Week 4 - LSD

           I was intrigued by research findings regarding the crystalline structure of LSD and   its attachment to serotonin receptors. Unlike many other euphoric drugs, such as ecstasy, and unlike SSRI's used for depression, LSD does not effect the release of serotonin nor its breakdown and re-uptake. Instead this research shows that it mimics the effects of serotonin. With LSD the system does not get flooded by serotonin and therefore does not undergo habituation or sensitization. It may be for this reason that it is not known to be addictive. A non-addictive drug that produces euphoria? What could be bad? 
            There are always so many concerns expressed about drugs that produce a change in mental or spiritual perspective. The goal of research appears to be related to how we can take advantage of LSD's benefits without having a "euphoric," or mind altering experience. Even in class we very seriously discussed the importance of having a "trained" guide, such as a psychotherapist and we very quickly dismissed the use of LSD as a "party" drug. The possibility that LSD can induce psychosis   or schizophrenia is not something to be ignored. Research suggests that 3 out of 100 people may experience a short or long term psychosis. That is not nothing compared to the 1% prevalence of psychosis in the general  population. However, anti-depressants are also known to cause psychosis and suicidal tendencies in some people.
              That being said, I don't like the idea of medicalizing or controlling people's access or ability to follow their own inner exploration with whatever tools they deem appropriate. Certainly using mind altering drugs in a therapeutic or ritual setting is invaluable for some people, but why should everyone else have to wait until they have PTSD, trauma, a medically defined mental disorder, or a fatal illness before they get to enjoy the benefits (legally)? We all have different ways of exploring ourselves. Some climb mountains without safety ropes. They take a risk because they feel the benefit is worth it. The Sundance, held by a number of native American tribes, involved four to eight days of fasting from water and food while dancing in the heat of summer. Dancers were  pierced through the chest with a bone while attached to a center pole. Part of the purification ritual was to break free of the fetters. We don't generally experience self growth without some degree of pain.

               Yes, sometimes euphoric medicines induce a painful experience, but that often leads to what many (Steve Jobs, Jerry Garcia, Michel Pollen...) describe as one of the most important and powerful experiences of their lives. I myself feel that psychedelic experiences make me who I am today more than any other single causative factor (other than my parents). My understanding of the universe, life, death, birth, love, relationship, human nature, animal nature, etc... are more deeply informed by psychedelics than almost anything else.  We are so averse to pain in our modern western culture. Perhaps this is why most of us remain stubborn children throughout the majority of our lives.