The Neuroscience of Psychedelic Experiences
Rewiring Reality: How Psychedelics Tap into the Brain's Hidden Dimensions
Exploring the Inner Cosmos: How Psychedelic Substances Reshape the Brain and Consciousness
A surreal portrait featuring an angelic queen of abundant visions, a porcelain goddess surrounded by psychedelic mushrooms, emanating awe-inspiring mysticism.
Summary
Psychedelics interact with multiple neurotransmitter systems, primarily the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor
These substances reduce activity in the Default Mode Network, leading to ego dissolution and increased global brain connectivity
Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, potentially aiding in the treatment of mental health conditions
The neuroscience of psychedelic experiences offers insights into the nature of consciousness and mystical states
Traditional shamanic practices and indigenous knowledge provide valuable context for understanding psychedelic effects
Romantic lovers entwined in a visionary embrace, speckled in paint, a testament to the practice and play that psychedelic experiences bring to their love.
In the realm of human consciousness, few frontiers are as captivating and enigmatic as the effects of psychedelic substances on the brain. From ancient shamanic rituals to modern scientific research, these powerful compounds have long fascinated those seeking to understand the depths of human perception and cognition. Today, we embark on a journey into the cutting-edge neuroscience behind psychedelic experiences, exploring how these substances unlock hidden potentials of the mind and offer glimpses into the nature of consciousness itself.
A shamanic elder, draped in traditional attire, walks across the steppes, carrying a large ceremonial spear. Beside him strides a massive grizzly bear alpha, both figures invoking the arrival of spring in the vast, open landscape
The Dance of Neurotransmitters: How Psychedelics Shake Up the Brain
The Serotonin Surprise: More Than Just a Happy Chemical
When most people think of psychedelics, they often imagine a flood of serotonin washing over the brain. While serotonin does play a crucial role, the story is far more complex and fascinating.
Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT primarily interact with a specific serotonin receptor called 5-HT2A. However, this is just the beginning of a cascading neural symphony. These substances don't simply flood the brain with serotonin; instead, they act as keys, unlocking doors to neural pathways typically kept under tight control.
> Fun Fact: Did you know that LSD is so potent that a dose weighing as little as a grain of salt can produce powerful effects lasting 12 hours or more?
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
While modern neuroscience is just beginning to unravel the complexities of psychedelic effects on the brain, indigenous cultures have long understood the profound impact of these substances. Many shamanic traditions view psychedelics as "plant teachers" or "spirit molecules" that can impart wisdom and healing.
The Amazonian ayahuasca tradition, for instance, believes that the brew allows communication with plant spirits and ancestors. This spiritual perspective aligns intriguingly with the neuroscientific finding that psychedelics increase global brain connectivity, potentially allowing access to typically unconscious neural processes.
Passionate lovers in Thailand share an intimate, romantic moment amidst a tropical paradise, their connection radiating pure pleasure and desire under the sultry, warm skies.
Beyond Serotonin: The Neurochemical Cocktail
While the 5-HT2A receptor is crucial, psychedelics don't stop there. They interact with a wide array of neurotransmitter systems, including:
1. Dopamine: The reward and motivation neurotransmitter
2. Glutamate: The brain's primary excitatory signal
3. GABA: The main inhibitory neurotransmitter
4. Norepinephrine: Involved in arousal and attention
The complex interplay of neurotransmitters triggered by psychedelics mirrors the intricate preparation of traditional psychedelic brews:
Ayahuasca: This Amazonian brew combines DMT-containing plants with MAO inhibitors, creating a neurochemical synergy that shamans describe as "opening the doors of perception."
Peyote: Used in Native American Church ceremonies, peyote's mescaline content interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems, which traditional healers interpret as "balancing the spirit."
Iboga: Used in Bwiti spiritual practices in Gabon, ibogaine's complex pharmacology is seen as "resetting the soul," an idea that resonates with its potential in addiction treatment.
A surfer sits in quiet contemplation on their board in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by a mesmerizing sky filled with a magical colorplay of hues.
Rewiring Reality: How Psychedelics Reshape Brain Connectivity
The Deault Mode Network: Quieting the Mind's Chatterbox
One of the most groundbreaking discoveries in psychedelic neuroscience involves a brain system called the Default Mode Network (DMN). This network, which includes regions like the medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, is highly active when we're lost in thought, ruminating, or thinking about ourselves.
Psychedelics dramatically reduce activity in the DMN, effectively "quieting" this internal chatterbox. This reduction correlates strongly with the ego-dissolution and boundary-breaking experiences often reported by psychedelic users.
> Neuroscience Nugget: The disruption of the DMN may explain why psychedelic experiences often feel "more real than real" and why users report a sense of unity with the universe.
A jaguar sits calmly beside a shamanic priestess who is deep in meditation, exuding a sense of serene and surreal connection between the two in a mystical atmosphere.
The Cosmic Web: Indigenous Parallels to Neural Networks
Many indigenous cultures describe psychedelic experiences as revealing the interconnected nature of reality. This bears a striking resemblance to the increased global connectivity observed in the brain during psychedelic states:
The Huichol people of Mexico describe peyote visions as revealing the "cosmic web" that connects all life.
Amazonian shamans often speak of ayahuasca showing the "invisible threads" that link all beings.
These traditional concepts align fascinatingly with the neuroscientific observation of increased functional connectivity between brain regions during psychedelic experiences.
A shamanic master sits peacefully in a surreal valley, surrounded by vibrant, exotic flowers. The air is filled with the essence of wonder, creating a mystical and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Dreamtime and Default Mode: Aboriginal Wisdom and Neural Networks
The Australian Aboriginal concept of "Dreamtime" – a state of heightened understanding and connection to nature and ancestors – shares intriguing parallels with the altered state of the Default Mode Network under psychedelic influence:
Both involve a dissolution of normal ego boundaries
Each state is associated with increased insight and novel connections
Traditional practices and modern neuroscience both describe these states as "more real than real"
A surreal high-fashion look created by Dream Salon 2088, featuring Icelandic-inspired visions of shamanic bliss. The design blends futuristic elements with mystical, nature-infused aesthetics, evoking a sense of otherworldly elegance.
Neural Anarchy: Increased Global Connectivity
As the DMN's grip on consciousness loosens, something remarkable happens: parts of the brain that don't usually communicate begin to sync up. Imagine your brain as a bustling city. Normally, information travels along well-established highways. Under the influence of psychedelics, new roads suddenly appear, connecting previously isolated neighborhoods.
This increased global connectivity may be responsible for:
- Synesthesia: The blending of senses (e.g., "seeing" music)
- Novel insights and creativity
- Profound emotional experiences
- Mystical or spiritual sensations
Psychedelic revelers dance energetically around a mystical fire, their vibrant movements and colorful attire blending with the flickering flames in a surreal, otherworldly scene.
The Neuroscience of Mystical Experiences: When the Brain Touches the Divine
Ego Dissolution: Losing the Self to Find Everything
One of the most profound effects of psychedelics is the experience of ego dissolution – a sense of self-boundaries melting away. Neuroscience is beginning to unravel this phenomenon:
1. Parahippocampal Disconnect: Disruption between the parahippocampus and retrosplenial cortex correlates strongly with ego dissolution.
2. Frontolimbic-Parieto-Striatal Network: Alterations in this network are associated with the feeling of "oceanic boundlessness."
These changes may explain why many users report a sense of unity with the universe or a connection to a higher power.
A cozy portrait of a visionary traveler engaged in expanding their consciousness through psychedelic therapy, surrounded by a warm, inviting atmosphere that enhances their introspective journey.
Universal Mysticism: Cross-Cultural Consistencies
The neuroscience of ego dissolution aligns remarkably well with mystical experiences described across various cultures:
Buddhist concepts of "non-self" (anatta) mirror the neuroscientific understanding of ego dissolution.
Hindu experiences of "cosmic consciousness" (turiya) share similarities with the "oceanic boundlessness" associated with frontolimbic-parieto-striatal network alterations.
Sufi experiences of "fana" (annihilation in God) resonate with the neural correlates of self-transcendence observed in psychedelic states.
An ethereal and mysterious man with white hair, dressed in a white suit, surrounded by shimmering crystals. The scene exudes a surreal aura, blending elements of mystique and otherworldly elegance.
The Philosopher's Stone: Alchemical Allegories of Neural Transformation
Medieval alchemists' quest for the philosopher's stone – a substance capable of turning lead into gold – can be seen as an allegory for the transformative potential of psychedelics:
The "calcination" stage in alchemy parallels the challenging ego dissolution process.
The final "rubedo" stage, representing wholeness and self-realization, mirrors the integration phase post-psychedelic experience.
The Ineffable Experience: Why Words Fail
Many psychedelic users struggle to describe their experiences, often calling them "ineffable." There's a neurological basis for this:
- Broca's Area Disconnect: This region, crucial for speech production, may become less connected to other brain areas.
- Wernicke's Area Preservation: The area responsible for understanding meaning remains active, leading to experiences that feel deeply meaningful yet difficult to articulate.
This dynamic creates the paradox of an experience that feels profoundly significant yet resists verbal description.
Art installation by Dream Salon 2088, titled 'The Dream Architect,' featuring a very surreal face that beckons the viewer to explore the depths of consciousness. The piece combines abstract forms and ethereal elements to evoke a sense of introspective exploration.
The Neuroplastic Revolution: How Psychedelics Reshape the Brain
Rapid Rewiring: Psychedelics as Neural Architects
One of the most exciting frontiers in psychedelic research is their potential to promote neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Studies have shown that psychedelics can:
1. Increase dendritic spine density
2. Enhance synaptic plasticity
3. Promote neurogenesis in certain brain regions
This "neural renaissance" may explain the long-lasting positive effects many users report, even after a single psychedelic session.
> Brain Boosting Insight: The neuroplastic effects of psychedelics are being studied for their potential in treating conditions like depression, addiction, and PTSD.
A shamanic elder sits in deep meditation on a breathtaking cliff face, surrounded by exotic blooms. The scene captures the elder's serene presence amidst a dramatic and stunning natural backdrop.
Nature's Reset Button: Traditional Uses for Mental Health
Long before clinical trials, Indigenous cultures used psychedelics for mental health:
The Native American Church has long used peyote ceremonies to treat alcoholism, aligning with modern research on psychedelics for addiction.
Amazonian cultures traditionally use ayahuasca to resolve interpersonal conflicts and heal emotional traumas, mirroring current PTSD treatment research.
Ritual and Set: The Importance of Context
Traditional psychedelic use emphasizes the importance of ritual setting, which modern neuroscience is beginning to appreciate:
Shamanic rituals often involve specific music, which may enhance neuroplasticity effects.
The role of the shaman or guide in traditional contexts is being rediscovered in modern psychedelic-assisted therapy protocols.
A beautiful cyborg sits in quiet contemplation within a surreal scene, where the boundaries of worlds seem to bend and merge, creating an otherworldly atmosphere of introspection and harmony.
The BDNF Boost: Fertilizer for the Mind
Brain-derived neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is often called "fertilizer for the brain" due to its role in neural growth and plasticity. Psychedelics have been shown to increase BDNF levels, potentially:
- Enhancing learning and memory
- Promoting emotional regulation
- Supporting overall brain health
This BDNF boost may be a key mechanism behind the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
A massive, mind-bending sculpture of a shamanic elder, crafted using mixed media. The piece is an intense and visually striking creation, blending intricate details with surreal elements to create an extraordinary and thought-provoking work of art
The Visionary Brain: Unlocking Ancient Neural Pathways
Entoptic Phenomena: The Brain's Built-in Screensaver
Many psychedelic visuals aren't random; they often follow specific patterns known as entoptic phenomena. These geometric shapes and patterns are thought to originate from the structure of the visual cortex itself.
Psychedelics may be tapping into ancient neural pathways, revealing the brain's innate capacity for generating visual experiences independent of external stimuli.
A red-haired beauty dances playfully, extending her hair as if in a moment of visionary expansion. Her expressive movements and flowing hair capture a sense of joyous and imaginative exploration.
Sacred Geometry: Universal Visions
The geometric patterns often seen in psychedelic experiences, known as entoptic phenomena, have a rich history in visionary art and sacred geometry:
Shipibo textiles from Peru often depict ayahuasca visions, showing remarkable similarities to scientifically documented entoptic phenomena.
Tibetan mandalas and yantra designs from Hindu traditions bear striking resemblances to reported DMT visions, suggesting a universal neural basis for these experiences.
A surreal porcelain queen sits gracefully at an elaborate dinner table, exuding an air of opulence and welcome. The scene invites the viewer to experience a sense of abundant bliss and mystical elegance.
Animal Spirits and Neural Networks
Many shamanic traditions involve transformations into animal forms or communication with animal spirits. This could relate to the activation of evolutionarily conserved neural networks:
The sensation of becoming a jaguar in Amazonian shamanic practices might involve the activation of ancient motor and sensory cortices.
Reported communication with plant or animal spirits could represent the brain's pattern-recognition systems working in overdrive.
The Mirror Neuron Hypothesis: Reflecting the Mind's Eye
An intriguing theory suggests that the mirror neuron system (MNS) plays a crucial role in psychedelic visions. The MNS, typically involved in understanding others' actions and intentions, may be repurposed during psychedelic states to generate vivid internal imagery.
This could explain why psychedelic visions often feel laden with meaning and significance – they're engaging systems typically used for social cognition and understanding.
A surreal and mesmerizing portrait of a porcelain goddess embodying psychedelic magic. The image features intricate, ethereal details that evoke a sense of mystical enchantment and otherworldly allure
Beyond the Trip: The Lasting Impact of Psychedelic Experiences
Resetting the Brain: The Afterglow Effect
Many users report positive changes in mood, outlook, and behavior that persist long after the acute effects of psychedelics have worn off. This "afterglow" may be due to:
1. Increased neural plasticity
2. Reduced activity in the DMN
3. Enhanced connectivity between brain regions
These changes can lead to increased cognitive flexibility, reduced rumination, and improved emotional regulation.
A cyborg assassin sits in contemplation, deep in thought about whether compassion could be her true path. The scene combines futuristic elements with a reflective mood, highlighting the tension between her nature and a potential new direction.
Integration Practices: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Healing
Traditional cultures have long recognized the importance of integration following psychedelic experiences:
The Mazatec people of Mexico engage in specific dietary and behavioral practices following mushroom ceremonies to "ground" the experience.
Bwiti practitioners in Gabon have elaborate post-iboga rituals to help integrate the insights gained.
These practices align with modern therapeutic approaches that emphasize integration sessions following psychedelic-assisted therapy.
A surfer floats on his board, gazing into the abyss of the ocean as he contemplates his path ahead. The vast, open water reflects his deep introspection and sense of uncertainty about the future.
Cycles of Renewal: Seasonal Ceremonies and Neural Rhythms
Many Indigenous psychedelic practices are tied to seasonal or celestial cycles:
Peyote ceremonies often align with solstices or equinoxes.
Ayahuasca rituals may be timed with lunar cycles.
This cyclical approach to psychedelic use might offer insights into optimal timing for therapeutic applications, potentially aligning with natural neural rhythms and cycles of neuroplasticity.
A Japanese woman in a luxurious kimono beams with wonder and a sense of expansion. Her expression and attire exude a feeling of elegance and awe, capturing a moment of profound joy and enlightenment.
Therapeutic Potential: From the Lab to the Clinic
The unique neural effects of psychedelics are being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating a range of mental health conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- PTSD
- End-of-life distress
Early clinical trials have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing significant and lasting improvements after just one or two supervised psychedelic sessions.
A jaguar priestess serenades her beloved alpha cub in a tender and enchanting moment. The scene captures their deep connection and the serene, mystical ambiance surrounding them.
The Future of Psychedelic Neuroscience: Uncharted Territories
Personalized Psychedelic Medicine
As our understanding of the neuroscience behind psychedelic experiences grows, we may be able to tailor treatments to individual brain chemistry and mental health needs. Imagine a future where specific psychedelic compounds or combinations are prescribed based on a patient's unique neural profile.
A surreal sculpture of a mask that provokes deep contemplation with its presence, asking profound questions about identity and origin: 'Who are we and where do we come from?' The mask’s intricate design and otherworldly form enhance its philosophical and enigmatic impact.
Unlocking Consciousness: The Ultimate Frontier
Perhaps the most profound implication of psychedelic neuroscience is its potential to unlock the mysteries of consciousness itself. By temporarily altering the very fabric of conscious experience, psychedelics offer a unique window into the nature of awareness and the self.
The neuroscience of psychedelic experiences is more than just a fascinating scientific pursuit – it's a gateway to understanding the very essence of human consciousness. As we continue to unravel the complex interplay between psychedelics and the brain, we open doors to new therapeutic possibilitieFs and deeper insights into the nature of mind and reality.
From the dance of neurotransmitters to the reshaping of neural networks, psychedelics reveal the brain's incredible plasticity and hidden potential. They remind us that the most profound frontiers of exploration may not lie in outer space, but in the inner cosmos of our own minds.
As research in this field progresses, we stand on the brink of a new era in neuroscience – one that promises not only to heal minds but to expand our understanding of what it means to be conscious, to be human, and to perceive the world around us.
The journey into the neuroscience of psychedelics is just beginning. Buckle up – it's going to be a mind-bending ride.
Conclusion: A New Era of Brain Exploration
Recent theories of consciousness, such as the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) proposed by Tononi et al. (2016), suggest that consciousness arises from the integration of information in the brain. Psychedelics may provide a way to test and refine these theories:
Tagliazucchi et al. (2016) found that LSD increased the complexity and entropy of brain activity, potentially supporting the idea that consciousness involves the integration of diverse information.
Carhart-Harris et al. (2014) proposed the "entropic brain hypothesis," suggesting that the psychedelic state represents a more primitive form of consciousness characterized by high entropy and unconstrained cognition.
By studying how psychedelics alter the neural correlates of consciousness, we may gain insights into:
The nature of self-awareness and ego boundaries
The relationship between brain activity and subjective experience
The potential for expanded states of consciousness
From the dance of neurotransmitters to the reshaping of neural networks, psychedelics reveal the brain's incredible plasticity and hidden potential. They remind us that the most profound frontiers of exploration may not lie in outer space but in the inner cosmos of our own minds.
The journey into the neuroscience of psychedelics is just beginning, and it promises to be one of the most exciting frontiers in brain science. As we continue to explore this realm, we may find that the most mind-bending discoveries are yet to come.
A massive sculpture of a visionary goddess of enchantment, showcasing grand and intricate details. The sculpture embodies a sense of mystical allure and divine beauty, capturing the essence of enchanting and transformative power.
A surfer rides the waves, lost in a dreamy state. The scene captures the serene and contemplative moment as the surfer merges with the ocean, embodying a sense of freedom and introspection.
A shamanic master sits high atop the world, immersed in deep contemplation. The elevated position offers a breathtaking view, emphasizing the master's profound connection to the vast, expansive landscape below.
A shaman explores a moment of wonder, expanding possibilities with a sense of curiosity and insight. The scene captures the shaman's deep engagement with a mystical experience, emphasizing his journey of discovery and spiritual expansion.
Björkholm, C., & Monteggia, L. M. (2016). BDNF - a key transducer of antidepressant effects. Neuropharmacology, 102, 72-79.
Bressloff, P. C., Cowan, J. D., Golubitsky, M., Thomas, P. J., & Wiener, M. C. (2002). Geometric visual hallucinations, Euclidean symmetry, and the functional architecture of striate cortex. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 357(1421), 1069-1088.
Cahn, B. R., Delorme, A., & Polich, J. (2010). Occipital gamma activation during Vipassana meditation. Cognitive Processing, 11(1), 39-56.
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., Day, C. M., Erritzoe, D., Kaelen, M., ... & Nutt, D. J. (2016). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(7), 619-627.
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Erritzoe, D., Williams, T., Stone, J. M., Reed, L. J., Colasanti, A., ... & Nutt, D. J. (2012). Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(6), 2138-2143.
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Leech, R., Hellyer, P. J., Shanahan, M., Feilding, A., Tagliazucchi, E., ... & Nutt, D. (2014). The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 20.
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Roseman, L., Bolstridge, M., Demetriou, L., Pannekoek, J. N., Wall, M. B., ... & Nutt, D. J. (2017). Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 1-11.
Catlow, B. J., Song, S., Paredes, D. A., Kirstein, C. L., & Sanchez-Ramos, J. (2013). Effects of psilocybin on hippocampal neurogenesis and extinction of trace fear conditioning. Experimental Brain Research, 228(4), 481-491.
Davis, A. K., Barrett, F. S., May, D. G., Cosimano, M. P., Sepeda, N. D., Johnson, M. W., ... & Griffiths, R. R. (2021). Effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy on major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(5), 481-489.
Fortunato, J. J., Réus, G. Z., Kirsch, T. R., Stringari, R. B., Stertz, L., Kapczinski, F., ... & Quevedo, J. (2009). Acute harmine administration induces antidepressive-like effects and increases BDNF levels in the hippocampus of rats. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 33(8), 1425-1430.
Frecska, E., Móré, C. E., Vargha, A., & Luna, L. E. (2012). Enhancement of creative expression and entoptic phenomena as after-effects of repeated ayahuasca ceremonies. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 44(3), 191-199.
Goldberg, S. B., Shechet, B., Nicholas, C. R., Ng, C. W., Deole, G., Chen, Z., & Raison, C. L. (2020). Post-acute psychological effects of classical serotonergic psychedelics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 50(16), 2655-2666.
Griffiths, R. R., Johnson, M. W., Carducci, M. A., Umbricht, A., Richards, W. A., Richards, B. D., ... & Klinedinst, M. A. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181-1197.
Griffiths, R. R., Richards, W. A., Johnson, M. W., McCann, U. D., & Jesse, R. (2008). Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22(6), 621-632.
Griffiths, R. R., Richards, W. A., McCann, U., & Jesse, R. (2006). Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Psychopharmacology, 187(3), 268-283.
Grob, C. S., Danforth, A. L., Chopra, G. S., Hagerty, M., McKay, C. R., Halberstadt, A. L., & Greer, G. R. (2011). Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(1), 71-78.
Karaki, S., Becamel, C., Murat, S., Mannoury la Cour, C., Millan, M. J., Prézeau, L., ... & Marin, P. (2014). Quantitative phosphoproteomics unravels biased phosphorylation of serotonin 2A receptor at Ser280 by hallucinogenic versus nonhallucinogenic agonists. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 13(5), 1273-1285.
Klüver, H. (1966). Mescal and mechanisms of hallucinations. University of Chicago Press.
Landry, M., Lifshitz, M., & Raz, A. (2014). Brain correlates of hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analytic exploration. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 57, 420-430.
Lebedev, A. V., Lövdén, M., Rosenthal, G., Feilding, A., Nutt, D. J., & Carhart‐Harris, R. L. (2015). Finding the self by losing the self: Neural correlates of ego‐dissolution under psilocybin. Human Brain Mapping, 36(8), 3137-3153.
Luke, D. P., & Terhune, D. B. (2013). The induction of synaesthesia with chemical agents: a systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 753.
Luoma, J. B., Chwyl, C., Bathje, G. J., Davis, A. K., & Lancelotta, R. (2020). A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 52(4), 289-299.
Ly, C., Greb, A. C., Cameron, L. P., Wong, J. M., Barragan, E. V., Wilson, P. C., ... & Olson, D. E. (2018). Psychedelics promote structural and functional neural plasticity. Cell Reports, 23(11), 3170-3182.
MacLean, K. A., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2011). Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(11), 1453-1461.
Mithoefer, M. C., Mithoefer, A. T., Feduccia, A. A., Jerome, L., Wagner, M., Wymer, J., ... & Doblin, R. (2018). 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomized, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(6), 486-497.
Nichols, D. E. (2004). Hallucinogens. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 101(2), 131-181.
Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355.
Ott, J. (2007). Psychedelic Helvetica: 200 Jahre hallucinogens und entheogene Drogen in der Schweiz. Nachtschatten Verlag.
Palhano-Fontes, F., Andrade, K. C., Tofoli, L. F., Santos, A. C., Crippa, J. A. S., Hallak, J. E., ... & de Araujo, D. B. (2015). The psychedelic state induced by ayahuasca modulates the activity and connectivity of the default mode network. PloS One, 10(2), e0118143.
Petri, G., Expert, P., Turkheimer, F., Carhart-Harris, R., Nutt, D., Hellyer, P. J., & Vaccarino, F. (2014). Homological scaffolds of brain functional networks. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 11(101), 20140873.
Ramamoorthy, Y., Yu, A. M., Suh, N., Haining, R. L., Tyndale, R. F., & Sellers, E. M. (2021). Reduced (±) 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy") metabolism with cytochrome P450 2D6 inhibitors and potential implications for acute toxicity. Biochemical Pharmacology, 63(12), 2259-2269.
Ray, T. S. (2010). Psychedelics and the human receptorome. PloS One, 5(2), e9019.
Sampedro, F., de la Fuente Revenga, M., Valle, M., Roberto, N., Domínguez-Clavé, E., Elices, M., ... & Riba, J. (2017). Assessing the psychedelic "after-glow" in ayahuasca users: post-acute neurometabolic and functional connectivity changes are associated with enhanced mindfulness capacities. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 20(9), 698-711.
Sweetnam, P. M., Lancaster, J., Snowman, A., Collins, J. L., Perschke, S., Bauer, C., & Ferkany, J. (1995). The receptor binding profile suggests multiple mechanisms of action are responsible for ibogaine's putative anti-addictive activity. Psychopharmacology, 118(4), 369-376.
Tagliazucchi, E., Roseman, L., Kaelen, M., Orban, C., Muthukumaraswamy, S. D., Murphy, K., ... & Carhart-Harris, R. (2016). Increased global functional connectivity correlates with LSD-induced ego dissolution. Current Biology, 26(8), 1043-1050.
Tononi, G., Boly, M., Massimini, M., & Koch, C. (2016). Integrated information theory: from consciousness to its physical substrate. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(7), 450-461.
Vollenweider, F. X., & Geyer, M. A. (2001). A systems model of altered consciousness: integrating natural and drug-induced psychoses. Brain Research Bulletin, 56(5), 495-507.
Zhang, H., Chaudhury, D., Nectow, A. R., Friedman, A. K., Zhang, S., Juarez, B., ... & Han, M. H. (2021). α1- and β3-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Mesolimbic Homeostatic Plasticity Confers Resilience to Social Stress in Susceptible Mice. Biological Psychiatry, 89(3), 278-289.
