Microdosing Psychedelics are substances that alter one’s perception, cognition, and mood, often inducing profound and sometimes mystical experiences. Examples of psychedelics include LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), DMT, and mescaline. While these substances have been used for centuries by various cultures and religions, they have also been stigmatized and criminalized in many parts of the world due to their potential for abuse and adverse effects.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest and acceptance in the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, especially in the context of microdosing. Microdosing refers to the practice of taking very small doses of psychedelics, typically between 1/10th and 1/20th of a normal recreational dose, on a regular schedule, such as every few days or weeks. Unlike a full-blown psychedelic trip, microdosing does not produce any noticeable hallucinations or impairments, but rather subtle and sub-perceptual changes in mood, cognition, and creativity.
The purpose of this article is to explore the potential health benefits of microdosing psychedelics, especially for enhancing mood and emotional well-being. We will review the current scientific evidence, the possible mechanisms of action, and the challenges and limitations of this emerging field of research.
Enhanced Mood and Emotional Well-being
One of the most commonly reported benefits of microdosing psychedelics is the improvement of mood and emotional well-being. Many anecdotal reports and online surveys suggest that microdosing can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD, as well as increase happiness, optimism, gratitude, and empathy. Some users also claim that microdosing can enhance their social skills, relationships, and sense of connection with others and nature.
But how does microdosing affect mood and emotions? One possible explanation is that microdosing influences the serotonin system in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotion, cognition, and behavior and is often targeted by antidepressant drugs. Psychedelics are known to act on the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which are involved in modulating various brain functions, such as learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. By stimulating these receptors, microdosing may increase the availability and activity of serotonin in the brain, thus enhancing mood and emotional well-being.
Another possible mechanism is that microdosing reduces the activity of the default mode network (DMN) in the brain. The DMN is a network of brain regions that are active when the mind is wandering, ruminating, or self-referential. The DMN is often associated with negative emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, guilt, and fear, and is hyperactive in people with depression and anxiety disorders. Psychedelics have been shown to decrease the activity and connectivity of the DMN, which may result in a shift from a narrow and rigid self-focus to a more open and flexible perspective. By dampening the DMN, microdosing may reduce the frequency and intensity of negative thoughts and emotions, and increase the awareness and acceptance of the present moment.
A third possible mechanism is that microdosing enhances the overall emotional resilience of the individual. Emotional resilience is the ability to cope with and recover from stressful and adverse situations, and to maintain a positive outlook and functioning. Emotional resilience is influenced by various factors, such as genetics, personality, environment, and life experiences. Microdosing may boost emotional resilience by increasing neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and neuroprotection in the brain, which are essential for learning, adaptation, and recovery. Microdosing may also foster a growth mindset, which is the belief that one’s abilities and skills can be improved through effort and feedback. By promoting neurobiological and psychological changes, microdosing may help the individual to overcome challenges, cope with stress, and thrive in life.
Microdosing Psychedelics: Cognitive Enhancement
Another reported benefit of microdosing psychedelics is the enhancement of cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, learning, and creativity. Many users claim that microdosing helps them to think more clearly, process information faster, and generate novel ideas and solutions.
One of the possible mechanisms behind this effect is the influence of microdosing on neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change and adapt its structure and function in response to experience and stimuli. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between different modes of thinking and perspectives and to adapt to changing situations and demands. Both neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility are essential for learning, problem-solving, and innovation, and are often impaired in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Microdosing may enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility by stimulating the growth of new neurons and synapses, increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors, and modulating the activity of various brain regions and networks.
Another possible mechanism is the improvement of creativity and problem-solving skills. Creativity is the ability to produce original and valuable ideas or products, and problem-solving is the ability to find effective solutions to complex or novel challenges. Both creativity and problem-solving require divergent thinking, which is the generation of multiple and diverse possibilities, and convergent thinking, which is the evaluation and selection of the best option. Microdosing may enhance creativity and problem-solving by increasing the levels of dopamine and glutamate, which are neurotransmitters involved in motivation, reward, and cognition. Microdosing may also facilitate the integration of different types of information and the formation of novel associations, which are key aspects of creative thinking.
A third possible mechanism is the potential for enhancing memory and learning capabilities. Memory is the ability to store and retrieve information, and learning is the process of acquiring and applying new knowledge and skills. Both memory and learning depend on the consolidation and recall of information, which are influenced by various factors, such as attention, emotion, and context. Microdosing may enhance memory and learning by improving the encoding and retrieval of information, strengthening the synaptic connections, and reducing the interference and forgetting of information. Microdosing may also modulate the emotional and contextual aspects of memory and learning, which can affect the salience and relevance of information.
Increased Productivity and Focus
A related benefit of micro-dosing psychedelics is the increase in productivity and focus. Many users report that microdosing helps them to achieve more in their work, studies, or hobbies, by enhancing their concentration, motivation, and efficiency.
One of the possible mechanisms behind this effect is the modulation of neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons and regulate various brain functions. Some of the neurotransmitters that are affected by microdosing are norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and histamine, which are involved in arousal, alertness, and attention. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, microdosing may improve the ability to focus on a task, filter out distractions, and sustain attention for longer periods of time.
Another possible mechanism is the reports of heightened concentration and task efficiency. Concentration is the ability to direct and maintain one’s attention on a specific goal or activity, and task efficiency is the ability to perform a task with optimal speed and accuracy. Both concentration and task efficiency are influenced by various factors, such as cognitive load, fatigue, and boredom. Microdosing may improve concentration and task efficiency by reducing the cognitive load, increasing energy and stamina, and enhancing the interest and enjoyment of the task.
A third possible mechanism is the exploration of microdosing as a tool for productivity enhancement. Productivity is the measure of the output or results of a person’s work or effort and is often associated with success and achievement. Productivity can be influenced by various factors, such as goals, strategies, feedback, and environment. Microdosing may increase productivity by facilitating the setting and pursuit of goals, the development and implementation of strategies, the reception and utilization of feedback, and the optimization and adaptation of the environment.
Addiction Treatment and Substance Abuse
One of the most promising applications of micro dosing psychedelics is the treatment of addiction and substance abuse. Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Substance abuse is the excessive or inappropriate use of drugs or alcohol, which can impair one’s health, functioning, and well-being. Both addiction and substance abuse are major public health problems that affect millions of people worldwide and are often difficult to treat with conventional methods.
One of the possible mechanisms behind the therapeutic potential of micro-dosing is the examination of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves the use of psychedelics in conjunction with psychological support and guidance. The aim of this approach is to facilitate the exploration and resolution of the underlying psychological and emotional issues that contribute to addiction and substance abuse, such as trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Microdosing may enhance the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy by preparing the patient for the psychedelic experience, enhancing the therapeutic alliance, and facilitating the integration and consolidation of the insights and changes.
Another possible mechanism is the reduction in cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Cravings are the intense and irresistible urges to use drugs or alcohol, and withdrawal symptoms are the physical and psychological discomforts that occur when one stops or reduces the use of drugs or alcohol. Both cravings and withdrawal symptoms are major triggers and barriers to relapse and recovery and are often influenced by the dysregulation of the reward system in the brain. Microdosing may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by restoring the balance and function of the reward system, modulating the levels of dopamine and serotonin, and alleviating the negative effects and stress.
A third possible mechanism is the potential for breaking patterns of addiction and substance abuse. Addiction and substance abuse are often maintained by habitual and maladaptive patterns of behavior, cognition, and emotion, which are reinforced by the drug effects and environmental cues. Microdosing may help break these patterns by inducing neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility, which can facilitate the unlearning and relearning of new behaviors, cognitions, and emotions. Microdosing may also induce a shift in perspective and values, which can motivate the individual to change their lifestyle and seek healthier and more meaningful alternatives.
Neuroprotective Properties
Another potential benefit of micro-dosing psychedelics is the protection of brain health and function. The brain is a complex and dynamic organ that is constantly changing and adapting to the environment and experiences. However, the brain is also vulnerable to various factors that can damage or impair its structure and function, such as aging, injury, disease, stress, and toxins. Microdosing may have neuroprotective properties that can prevent or mitigate the effects of these factors on the brain.
One of the possible mechanisms behind this effect is the research on the impact of microdosing on brain health. Several studies have suggested that microdosing may have beneficial effects on various aspects of brain health, such as blood flow, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. For example, a study by Barrett et al. (2021) found that microdosing psilocybin increased cerebral blood flow in healthy volunteers, which may indicate improved brain oxygenation and metabolism. Another study by Flanagan et al. (2018) found that microdosing LSD reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain of mice, which may indicate reduced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Another possible mechanism is the potential for neurogenesis and repair. Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons in the brain, and repair is the process of restoring damaged or lost neurons and synapses. Both neurogenesis and repair are essential for maintaining and enhancing brain function and are often impaired in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Microdosing may enhance neurogenesis and repair by stimulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a protein that promotes the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons and synapses. Microdosing may also activate the 5-HT2A receptors, which are involved in modulating neurogenesis and repair in various brain regions.
A third possible mechanism is an exploration of micro-dosing as a preventive measure against cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is the deterioration of cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, reasoning, and executive function, that occurs with aging or disease. Cognitive decline can affect one’s quality of life, independence, and well-being, and is often associated with increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Microdosing may prevent or delay cognitive decline by enhancing the neuroprotective properties mentioned above, as well as by improving the cognitive functions mentioned in the previous section. Microdosing may also induce neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility, which can help the brain to adapt and compensate for the loss of function.
However, microdosing psychedelics is still a relatively new and unexplored phenomenon, and there is a need for further research and exploration to validate and understand its effects, mechanisms, and applications. There are also various risks and ethical implications that need to be considered and addressed, such as the safety and legality of microdosing, the potential for adverse effects and interactions, the quality and consistency of the substances, and the social and cultural acceptance and stigma of microdosing. Therefore, microdosing psychedelics should be approached with caution, curiosity, and respect, and should not be considered as a panacea or a shortcut, but rather as a potential tool for enhancing one’s health and well-being.
FAQ
Q: What is microdosing psychedelics?
A: Microdosing psychedelics is the practice of taking very small doses of substances that alter perception, cognition, and mood, such as LSD, psilocybin, DMT, or mescaline, on a regular schedule, such as every few days or weeks. The doses are typically between 5 to 10% of a normal recreational dose, and are too low to produce any noticeable hallucinations or impairments, but may still have subtle and sub-perceptual effects.
Q: Why do people microdose psychedelics?
A: People may microdose psychedelics for various reasons, such as to enhance their well-being, creativity, productivity, or focus, to reduce their symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions, or to explore their consciousness and spirituality. Some people may also microdose psychedelics out of curiosity, experimentation, or personal preference.
Q: How do microdosing psychedelics work?
A: Microdosing psychedelics may work by modulating various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood, emotion, cognition, and behavior. Microdosing may also reduce the activity of the default mode network (DMN), a network of brain regions that are associated with self-referential thoughts, rumination, and negative affect. By altering the brain chemistry and function, microdosing may induce rapid and lasting antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, as well as enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility.
Q: What are the benefits of microdosing psychedelics?
A: Microdosing psychedelics may have various benefits for people who suffer from mental health conditions that are resistant or unresponsive to conventional treatments, such as antidepressants, psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some of the benefits are:
Rapid and robust improvement of mood and emotional well-being
Reduction of symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts
Enhancement of cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, learning, and creativity
Increase productivity and focus
Improvement of social skills and relationships
Facilitation of psychological insight and growth
Prevention or delay of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration
Q: What are the risks of microdosing psychedelics?
A: Microdosing psychedelics is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used properly under the guidance of a healthcare provider. However, there are some potential risks and side effects that need to be considered and monitored, such as:
Dissociative or psychedelic effects, such as feeling detached, distorted, or unreal
Hallucinations, illusions, or altered perceptions of time and space
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or headache
Increased blood pressure, heart rate, or body temperature
Blurred vision, dry mouth, or numbness
Anxiety, agitation, or confusion
Memory impairment or cognitive impairment
Dependence, tolerance, or abuse
Drug interactions or contraindications
Q: Who can benefit from microdosing psychedelics?
A: Microdosing psychedelics may benefit people who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition that is severe, chronic, or treatment-resistant, who have not responded to other forms of treatment, or who cannot tolerate the side effects of other medications. Some of the conditions that may benefit from microdosing psychedelics are:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Bipolar disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Substance use disorder (SUD)
Chronic pain syndrome
Q: Who should not use microdosing psychedelics?
A: Microdosing psychedelics is not suitable for everyone, and there are some people who should avoid or be cautious about using it. Some of the contraindications or precautions for microdosing psychedelics are:
History of psychosis, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder
History of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or arrhythmia
History of liver disease, kidney disease, or urinary tract problems
History of glaucoma increased intraocular pressure, or eye injury
History of allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to psychedelics or related drugs
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
Current use of alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants
Current use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other medications that may interact with psychedelics
Q: How much does microdosing psychedelics cost?
A: The cost of microdosing psychedelics may vary depending on the type, dose, frequency, and source of the substance, as well as the legal status and availability of the substance in different regions. In general, the average cost of microdosing psychedelics in the United States is:
LSD: $2 to $5 per microdose, or $30 to $75 per month
Psilocybin: $1 to $3 per microdose, or $15 to $45 per month
DMT: $5 to $10 per microdose, or $75 to $150 per month
Mescaline: $10 to $20 per microdose, or $150 to $300 per month
Q: Is microdosing psychedelics legal?
A: The legality of microdosing psychedelics may depend on the type of substance, the amount of substance, and the location of the user. In general, most psychedelics are classified as Schedule I drugs by the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, which means they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Therefore, microdosing psychedelics is illegal in most cases and may result in criminal penalties, such as fines, arrests, or imprisonment. However, there are some exceptions and variations in the legal status of psychedelics in different states and countries, such as:
Oregon: In 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use in licensed facilities, and to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of all drugs, including psychedelics.
California: In 2019, Oakland and Santa Cruz became the first cities to decriminalize the possession and use of natural psychedelics, such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and mescaline, for personal or religious purposes.
Colorado: In 2019, Denver became the first city to decriminalize the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms for personal use.
Canada: In 2020, Canada granted exemptions to some patients and healthcare providers to legally possess and use psilocybin for end-of-life care.
Netherlands: In the Netherlands, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal, but psilocybin truffles, which are the underground parts of the mushrooms, are legal and sold in smart shops.
Jamaica: In Jamaica, psilocybin mushrooms are legal and widely available, and there are retreats and clinics that offer microdosing and macrodosing services.
Q: How to start microdosing psychedelics?
A: Starting microdosing psychedelics may require some research, preparation, and caution, as not all substances, doses, and schedules are suitable or safe for everyone. Some of the steps to start micro dosing psychedelics are:
Consult with a healthcare provider, preferably one who is knowledgeable and experienced in psychedelics, and discuss your medical history, diagnosis, goals, expectations, and concerns. Get a clearance and a recommendation for microdosing psychedelics, and check for any drug interactions or contraindications.
Choose a substance that matches your needs, preferences, and availability. Research the effects, risks, and legal status of different psychedelics, and decide which one you want to try. Obtain the substance from a reliable and trustworthy source, and test it for purity and potency.
Choose a dose that is appropriate for your body weight, sensitivity, and tolerance. Start with a low dose, such as 5 to 10 micrograms of LSD or 0.1 to 0.3 grams of psilocybin, and adjust it according to your response and feedback. Use a scale, a syringe, or a volumetric dosing method to measure the dose accurately and consistently.
Choose a schedule that is convenient and sustainable for you. Follow a common protocol, such as one day on, two days off, or one day on, or three days off, or create your own schedule based on your needs and goals. Keep track of your microdosing days, doses, and effects, and take breaks or stop if needed.
Choose a setting that is comfortable and supportive for you. Microdose in a familiar and safe environment, preferably in the morning or early afternoon, and avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in risky activities. Have a sober and trusted person with you, or at least available, in case of any adverse effects or emergencies. Integrate microdosing with other healthy habits, such as meditation, exercise, diet, and therapy, to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.
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