Psychoactive substances can provide a variety of “trips” into a world unknown to the average person. This results from their specific effects on cognitive functions and perception of reality. For example, psilocybin, contained in psilocybin mushrooms, can provide completely unique experiences, including the feeling of experiencing one’s own death (so-called ego death). However, this requires a heroic dose. What is it? How much is such a dose? If you want to learn more about it, read the article below.
What is a heroic dose?
In the 1980s, the term “heroic dose” was popularized (and perhaps even coined) by Terence McKenna. Virtually every mycology fan who also explores the properties of psilocybin knows it. A worldly thinker, philosopher, and dedicated researcher of these extraordinary organisms, he often tested them on himself, testing how different doses would affect well-being and perception of the world. He was the one who discovered that in the right quantity and under the right conditions, one can experience absolutely otherworldly experiences that detach one from reality.
However, such practices have not been known since modern humans experimented with psychedelics. The heroic dose was a common practice in various cultures, where psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and other psychoactive plants or mushrooms were used for rituals – contacting the gods, predicting the future, or uniting the tribe into a collective self.
But what exactly does this term mean? Importantly, it applies not only to the dose, but also to the method of administration, which is discussed further below. Everyone should experience such an “adventure” with their own mind independently (which doesn’t mean they have to be alone in the same room). A heroic dose, however, is defined as a dose that leads to—generally speaking—a reshaping of the self, experiencing one’s own death and rebirth. It can be both a terrifying and beautiful experience. For some people—at least according to their own reports—it has helped them rediscover meaning in life.
Different doses—different effects
Differentiating the amount of psilocybin or other psychedelics used is important. Different effects are achieved depending on the dose. Microdosing is used in medicine, for example, to combat depression, PTSD, and alcoholism. Some people also use it recreationally to decompress and escape from everyday problems.
Medium doses, on the other hand, are intended for people who want to experience something more – broaden their perspective on the world, increase creativity, experience certain hallucinations, but essentially without derealization or detachment from the self. Heroic dose, on the other hand, involves taking the largest amount, aiming to evoke a full spectrum of experiences. Some do it for new experiences, others… to cope with trauma.
Heroic dose – what dose?
Unlike micro, medium, and large doses, heroic dosage starts at 5 grams and can go up to 15 grams – which is already an extreme value. It’s important to remember that the effects of taking this amount of fruiting bodies will vary depending on the health, weight, and mental state of the user.
What’s important about a heroic dose?
Above all, although everyone experiences this experience independently, a person taking a heroic dose should not be alone. They must be surrounded by trusted people who, if necessary, will respond to any disturbing symptoms. It’s also recommended to take this amount of the substance in the dark or with a blindfold. Why? This is because such a large amount of psilocybin mushrooms strongly affects the perception of reality and the stimuli received. It’s best to ensure the user isn’t distracted by any stimuli, especially those that have a negative impact on them during the session. Before administering such a dose, it’s also worth defining the purpose of its use. This significantly helps focus on specific goals and better experience the moment.
Heroic dose – not for everyone?
It’s important to remember that psilocybin can also potentially cause some unpleasant effects. Especially if a person is in a bad mood or has a genetic predisposition to mental illness. Can everyone use this compound? Much depends on the dose. However, experiences with a heroic dose may be too strong for some. Anyone who decides to take it should definitely prepare themselves accordingly.