Psychedelics were once condemned to banishment by the “big boys” of this world. Their influence on the perception of reality and the expansion of consciousness of those taking them were perceived as a threat not only to society but also to countries. Despite the restrictions, many people continued to work on and describe such compounds. Books about psychedelics are becoming increasingly popular. Would you also like to learn more about the literature on this topic? Then I invite you to read this article!
What are psychedelics?
For the sake of clarity, it’s worth briefly describing what you’ll be able to read here. So, what are psychedelics? This is the term used to describe psychoactive substances that have a significant impact on perception of reality, mood, and cognitive functions. They are produced by plants and fungi, and can also be found in the secretions of some animals. There are also synthetic preparations. They have been used by humans for millennia, and some researchers boldly propose that they may have influenced human evolution in the direction it has taken.
Despite bans introduced in the USA in 1970 under the Controlled Substances Act and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted the following year at the UN, they continue to enjoy considerable interest among scientists and others. Currently, however, we can speak of a renaissance of psychedelics as treatments for various mental ailments.
What substances are considered psychedelics?
There are a number of different substances that have psychedelic effects. However, there is – let’s call it – the Golden Five, which includes:
- LSD,
- psilocybin,
- dimethyltryptamine (DMT),
- ecstasy (MDMA),
- Ayahuasca.
In addition to these, there is also mescaline, found in peyote, among others, ketamine (better known as an anesthetic), and salvinorin A, found in the so-called Salvia divina (also called divine sage or shamans’ sage).
Why are psychedelics attracting interest from scientists and others?
As I mentioned above, research on psychedelics is advanced and conducted not only on animals, but also on patients suffering from various mental ailments. It has been shown that, among other things, Psilocybin can be an effective way to combat:
- depression,
- bipolar disorder,
- alcohol, nicotine, and drug addiction,
- post-traumatic stress disorder,
- anxiety disorders.
More and more centers are conducting research into the use of psychedelics in the treatment of these disorders. They help, among other things, with processing trauma and coping with drug-resistant forms of these illnesses. Various studies on these substances are also being conducted in Poland, and subsequent scientific conferences organized in our country are bringing a growing amount of intriguing information about them. For these reasons, more and more countries are considering loosening regulations regarding scientific work and the medical use of these substances. The Australian government made a pioneering decision in this regard by approving the use of psilocybin for medical purposes.
It’s no wonder, then, that the literature on this topic is growing. Below, I present selected works that anyone interested in the topic should definitely read.
Historical Research on Psychedelic Substances in the Literature
It’s worth mentioning here that psychedelics are discussed in science primarily in three contexts. The first, and one that is being approached with increasing caution, concerns the addictive potential of these substances. It’s worth mentioning that we’re usually talking about psychological addiction (e.g., developing a habit) rather than physical addiction (as we encounter with alcohol, for example). The second approach concerns the influence of psychedelics on history and culture. The third – the therapeutic potential of these compounds.
Let’s first look at the literature on how psilocybin, mescaline, and other substances may have influenced the fate of the world and the shaping of culture and faith.
In this context, the book “When Plants Dream” by Daniel Pinchbeck and Sophia Rohlin is worth recommending. In this work, they invite the reader on a journey to the world of the Amazon, where, among other things, Ayahuasca reigns – a decoction made from specific plants, prepared by shamans. They trace its fate, but also point to the latest research on this psychedelic. They also consider its impact in the socio-political and economic context – both of its “original” users and of the inhabitants of the broadly defined “West.” This is probably the best compendium on this drug.
One of the “fathers” of modern psychedelic research – Terence McKenna – has to appear on this list. He has authored several books on the subject, but it’s worth considering this one, which focuses on psilocybin, among other things. The book “True Hallucinations” takes the reader on a journey around the world, where people used psychedelics, including “magic mushrooms,” to enter an altered state of consciousness. On the one hand, it demonstrates the importance of plants and fungi to primitive peoples, while simultaneously delving into philosophical reflections on how they might change the world today. For the sake of clarity, it’s worth mentioning “Food of the Gods” and “Archaic Rebirth,” which also explore the world of psychedelics.
Books Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Substances
The increasing frequency of research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances has resulted in a profusion of literature on the subject. These articles sometimes appear in collective works, but monographs covering the topic in depth are also available on the market. This stems, among other things, from the considerable interest in psychobiology in general. The book “Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: The Healing Potential of Expanded States of Consciousness,” edited by Maria Papaspyrou and Tim Read, is a comprehensive compendium of articles written by psychotherapists experienced in working with psychedelics. They describe, among other things, how psychedelic substances can improve the quality of life and interpersonal relationships. This is an interesting read for anyone interested in hearing the opinions of practitioners experienced in working with these compounds.
It’s worth knowing that Poles have a track record in psychedelic research. This is evidenced, among other things, by the book “Will Psychedelics Save the World?” by Maciej Lorenc. The journalist and researcher addresses the historical aspect of the use of psychedelic substances, but also draws on existing reports from scientists and psychotherapists. It’s worth pointing out that this isn’t your typical eulogy, as it also points out the potential risks associated with their use. There are no simple recipes here, but it is an excellent presentation of the complexity of the topic – including in the political and social context.
Literature on psychedelics – worth reading!
I’ve presented only a few selected works above. The topic of psychedelic substances is much more extensively covered in the literature and has been addressed by various researchers – both travelers with an anthropological bent, considering these preparations in a historical and cultural context, as well as scientists and therapists who have used them in practice to treat the sick. However, reading the aforementioned texts, it’s clear that the reader is familiar with the topic. By reading this book, you’ll gain a solid foundation for delving deeper into this topic. I encourage you to do so, as it’s truly worthwhile to learn more about the world of psilocybin, mescaline, and other substances that can impact your quality of life.