My Altered States: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Trauma, Psychedelics, and Spiritual Growth

by Rick Strassman

• Recounts several dozen of the author’s experiences of drug and non-drug altered states of consciousness from birth to early adulthood

• Applies the lenses of four explanatory models—psychoanalysis, psychopharmacology, Zen Buddhism, and medieval Jewish metaphysics—in understanding how and why they occurred

• Demonstrates the importance of careful unflinching recollection and documentation of both heavenly and hellish altered states in one’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual life

Why do we seek out altered states of consciousness; or, in some cases, why do they happen unbidden? What do we see and hear, and what happens emotionally, physically, and psychologically? How and why are these experiences different from or similar to one another? Are they meaningful? And, what do we do with them after they have passed?

Addressing these questions, renowned psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman, M.D., draws upon his journals and analyses of dozens of episodes of altered consciousness that occurred during, or are intimately tied to, his life between birth and young adulthood. Just as significant as the ecstatic blissful experiences are the uncensored and, at times, painfully unvarnished narratives of less elevated ones. Visually augmenting these accounts are the striking images of renowned artist Merrilee Challiss.

Strassman’s episodes of altered consciousness resulted from a wide variety of methods, drugs, and cannabis, alcohol, psychoanalysis, psychedelics, meditation, disordered mood, and childhood trauma. Regardless of their origin, he attempts to understand them using an array of models he has studied carefully over the psychopharmacology, Zen Buddhism, psychoanalytic psychology, and medieval Jewish metaphysics.

Understanding and applying the meaning and message of any altered state—its integration—first requires a clear-eyed recollection of the actual experiences in all their aspects, neither pushing away the ugly nor grasping after the beautiful. This book provides a profound example of how one might go about accomplishing this daunting task.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2024

About the author

Rick Strassman is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He trained as a medical doctor specialized in psychiatry with a fellowship in clinical psychopharmacology research and holds degrees from Stanford University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.
He has held a fellowship in clinical psychopharmacology research at the University of California San Diego and was Professor of Psychiatry for eleven years at the University of New Mexico.
After twenty years of intermission, Strassman was the first person in the United States to undertake human research with psychedelic, hallucinogenic, or entheogenic substances with his research on DMT.
He is the author of the well-known book "DMT: The Spirit Molecule" which summarizes his academic research into DMT.

Reviews

[Don Singh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Purely from my expectations and comparisons from reading all of Rick Strassman’s other books, this was a let-down! I wish it wasn’t! But the book was just not the journey and writing style that matched his last few books. I am sure that a first time reader will appreciate this.

[ulisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking to explore ideas connecting psychedelics with psychology, behavioral science, and a bit of chemistry, this is a great beginner book. Throughout this meditation, Dr. Strassman recalls his earlier experiences with psychedelics. He, then, provides poignant reflections which intertwine the psychology—and sometimes philosophy—of said experience. There’s an interesting play between past, present, and current (in the book, we’d read it as “future”). As a creative nonfiction writer, I wish he had emphasized this emerging theme a bit more. It seems that his audience (at least me), would have appreciated some experimentation around the thin veil between the three, especially as it relates to altered states, philosophy, and ways of being.

This is my 2nd read of this type. My first dive was “Breaking Open the Head”, and I’ve watched “Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia”. I’d add “My Altered States” to this lot—similar vibe and application.

[Zach Scoffield · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange book from a strange mind.

- Character is what god gives us to overcome
- Essential building blocks of temperament are biological
- Neutralize negative temperamental dispositions
- Studying/reading as an altered state
- When walking, think only of walking. Harmonize body & mind
- Emptiness of infinite potential. Infinite potential of emptiness.
- LSD catalyzed seismic inspirations.
- A new relationship with life, one of exhilarating expansion instead of burdensome stasis
- Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration - Thomas Edison
- Abandoning old reactions
- Expansion of the space between the ears
- Straight teeth and crooked heads

[Jennifer Barone · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow moving

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable anecdotes of psychonautical experiences during ones exploratory college years, each chapter concluding with psychiatric-oriented reflections. I liked the mildly prosaic accounts of the early 20s, these felt contemplative, humble, and relatable. These personal stories were very honest and well-written. However, I felt this book ends abruptly and feels a little half baked. It seems there’s much more to say, or to follow up with.