The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

by James Fadiman

Psychedelics for spiritual, therapeutic, and problem-solving use

- Presents practices for safe and successful psychedelic voyages, including the benefits of having a guide and how to be a guide
- Reviews the value of psychedelics for healing and self-discovery as well as how LSD has facilitated scientific and technical problem-solving
- Reveals how ultra-low doses improve cognitive functioning, emotional balance, and physical stamina


This year 600,000 people in the U.S. alone will try LSD for the the first time, joining the 23 million who have already experimented with this substance.

Called "America's wisest and most respected authority on psychedelics and their use," James Fadiman has been involved with psychedelic research since the 1960s. In this guide to the immediate and long-term effects of psychedelic use for spiritual (high dose), therapeutic (moderate dose), and problem-solving (low dose) purposes, Fadiman outlines best practices for safe, sacred entheogenic voyages learned through his more than 40 years of experience--from the benefits of having a sensitive guide during a session (and how to be one) to the importance of the setting and pre-session intention.

Fadiman reviews the newest as well as the neglected research into the psychotherapeutic value of visionary drug use for increased personal awareness and a host of serious medical conditions, including his recent study of the reasons for and results of psychedelic use among hundreds of students and professionals. He reveals new uses for LSD and other psychedelics, including extremely low doses for improved cognitive functioning and emotional balance. Cautioning that psychedelics are not for everyone, he dispels the myths and misperceptions about psychedelics circulating in textbooks and clinics as well as on the internet. Exploring the life-changing experiences of Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, Aldous Huxley, and Huston Smith as well as Francis Crick and Steve Jobs, Fadiman shows how psychedelics, used wisely, can lead not only to healing but also to scientific breakthroughs and spiritual epiphanies.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Science, Spirituality, Philosophy, Drugs, Self Help

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 18, 2011

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

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does anybody have any acid?

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absorbed a lot of information concerning psychedelic substances during the past few years. Some sources have taken a scientific approach, full of statistics, surveys, and other assorted data. Others have focused on the spiritual use of these substances, which include direction for practices like meditation, yoga, and breath work. There are also accounts of recreational use, which clearly illustrate the possibilities of both positive and negative outcomes of using and abusing these substances. These sources have included books, movies, podcasts, YouTube clips, and audio lectures. I also have my own experiences with several of these substances, and had already come to my personal opinion that they have the potential to awaken in me unexpected paths in my life, greater self-understanding, an ability to engage in self-healing, and a stronger connection with the Universe and the inhabitants of our planet that we call Earth. I have learned so much about psychedelics that I often come across a feeling of "Oh, I've learned that already" while reading a book or watching a documentary. However, James Fadiman's "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys" is the first work in quite a while that had so many new things to teach me. This book covers many aspects concerning psychedelic use that I was previously unaware of, such as the concept of sub-perceptual dosing and the importance of listening to non-vocal music such as Classical during the beginning of a psychedelic experience.

I first heard of this book from Lorenzo Hagerty's "Psychedelic Salon," a podcast that I have listened to for the past six years. Fadiman is the guest on episode 302, during which Lorenzo interviews him about the book and his experience in the psychedelic research field. After hearing Fadiman speak about these things, I put the book on my "To-Read" list and purchased it a few months later. My intention when reading this book was to learn how to become a guide for others undergoing psychedelic experiences. I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of information contained in the book afforded to those of us who wish to better integrate our psychedelic journeys into ordinary reality as well as learn to be a better guide to others. Following my reading of this book, I have already identified some aspects of my own psychedelic traditions that I would like to change in an effort to focus more on the therapeutic and spiritual uses of these substances, rather than my previous goal of having a good time. While I still believe that the recreational use of these substances can have a positive outcome, I am now sold on the concept of using them in a more intelligent manner.

This book does a great job of dispelling some of the myths about psychedelics, offers a practical and positive itinerary for a successful experience, introduces several important people in this field, and does so in a way that is unbiased and helpful. It is important for the psychedelic community to have truth on its side, and Fadiman does an excellent job of collecting both scientific and anecdotal evidence and arranging it in a way that is easily understood. I commend him on his work and look forward to more coming from him in the near future.

[Miya (severe pain struggles, slower at the moment) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tons of information for those being introduced into the world of plant medicines and other psychedelics. Even though this book covers multiple medicines, and is not super long, you can always read more about whatever specifically calls to you. All in all it is fascinating, informative, and empowering. Highly recommend.

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an interesting book, but I was hoping for much more new information. The vast majority of this book is about the studies done in the early 1960s (about which I think most people interested in entheogens have already read). There was a tiny sliver of newer information, but not enough to build a book around. The newer stuff included, oddly enough, some trip reports the likes of which can be found all over the internet. The cover led me to believe I was getting something other than what I got.

The most interesting part was the chapter speculating about the value of micro-doses of psychedelics- doses too small to cause tripping, but which seem to have profound effects over time.

It's not a bad book, don't get me wrong. It's informative and well-written, and it's a subject that doesn't get enough good press. But Timothy Leary's dead, let's get some fresh quotes.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels less like a whole book and more like a cobbled together group of essays and articles. I would recommend Pollan's book on psychedelics How to Change Your Mind over this. It covers much of the same ground, in more depth and is better written.

[Nestor Leal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Kevin Kelly whose work I admire as inventor, writer and founder of Wired magazine. This book is a good compilation of tips, recommendations, research, studies, personal accounts and history of psychedelics. Although a bit repetitive at times it holds a great deal of serious information about these substances and the responsibility of using them as therapeutic and spiritual tools. 

The checklist and tips for the voyager and the guide are really useful. If you are afraid they will give you a sense of security of their use. The historic accounts of pioneers Hoffman, Leary, Alpert, Huxley and more are very interesting. Too bad their legal work was censored. The great news is that the truth is coming out and serious work like this book is exposing it. 

It’s comforting to read all the therapeutic personal and group sessions for creativeness and professional development. Just remember to use them responsibly for aid and much better with the support of guides.

The small chapter on Ayahuasca was accurate. I was much impressed with the accounts. Still everybody will have a different experience. That’s why the help of a good guide/shaman is encouraged. 

This is serious work. A great updated guide. Read it if you ever plan to use them or if you are just curious. The addition of Alan Watts' chapter gave me a happy feeling since I love his work as a philosopher. Just like he says, these are tools for introspection like a microscope is used for looking deeper into the small world. Once you use them you have much work to do with what you've learned.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me angry. Angry to how unreasonable the war on psychedelics is and to how better this world would be.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an informative (if occasionally dry) series of research reports and essays by Fadiman and other researchers into the therapeutic use of psychedelics. I'll certainly keep this as a practical tool (particularly for the checklists on being a guide), though in my case, this book was already preaching to the choir. It would be a better fit for those in the medical profession, or those newly curious about psychedelics, who need some good straight facts about the safe usage of psychedlics and their history in medical research.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve long been fascinated by various conscious altering substances, whether it be the common ones like alcohol or pot, or others like LSD, ayahuasca, or mescaline . This led me to study more about the war on drugs, the legality of drugs, and the history of drugs. The more I looked, the more blown away I became when I realized none of it made sense - we were creating a problem rather than solving one (see drugwarkills.com).

While studying more about psychedelics specifically, I came across this book to learn more about the research behind them. It is mind blowing how useful some psychedelics can be, if used correctly. LSD, for example, has shown substantial and promising uses for curing or improving PTSD and alcoholism, just as a start. Even for people with no neurological issues at all, psychedelics can prove to be enlightening and useful in becoming a more aware, conscious, caring person - and studies show this. Note that when the US made LSD illegal, much of the public research faded, though almost all of it was showing positive signs.

This year 600,000 people in the U.S. alone will try LSD for the the first time, joining the 23 million who have already experimented with this substance.

The Psychedelic Explorers guide isn’t to advocate the use of psychedelics, but considering the shear number of people using them, it provides a thorough look into psychedelics, including safe use, results from scientific studies (most conducted in the 1960s when it was legally funded), and interviews and stories from experiences. This book is incredible enlightening. Note that the author, James Fadiman, is a Harvard graduate and Standard PhD in psychology and has extensive research under his belt.

Some of the studies include the use of psychedelics from self discovery, microdosing for problem solving, and general awareness. One of the interesting things it mentioned was out of 100 people in one study, 75 of the people described a large, guided, planned, LSD trip the best experience of their lives.

"The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide presents practices for safe and successful psychedelic voyages, including the benefits of having a guide and how to be a guide. The book reviews the value of psychedelics for healing and self-discovery as well as how LSD has facilitated scientific and technical problem-solving. It reveals how ultra-low doses improve cognitive functioning, emotional balance, and physical stamina."

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand more about psychedelics. If you live in the US, it's almost a guarantee that you have some flawed bias toward certain drugs, particularly LSD, which has an especially bad reputation. I'd encourage you to checkout drugwarkills.com, and if further interested in the potential profound benefits of psychedelics, read this book.

A few highlights I made from the book:
"If a process, procedure, or product helps individuals heal themselves and become better partners, lovers, parents, or coworkers, it makes no sense to restrict its availability from those who use it safely and responsibly. Psychedelic therapy has had remarkable effectiveness with a wide range of psychological disorders as well as with more serious conditions including childhood schizophrenia, autism, and chronic alcoholism. Today, psychedelic therapy is available, but only for a small number of patients in a few research settings. In addition, little information or training has been available on how to safely conduct psychedelic psychotherapeutic sessions."

"Psychedelics enable us to help others and ourselves become more aware. It is wonderful that they exist, and like any other powerful intervention, they work better when used correctly. To push them aside because they can be damaging when used badly is no wiser than to eliminate headache tablets because overdoses are harmful to the liver."

"Why did our drug research frighten the establishment so profoundly? Why does it still frighten them? Perhaps because we were able to step off (or were tossed off) the treadmill of daily stuff and saw the whole system of life-death-life. We had discovered that love is the fundamental energy of the universe, and we wouldn’t shut up about it. What we found out was that the love is there, the forgiveness is there, and the understanding and compassion are there. But like water to a fish or air to a bird, it is there, all around us, and exists without any effort on our part. There is no need for the Father, the Son, the Buddha, the Saints, the Torah, the books, the bells, the candles, the priests, the rituals, or even the wisdom. It is just there—so pervasive and so unending that it is impossible to see as long as you are in the smaller world of people separated from one another. No wonder enlightenment is always a crime."

"There is a pressing need to restore what we can of the harmony between humanity and the natural world that existed for millennia. Effective and informed use of psychedelics appears to be one way to help that restorative process."

"We did find out that the price students paid for enough of a substance for a single “trip” rarely rose above eight dollars. None of the students seemed the slightest bit concerned that these substances were illegal. For about the price of a first-run movie ticket, they could have a powerful, meaningful, transformative, or fun time."

"Having been on both sides, my guess is that if you have been brought up with a worldview in which there is only this world, you’ve been brought up intellectually provincial. The only experiences you’ve had with religion have been with people who also have never had any true spiritual experience. What you have, perhaps, is formal religion, which gives you a community of nice people who speak in the metaphors of religion because that’s the best language they have. All this adds up to, however, is a rather impoverished vision of spirituality. "

"Psychology has a wonderful knack of turning disagreement into derangement, disability, or pathology. In the scientific world, “fear” is usually called “skepticism.” Think about it this way: if you knew only a little bit of biology, it would seem highly unlikely that a duckbilled platypus exists. If you’ve never seen a giraffe or an elephant, it’s easy to believe that they don’t exist. So, if someone comes to you and says, “I would like you to meet my friend the elephant, who will carry us into the jungle where the giraffes are,” it is not surprising if you say, “I’d rather you go away, and I certainly don’t want to hire you. And I most certainly don’t want to publish your articles.”

"In the United States, policies that lumped marijuana, psychedelics, and addictive drugs together led to a bulging jail population, the proliferation of highly profitable international criminal activities, the distortion of the national economy in countries producing illegal drugs for American consumption, and a growing disdain for the U.S. government’s failure to cope with the situation. These policies also cost billions of dollars annually. In spite of Washington’s reluctance to change, state after state has used its prerogative to allow people to use marijuana as a medication."

"An author usually ends personal remarks like these with “Buy my book.” But if you’re reading this, you or your library or your friend already has done that. My request, then, is that you share what you’ve learned with those around you. Let’s support legal research in every way we can and support one another as well. Keep in mind that even those most disturbed by and opposed to psychedelics want, as much as we do, a better world for us all."

[Crina Goras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this book for quite a long time but I have always been putting it off for one reason or another. But vacation and sun are an invitation to read and this is the book I've chosen.
I've found a lot of useful information despite the fact that I do respect guidelines more as an instinct and common sense than as a scientifically proven way of how to do safely psychedelics. Also Fadiman presents some important perspectives as to why the psychedelics have been outlawed.
I enjoyed his down to earth and factual approach.
The tide of psychedelics is again rising at a ridiculous rate. I don't know if this a good to bad thing. When I've started I was also somehow of a Messiah for the friends that haven't done it but my enthusiasm has worn off. Every person has to find their own way and just because something speaks to me from inside out and resonates to each fiber of stardust in my being- that doesn't give me the right to say what's useful for another.
I have met lately a lot of youngsters that are trying everything the earth let at our disposal and I find their reaction confusing. Psychedelics, as Fadiman points out with the help of the research, psychedelics increase your capacity to love, understand self and the other, improve communication and relationships.. however this was not the case. It would be interesting for me a line of research that looks at the type of user and type of results because the cases I've seen showed a rupture of relationships, increase neuroticism and a sense of entitlement off the charts. I would put this on set and setting but is this quite enough to explain such résults? Also type of psychedelics are unknown for these particular busters I've been in contact with.
That said my personal account with psychedelics have been of mystical/spiritual type. My first encounter cured me of a lifelong depression and I do hope they they legalized and used safely in therapeutic contexts. Also, I hope shamans will have their say and shamanism will be available as a field of study.

Much love to everyone

[Riccardo Mazzocchio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mi aspettavo di più...

[Andrei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hea ülevaade LSD psühhiaatrilisest kasutusest valdkonna ühelt parimalt asjatundjalt ja sidemelt hipiajastu psühhonautide ning täna taas jõudsalt liberaliseeruva teadusmaailma vahel, mikrodoosimise eestkostjalt James Fedimanilt. Algajatele sissejuhatuseks siiski ei soovita - Fediman lähtub valdavalt mitte rändaja, vaid rännujuhi seisukohast. Mõningad väited astuvad mu maitsele liialt esoteerilisele territooriumile (nt mees- ja naisenergiaid puudutav), aga üldiselt siiski hariv ja suuremas osas tugevalt teaduspõhine teejuht turvalise raja leidmiseks psühhedeelses maailmas. PS. Selle raamatu alt pärineb mu lemmik Goodreadsi-revjuu: “Does anybody have any acid?” 3.5/5

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those cases where the goodreads rating system doesn't really match the way a book should be rated. Five stars, goodreads tells us, we should interpret as 'this book was amazing'. This book isn't particularly fun to read. It's a book that quite drily chronicles the research that has been done on psychedelic drugs. The subject matter however, is indeed nothing short of amazing, and that's why it deserves five stars. Anyone who is interested in the use of psychedelic drugs for healing and/or spiritual exploration should read this book.

[Himanshu Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The words 'Explorer' and 'Guide' are very crucial to the book's name. There is a fruitful set of recommendations for a productive experience, countless tales, history and research and much more knowledge, which a curious psychedelic explore would want to learn.

[Maria ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this

[Jop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best or most up-to date science, but all of the qualitative experiences were fascinating to read

[Mick D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleepers, wake!
A cause for hope in times of hopelessness.

[Aditya Asopa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this I was familiar with the experience of 'Bhaang', and I wanted to know more about the other stuffs that have similar effects. This book taught me a lot about such substances, their spiritual and mystical effects, the so called 'entheogenic experiences and voyages' and how dramatic changes can they bring into one's life, at all levels: mental, social, sexual, spiritual, philosophical and even physical.

This book systematically describes the precautions, setups, dos and don'ts, steps of such voyages and prepares the person for not only take such journeys but also assist others in them.

There are numerous experiences detailed in the book through which various aspects, both good and bad, of these substances can be learnt. I highly recommend going through this book once if you are considering any such experience or still haven't made up your mind about it.

I am not surprised at all that even single doses of these substances are associated with so many changes in body and mind that can only be ascribed to them having an overall spiritually uplifting effect. For ex. users reported increased cooperation, decreased jealousy, increased satisfaction in work, more humility, less anxiety, vivid and coloured dreams, increased focus, deeper sleep and so on. This is amazing and I sincerely hope that these things are not just accepted in the society but encouraged.

Finally however, I must say that the structure of the book is not well arranged. The information is oft repeated or scattered, all across the chapters, that themselves do not follow each other very well. I listened to the audio book and it was difficult to keep a track of something that I heard in some chapter earlier. Overall recommended.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Fadiman was one of the last legal researchers in the early era of psychedelic research, to have access to the chemical as well as an approved environment for testing. He covers a fair bit of that, as well as familiarity with Ram Dass, Leary, Kesey et. al. And experiments with architects and engineers about problem solving with the chemical. The most interesting developments of late include a trend of what is known as "micro-dosing"- individuals who take minute amounts of the chemical and go about their day with seemingly enhanced problem solving and awareness enhancing ability; due to the low dosages, "disconnection from reality" being less of a risk than the days when a "normal" dose might be ten times the newer recommended. When the witch hunt years were in full swing, and people were dosing at levels bordering on ergotism... The medical establishment was spending a great deal of time stuffing djinns back into bottles.
Modern era psychedelic research recognizes the value of the substance in ways which governments are only beginning to wake up to.

"My micro-dose mentor told me that at the very lowest doses you see how much God loves you, if you take a bit more you also see how much you love God, and if you take quite a bit more, then of course it gets pretty hard to disentangle exactly who you are and who God is."- aneccdotal analysis of experiences from a named Charles.

[Sumeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psychedelics as a subject matter remains largely a taboo and is seen in a very demeaning manner since the 60s. The world at large lives with an outdated sense of these medicines.

James Fadiman's book comes as a solid reference point and proof about these chemicals. It includes hardened research, insights and implications of the therapeutic value of psychedelics. Be it treating war veterans for PTSD or treating end-of-life anxiety in Cancer patients the book explores the new wave of psychedelic research that's making significant differences in people's lives.

Apart from the psychological/scientific aspect of psychedelics, Fadiman also opens you up to the spiritual/mystical capabilities of these chemicals.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that this book is a hallmark for a subject matter that's scorned at. Fadiman's writing gives a concrete course to further research and breakthroughs around psychedelics, a class of medicines that can impact mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of people at large.

[Frank Deschain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, if anybody is looking into psychedelics of any kind then it would be wise to read this book. Written by a pioneer of LSD research in the 60's, the book is filled with research and personal anecdotes of those who have taken LSD very successfully. It also delves into ayahuasca ceremonies briefly.
It's important for people to be educated about proper use and the various ways in which one's life can be changed for the better. This is one of the best books out there for this purpose. The book can be a bit dry, especially the parts where engineers were dosed and then asked to solve creative problems that they'd been working on. But outside of that, it's perfect.

[Ralph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect read after Michael Pollan's How to Change Your Mind. Fadiman goes over the effects on a myriad of tryptamines, what to expect, and how to guide people through the process so they can gain the most therapeutic value out of their experience. Must-read for any psychonaut enthusiast who wants to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the landscape.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introductory book especially for those scientifically minded who like to see the data. Book may not age well due to many website and recent event references. Content feels a bit scattered; no connecting thread. Some nuggets of wisdom here and there. Some beautiful stories of people’s journeys.

[Teun Bastiaans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deze psychonaut vanaf nu in te huren als professioneel tripsitter.

[Teo · Rating 5 out of 5]

2018.09.23–2018.10.01

Contents

Fadiman (2011) (11:37) Psychedelic Explorer's Guide, The - Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

Acknowledgments

Overview—Why This Book? And Frequently Asked Questions
• Why This Book?
• What This Book Contains
• Frequently Asked Questions

A Vision of a Whole Earth (Stewart Brand)

Part I: Transcendent Experience: Entheogenic Sessions
• Introduction to Part One

01. Meeting the Divine Within – Part One: Guidelines for Voyagers and Guides (The Guild of Guides)
• Why This Material Was Created
• • Glossary
• Preparation for a Guided Session
• • Why a Guide?
• • Initial Experiences
• What You Need to Know to Guide a Journey
• • Set: Preparation for the Session
• • • Suggestions for the Voyager
• • • Suggestions for the Guide
• • • Common Issues for Guides
• • Setting
• • Substance

02. The Entheogenic Voyage – Part Two: Guidelines for Voyagers and Guides (The Guild of Guides)
• The Psychedelic Session
• • Stage One: Ingesting the Psychedelic
• • • Considerations for the Voyager
• • • Considerations for the Guide
• • Stage Two: Initial Onset (twenty to fifty minutes)
• • Stage Three: Opening and Letting Go (three to four hours)
• • • Considerations for the Voyager
• • • Considerations for the Guide
• • Stage Four: Plateau (one to two hours)
• • • Considerations for the Voyager
• • • Considerations for the Guide
• • Stage Five: The Gentle Glide (next three hours or until the guide and the voyager agree it is time to move on)
• • • Considerations for the Voyager
• • • Considerations for the Guide
• • Stage Six: The End of the Formal Session
• • • Considerations for the Voyager
• • • Considerations for the Sitter
• • Situation: Post-Experience Integration
• • • Considerations for the Voyager
• • • Considerations for the Guide
• Frequency: How Soon Again? How Often?
• Watering the Celestial Tree

03. Qualities of Transcendent Experience – Four Dominant Characteristics (Alan Watts)

04. Experiences of Psychedelic Pioneers – In Their Own Words
• The First Wave: Albert Hofmann, Aldous Huxley, and Stanislav Grof
• • Albert Hofmann, Ph.D.
• • Aldous Huxley
• • Stanislav Grof, M.D.
• The Second Wave: Alexander Shulgin, Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), Ralph Metzner, and Huston Smith
• • Alexander Shulgin, Ph.D.
• • Timothy Leary, Ph.D.
• • Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), Ph.D.
• • Ralph Metzner, Ph.D.
• • Huston Smith, Ph.D.
• The Third Wave: Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Charles Tart, Frances Vaughan, Bill Wilson, and Peter Coyote
• • Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Ph.D.
• • Charles Tart, Ph.D.
• • Frances Vaughan, Ph.D.
• • Bill Wilson
• • Peter Coyote

Part II: Personal Growth and Self-Exploration in Psychedelic Sessions
• Introduction to Part Two

05. Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics – Psychotherapy and Healing
• Psychedelic Psychotherapy
• The Training of Psychedelic Therapists
• Extended Healing
• Resources for a Fuller Understanding of Psychedelic Psychotherapy
• Books Describing Shamanistic Healings and Practices

06. Things Can Go Wrong What You Need to Know (Neal Goldsmith, Ph.D.)
• Information and Procedures for Psychedelic Emergencies
• • Information about Psychedelic Crises
• • Information about Psychedelic Psychotherapy
• • General and Background Information about Psychedelics
• • What Can You Do?
• • Values and Procedures in the Setting

07. Myths and Misperceptions (David Presti, Ph.D., and Jerome Beck, Ph.D.)
• Strychnine and Other Adulterants
• Tattoo Acid
• Chromosome Damage and Birth Defects
• Going Crazy (acute and long-term adverse reactions)
• Spiritual Development
• Conclusions

08. Therapeutic Effectiveness of Single Guided Sessions
• The Therapeutic Protocol
• The Sample
• A Brief History
• How Can One Measure Psychotherapeutic Utility?
• Developing the Behavior Change Interview (BCI)
• • Administering and Scoring the Behavior Change Interview
• • Table 8.1. Behavior Change Interview
• • Description of Categories and Percentage Changed
• Conclusions

Part III: Enhanced Problem Solving in Focused Sessions
• Introduction to Part Three

09. Breakthrough Research – Selective Enhancement of Creative Capacities (Willis Harman, Ph.D., and James Fadiman, Ph.D.)
• Rationale Behind the Creative Problem-Solving Study
• Table 9.1. Some reported characteristics of the psychedelic experience
• Participants
• Results: Subjective Reports
• • 1. Low inhibition and anxiety
• • 2. Capacity to restructure problem in a larger context
• • 3. Enhanced fluency and flexibility of ideation
• • 4. Heightened capacity for visual imagery and fantasy
• • 5. Increased ability to concentrate
• • 6. Heightened empathy with external processes and objects
• • 7. Heightened empathy with people
• • 8. Subconscious data more accessible
• • 9. Association of dissimilar ideas
• • 10. Heightened motivation to obtain closure
• • 11. Visualizing the completed solution
• Results: Subjective Ratings
• • Table 9.2. Mean subjective ratings of factors related to enhanced functioning
• Results: Creativity Tests
• Long-Term Results
• Table 9.3. Application of solutions obtained in experimental sessions
• Table 9.4. Work performance since session
• Follow-Up
• Comments and Speculations

10. Facilitation for Enhanced Problem Solving
• Set
• • Pre-session Meetings
• • Number of Participants
• Setting
• Substance
• • Dosage
• Sitter
• Session
• Support

11. Case Studies – Two Architects and Six Professionals
• Two Architects
• • Henrik Bull: Architect Number One
• • Eric Clough: Architect Number Two
• Six professionals
• • Commercial Artist
• • Engineer
• • Furniture Designer
• • Theoretical Engineer
• • Manager, Product Planning
• • Engineer

12. Group Problem-Solving Sessions (Willis Harman, Ph.D.)
• Session Number One
• Session Number Two
• Future Experiments Contemplated

13. The Look Magazine Experiment – Designing the California Issue (George Leonard)

14. Closing the Doors of Perception – The Day the Research Ended
• A Moment of Reflection

Part IV: New Horizons
• Introduction to Part Four

15. Can Sub-Perceptual Doses of Psychedelics Improve Normal Functioning?
• Reports: LSD
• • Charles
• • • Some Recommendations
• • • Effects: Making Infinity More Transparent
• • Madeline
• • James
• • Clifford
• Reports: Psilocybin Mushrooms
• • Stephen Gray
• • Anita
• • Nathan
• The Question of Tolerance
• Preliminary Conclusions

16. Surveys of Current Users – This Is Your Brain on Drugs
• The Student Sample
• • Substances Taken
• • Reasons for Taking
• • Fig. 16.1. University Students’ Self-Reported Substance Use
• • Fig. 16.2. Reasons Given for Student Substance Use
• • Reasons for Taking: Male/Female Differences
• • Positive and Negative Effects
• • Benefits
• • Fig. 16.3. Reasons Given for Drug Use
• • Fig. 16.3. Reasons Given for Drug Use
• • Highest Cost
• • Those Who Had Been a Guide or Were Guided
• • Fig. 16.4. Reasons by Those Who Had Guidance or Guided Others
• • Future Intentions
• • Initial Observations
• The Conference Sample
• • Fig. 16.5. Substances Used by Students and by Conference Attendees
• • Substance Use
• • Education: 142 Responses
• • Occupation or Profession: 141 Responses
• • Best Experiences: 120 Responses
• • Worst Experiences: 126 Responses
• • Worst Aftereffects: 152 Responses
• • Substances Used for Specific Effects
• • Fig. 16.6. Psychedelics Chosen for Exploration and Spiritual/Mystical Experience
• • Sexual Enhancement as a Reason for Taking a Substance: 141 Responses
• • Reasons for Taking a Given Psychedelic
• Conclusions

17. The Inadvertent Pioneer – My Personal Account
• How long were you able to work with psychedelics at Stanford, and how did it end?
• Given that you’d had such profound experiences yourself, what did you do next?
• In many respects, the humanistic movement was very progressive for its time. Why do you think the psychedelic issue and the transpersonal movement were so antithetical to its belief system?
• Would you say that this is also reflective of why the culture at large became so hostile to psychedelics and why, after the initial enthusiasm, there was a wave of repression that included shutting down your program at Stanford?
• In the past few years, there seems to be a resurgence of interest in psychedelics. What’s going on?
• So now psychedelics are coming out of the closet again. In what contexts might they become more accepted by society at large in the future?
• What would you say to young people about psychedelics?
• What do you think you would have been like without psychedelics?
• Shifting gears a bit, who do you think should take psychedelics? Say, if it was in your power to design policy?
• From the long view, are you optimistic?

18. Positive Possibilities for Psychedelics – A Time of Tentative Celebration
• Entheogenic Use
• Medical and Psychotherapeutic Uses
• Creativity and Problem Solving
• Conclusions

Part V: The Necessary, the Extraordinary, and Some Hard-Core Data
• Introduction to Part Five

19. Entheogenic Journeys – A Checklist for Voyagers and Guides
• General Preparation
• • Voyager and Guide
• • Voyager
• • Guide
• One Week Before the Journey
• • Voyager and Guide
• Set
• • Voyager and Guide
• • Voyager
• • Guide
• Setting
• • Voyager and Guide
• • Voyager
• • Guide
• Substance
• • Voyager and Guide
• • Voyager
• • Guide
• Session
• • Voyager and Guide
• • Voyager
• • Guide
• Post-Session Situation and Sitter
• • Voyager and Guide
• • Voyager
• • Guide
• • Sitter

20. Beyond LSD—Way Beyond – Ayahuasca Sessions and a Darkness Retreat (Michael Wiese, “Anatole,” and Lindsey Vona)
• Ayahuasca (Michael Wiese)
• “Anatole”
• Total darkness retreat (Lindsey Vona)

21. Behavioral Changes After Psychedelic Therapy – Lasting Results of High-Dose Single Sessions
• Personal Habits
• Work and Interpersonal Relations
• Cultural and Creative Activities
• Table 21.1. Percentage, significance level, and direction of changes in emotional responses—behavioral change interviews
• Activities Involving Family Members
• • Marriage (Married Subjects Only)
• • Sexual Patterns
• Subjective Activities
• • Material Values
• • Introspective Activities
• • Fears
• • Dreams
• Physical Functioning and Health
• • Physical Functioning
• • Health
• Conclusions

22. A Questionnaire Study of Psychedelic Experiences (Willis Harman, Ph.D., and James Fadiman, Ph.D.)
• Questionnaire Study of the Psychedelic Experience
• • Summary of Results
• • I. Sex Differences
• • • Table 22.1. Looking back on your LSD experience, how does it look to you now?
• • • Table 22.2. How were you, or what were you left with, after the LSD experience?
• • II. Effect of Time
• • • Table 22.3. How were you, or what were you left with, after the LSD experience?
• • • Table 22.4. What changes in attitudes and behavior do you feel have occurred directly as a result of your LSD experience?
• • III. Outstanding Event or Insight
• • • Table 22.5. Outstanding Events or Insights

Last Words

Footnotes 
Notes
About the Author 
About the Inner Traditions
Books of Related Interest

[Kumail Akbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a few strong psychedelic trips in recent months, I decided to explore works on the same, and was looking for something similar to Micheal Pollan’s How to change your mind. This one was highly rated, and I believe got talked about on some podcasts as well, and so I decided to give it a shot. There was nothing new or novel about this work, as I have already read Pollan’s which contains a lot more information and to quite an extent, is much more fun to read. As the author seeks to present research work around psychs, this book is already a bit dated as it came out a full seven years before Pollan’s. The qualitative experiences however are fun to read, and his guides for people willing and able to undertake a trip, or to trip sit others, are excellent.

Give it a shot if you have spare time, but honestly most people would be better off just reading Pollan’s work.

Rating 4 of 5

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough, research based information about psychedelics, their history, and possible future. We've, on a whole, clearly handled them inappropriately in so many ways to-date. We also clearly have a fairly solid body of knowledge about how they can be highly-effective in relieving several types of human suffering, including depression and PTSD, as well as help facilitate spiritual growth - another necessary aspect of a healthy, well-balanced life. It's beyond time to follow the science and eliminate the unwarranted political fear around these substances.

[Błażej · Rating 3 out of 5]

No cóż, tytuł trochę mylący. Entuzjaści odmiennych stanów świadomości co prawda znajdą tu parę ciekawych wskazówek o prawidłowych przygotowaniach do podróży i potencjalnych jej korzyściach, ale to znajdowanie nie jest przyjemne. Trzeba przebierać w suchym języku, jak z broszury albo kiepskiej książki popularnonaukowej. Autor mógł się też zdecydować na jeden wątek: poradnik dla neofitów, memuar o tym jak prowadził nowatorskie badania z psychodelikami, albo omówienie obiecujących wyników badań i agitowanie za legalizacją. Ale się nie zdecydował. Łapał trzy sroki za jeden ogon i dlatego przez ostatnie 50 stron trochę biegłem do mety. Spodziewałem się też że tak wdzięczny temat zostanie potraktowany z większym polotem. Ogólnie tragedii nie ma, warto, ale bez żalu można przerzucać kartki.

[Conor McCammon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a solid introduction to psychedelic use for the uninitiated. Maybe this is because I'm familiar with the topic, one maybe it was the point plane flight on which I read this book, but I did find it a little boring or formulaic? Very 'by the book' I suppose. Still, there were interesting stories and insights to be found.

6/10

[Slick Daslickest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool informative information. Can’t go wrong for psychonauts to check it out... if it brings you comfort to have a guide do so.... if you know thy self and your limits then in the words of my OG Terrance McKenna the problem ain’t taking too much it’s taking too little.... the teachers shall teach... just surrender 🤣🤣