Psychedelic Sojourns: The Curious Quest of a Middle-Aged Neuropsychologist

Video: Honoring the Indigenous Roots of the Psychedelic Movement | Center for the Study of World Religions

“Ten Trips” is a book written by neuropsychologist Andy Mitchell, who describes his personal journey of taking 10 different drugs as “a douchey forty-nine-year-old psychedelic virgin”.

The author provides a detailed account of his experiences with each drug, including the physical and psychological effects of each. Mitchell also provides some historical context for each drug, including its origins and cultural significance.

E.g., with ketamine, he found himself in a "strange, dreamlike state," feeling as though he was "disconnected from reality". This drug, originally synthesized in 1962 for anesthetic purposes, has since been sought after recreationally for its distinct dissociative effects.

In contrast, Mitchell's experiment with LSD was marked by "vivid colors and patterns" that brought on a pronounced sense of "euphoria". This compound, which was first created in 1938, gained immense popularity in the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Lastly, magic mushrooms ushered Mitchell into a "profoundly spiritual" realm where he felt deeply "connected to the universe". These mushrooms, valued for their hallucinogenic properties, have been revered and utilized in various cultures for centuries.

Inspired by the New Scientist's Article: "Ten Trips review: What tripping taught an academic about psychedelics" by Thomas Lewton

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