What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Psychedelics
Sep 30, 2025
Dr. James Rucker, a psychiatrist and psychedelic researcher at King's College London, dives into the fascinating world of psychedelics. He explains how these substances interact with brain receptors to foster new perspectives. The discussion highlights the contrast between traditional ceremonial use and modern recreational practices, as well as the myths surrounding microdosing, which shows little benefit beyond placebo. Rucker also touches on the evolving public perception of psychedelic research as curiosity grows and stigma wanes.
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Authors’ Legal Psychedelic Journeys
- Chris and Xand recount legally taking psychedelics for a Channel 4 documentary in Peru and Gabon about 20 years ago.
- They describe unpleasant tastes and lingering effects like visual distortions the following day.
Lingering Visuals After Ayahuasca
- Xand recalls eating bitter ground bark and still seeing zigzag visuals the next day at a primate research institute.
- Chris remembers anxiety and the experience being somewhat frightening in that setting.
How Psychedelics Alter Thought Models
- Psychedelics stimulate the serotonin 2A receptor concentrated in the cortex, altering high-level models of reality.
- James Rucker explains this creates space to change habitual, unhelpful patterns of thought and feeling.
