Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance

by James Fadiman, Jordan Gruber

James Fadiman, an early psychedelic researcher, and co-author Jordan Gruber’s MICRODOSING FOR HEALTH, HEALING AND ENHANCED PERFORMANCE is the first comprehensive book on microdosing, using new research and extensive reports from individuals to describe the possibilities of the practice.

Microdosing is proving to be a safe and powerful approach to a wide range of health conditions and enhanced performance. Partly responsible for modern microdosing’s development and current popularity, the authors answer hundreds of questions, blending extensive research with detailed personal accounts from contributors worldwide. The book also contains wide-ranging microdosing history, research, and science.

People have microdosed successfully:

· to alleviate symptoms of depression, ADHD, chronic pain, and long COVID
· for enhanced focus, mental acuity, and physical abilities (including sports)
· to help taper off pharmaceuticals, especially antidepressants and stimulants
· to improve food habits, sleep, and relationships
· to become more aware of personal habit patterns, others’ feelings, and natural surroundings
· to reduce stress and anxiety
· to help over 30 specific health concerns

This book does not provide medical or legal advice. Readers should speak to their doctor before engaging in any course of microdosing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Health, Psychology, Self Help, Personal Development, Medicine

368 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

James Fadiman is an American psychologist and writer. He is acknowledged for his extensive work in the field of psychedelic research.
Fadiman received a Bachelor of Social Relations from Harvard University and a Master's degree and Ph.D in Psychology from Stanford University.
While in Paris in 1961, his friend and former Harvard undergraduate adviser, Ram Dass, introduced him to psychedelics.
Currently a Senior Research Fellow at Sophia University, Palo Alto, California
Microdose researcher and advocate.

Reviews

[J.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely informative and notably sober-minded overview of the extant evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, of a promising new form of alternative medicine. As a medical historian, I’m well aware that modern medicine has often expressed concerns about alternatives to the forms of medical practice that are now labeled “traditional,” and when those concerns have targeted clear quackery, they are well-founded. But there is also a long tradition of the profit-driven medical industry lashing out at anything that threatens to provide easier and more affordable solutions to treatments or drugs that generate millions in profits for physicians and pharmaceutical companies. This work, careful throughout to never oversell its claims, offers hope – tentatively, and with caveats – for a host of conditions and ailments that have long-stymied the medical world. I’ve also written a great deal about America’s greatest philosopher, William James, who was famous for his willingness to entertain and dabble in substances that alter consciousness. To be clear, that is NOT what is being described here. The authors make clear that microdosing is not about altering consciousness in the way that one tends to associate with psychedelics. Rather, the use of both natural and synthetic substances is here described with an eye only toward altering consciousness toward calm, equanimity, and health. It is a work of introduction to a field still in its infancy, and it offers highly informed claims of success, muted by prudence, patience, and modesty.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this fascinating and information dense. This treats the reader as if they are new to the topic; offering an enhanced outline of the history of psychedelics usage in the West while lightly touching on its historical use amongst Indigenous populations. This focuses primarily on psilocybin mushrooms & LSD. Other substances are covered, explained, and given usage instructions but not expounded upon. The science-based studies largely are self reported usage of psilocybin & LSD. So I gather that has the most information.

I was familiar with the term microdosing but wasn't aware of much more than the name. This explains both macro and micro dosing and explains why each is important and offers different microdosing solutions for different problems. I liked that tolerance breaks are built into the system of microdosing. Various microdosing protocols are discussed along with whatever science-based studies exist and anecdotal experiences.

This offers scientific studies, science-based studies, and anecdotal experiences as evidence that microdosing can safely enhance everyday lives. This does not shy away from controversial topics like using microdosing to address conditions in children or pregnant and/or nursing folks. This is balanced with resources for safe usage and legal usage. This also includes outside resources for an unintended intense trip, guidance for amounts, and even how to acquire testing kits to test substances that may be decriminalized but not regulated.
This offers solid guidance on microdosing a multitude of substances. I pretty much consider this the microdosing bible. I saw the authors have an AMA up on the microdosing subreddit this week, so be sure to check it out if interested.

This audiobook is narrated by Kaleo Griffith. I appreciated Kaleo for keeping the subject moving, the tone light, and using voice inflection techniques throughout. This worked to keep the narrative interesting and moving along. This book includes as many personnel narratives as it does science-based studies, and this really keeps the narrative relatable.

Thank you to James Fadiman, PhD, Jordan Gruber, JD, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

[Dul Bat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like I had a good conversation with experts on microdosing. It answered questions & myths about psychedelic consumption during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, people with ADD and mental disorders (bipolar, schizophrenia) in such simple structure. Very easy to read, sticks in your head.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I am very interested in learning about different types of legal psychedelic therapy. I have participated in one, and it was really effective. I look forward to new substances becoming more mainstream with continued research.

This book is a great resource that mentions safety of psychedelics, applications for specific conditions, research, and more.

If you’re a fan of Michael Pollan, this one is for you.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably better in hard copy to be able to reference back to relevant topics, but at least 4.5 stars.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing all of the personal anecdotes and learning about all the possibilities. I also found it to be well organized and approachable. A good intro book for someone who wants to dip their toes in without going full woo-woo.

That being said, I would have liked to hear more about their citizen science process and the results from a pool of participants. Anecdotes add color to science but one anecdote about treating x disease is far from scientific. He also cites Andrew Huberman, a peddler of sketchy supplements and mislabeled meat.

[Vlad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most annoying aspect of this book is the fact that they continuously berate you about how they won't provide you with sources for what is obviously classed as an illegal substance.

It's just the dumbest and most obvious thing. The fact that they felt the need to excessively tell you every few pages that they won't provide you with sources for an illegal substance is just ridiculous.

They spent more time going out of their way to continuously tell you how they won't source an illegal substance for you than they did talking about any (potential) negative side effects psychedelics have to begin with.

As if anyone with half a brain is going to rely on an outdated book publicly available to anyone as their source for an illegal substance.

Aside from that, this book details an incredibly long list of potential benefits that microdosing can provide you across a WIDE variety of common ailments.

Truthfully, this book reads more like confirmation bias for those already in favor of psychedelics. It's not at all to say that this substance isn't hugely beneficial (or that the book is bad), but again, you'll find NOTHING but a treasure trove of positive stories and outcomes that people have experienced from microdosing.

It's informative and optimistic no doubt.

[Heartfelt Editing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A taboo and difficult subject to approach, this book is very informative and responsibly written. It goes over the benefits, research, and evidence pertaining to microdosing. There's a section on emergency care before they ever even begin to discuss how to start, which I strongly appreciate. It explains in detail the difference between microdosing and psychedelic usage. There's information for physicians. There's information about each common substance used. There's information about mental and physical conditions which have been reported to benefit from microdosing. If you are in any way involved with or interested in microdosing, this is the ideal, all-encompassing informational resource for you to pick up.

[Eduardo Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encyclopedic but highly readable. Microdosing is not new to me, but much of the information here is: different protocols, dose guidelines, and a well-organized catalog of health conditions for which there are promising field reports. (Yes, it's anecdata. Gathered over years from tens of thousands of participants. Standard research is obviously impossible for these medicines.) Conditions like ADHD, depression, Long Covid, migraine, chronic pain. Even with a huge grain of salt, these are remarkable findings. Highly recommended. At a bare minimum, read the ToC and see if any of the conditions apply to your life or that of a loved one.

[Patrick Ironwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cosmic ripple of a book, “Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance” by Jordan Gruber and James Fadiman, is an early indicator of humanity's potential for change. It inspires us to embrace what we truly need, to go low, need less and be our best more. Small is beautiful and just enough is just right.Halleluiah!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided an approachable and comprehensive guide to the benefits of microdosing. This book can serve as both a good tool and solid introduction for anyone interested in the world of microdosing.

[Davivid Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

The truth is that Fadiman's story is a cruel and ugly scam. There is NO scientific evidence that microdosing LSD cures any medical illness or mental disorder. There is no scientific evidence, such as a double-blind study, that shows that anyone benefits from taking a microdose of LSD, thus this book is extremely misleading. (Please read the quite negative review of Fadiman's book by several book publisher-related reviewers on Barnes and Noble.)

I am the person who invented the word microdose. I think it is important to fully read all of my detailed comments about Fadiman and his book here:
https://flickr.com/photos/jdyf333/533...

[Emily]

Very interesting, but I'm a little disappointed that it's somewhat anecdotal. I understand that's just where we are in terms of time with microdosing. I hope more research is started soon; nature knows best.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this wonderful book Goodreads! Highly recommended!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource!

[Joshua Slansky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio. An hour of disclaimers. 3 hours of reddit entries. Some good info but it’s all over the place.

[Melissa P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

📔 Won in a giveaway 📙

This book was really interesting. I didn't know too much about microdosing and this was very informative. I didn't know it most likely helps with so many ailments. Some informational books can read a little boring but this kept me engaged. I liked all the reports from doctors and scientists and the stories from people who tried microdosing. This one definitely opened my eyes and feeling more open minded. I would recommend this book. Thank you to the authors, James Fadiman, PhD and Jordan Gruber, JD for my advance reader's edition. This book will be on sale February 18th of this year. Happy reading! 🍄

[♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Erie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 Stars for Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance by James Fadiman and Jordan Gruber

Set for release on February 18, 2025, by St. Martin's Press, this book is an essential resource for anyone exploring the burgeoning field of microdosing. It presents a scholarly yet accessible examination of the practice, grounded in both scientific research and anecdotal evidence. 🔍

Here's why this book stands out:

Key Highlights:
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Comprehensive Research: The authors synthesize current research with historical data, offering a well-rounded view of microdosing's potential benefits and applications.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Safety and Emergency Protocols: Before delving into how to microdose, the book provides critical information on emergency care, showcasing a responsible approach to this sensitive topic.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Distinction Between Microdosing and Psychedelic Use: Clear explanations help differentiate microdosing from traditional psychedelic experiences, aiding both novices and professionals.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Physician-Relevant Information: Specific sections cater to healthcare providers, discussing implications, patient management, and integration into clinical practice.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Diverse Applications: The book details how microdosing has been reported to aid conditions like depression, ADHD, chronic pain, and even long COVID, alongside enhancing cognitive and physical performance.

James Fadiman, known for his early contributions to psychedelic research, alongside co-author Jordan Gruber, provides an authoritative yet engaging narrative. They address the practice's potential across various health and performance domains, supported by a rich tapestry of personal stories and scientific data. The book's approach is cautious, urging readers to consult with healthcare providers, acknowledging the legal and medical complexities involved.

This volume does not serve as a medical or legal guide but rather as an informative resource, sparking curiosity and understanding while promoting responsible exploration. Its methodical structure and depth make it a vital addition to the literature on alternative health practices, particularly for those with an academic or professional interest in psychedelics and mental health.

Endorsements from respected figures in the field like Andrew Weil, Ayelet Waldman, and Paul Stamets underscore the book's significance, highlighting its potential to influence both public and scientific discourse on microdosing. Whether you're a researcher, a clinician, or someone personally interested in microdosing, this book is poised to become an indispensable guide.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from St. Martin's Press, and I can affirm that Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance is a milestone in the field, offering hope and a new lens through which we can view health and performance enhancement.

[Shannon Hovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Anything you could possibly want to know about the research that's been done on microdosing is in this book. It is full of case studies and information, and while I am very interested in the subject, and want to know the facts, case study after case study got repetitive and I ended up not finishing the book. By that point I had enough information to form my opinion on microdosing.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC, and thank you to James Fadiman for his dedicated research about a controversial natural substance, that very well could lead to the cure for so much.