‘Psychedelic integration’ is a somewhat nebulous concept. It is often broadly defined as incorporating what one experienced and learned on psychedelics into everyday life. But this loose definition raises many questions, such as how and why certain aspects of the psychedelic experience are integrated. In other words, what techniques effectively aid such integration, and what…
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Nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’) is a colourless gas with sedative, analgesic, euphoric, dissociative, and (if the dose is right) mystical effects. When used recreationally, the gas comes in canisters, known as ‘nangs’ in Australia and New Zealand, with other street names for the gas including ‘whippets’ (or ‘whippits’) and ‘hippy crack’. There is both a…
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Ibogaine is a tryptamine psychedelic found in Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central West Africa. Some of the indigenous peoples of Gabon, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo use the root or bark of this plant (as these contain the highest concentrations of ibogaine) as part of Bwiti spiritual…
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The ebb and flow of ocean waves has a naturally soothing quality to it. We all experience it; we all appreciate it. But why do ocean sounds relax us and calm the mind? One speculative hypothesis is that these sounds remind us of life in the womb. According to this hypothesis, the sound of waves,…
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In psychedelic clinical trials, patients with a history of psychotic experiences, a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, or a mood disorder with psychotic symptoms are typically screened out. (Other exclusion criteria – again, typically – include a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or recent suicidality.) The reason for excluding people with psychotic symptoms from trials on psychedelic-assisted therapy…
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