as: what are psychedelics? What is microdosing? And how might it be helpful? What are the risks?
I was so glad to speak with psychedelics and microdosing expert, Paul Austin (https://www.paulaustin.co/). Paul is the author of Mastering Microdosing: How to Use Sub-Perceptual Psychedelics to Heal Trauma, Improve Performance, and Transform Your Life. Paul’s work has been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, and other top-shelf journals. He shares fascinating information relating to the potential benefits of psychedelics and microdosing.
As always, the content on SuperPsyched is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For that, speak with your licensed medical healthcare provider.That said, please listen in as Paul and I discuss microdosing and psychedelics.
Book link: https://amzn.to/3qGIx5S Scientific American article citing Johns Hopkins University research: https://tinyurl.com/46uyf5zv
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