We can easily find ourselves in mental ruts, caused by everything from stress to drudge-like jobs. To unlock creativity, an interesting and relatively new phenomenon presents itself: Microdosing.
Microdosing involves doing what it sounds like: taking small doses of psychedelic substances, like LSD or psilocybin. People are exploring using them in place of medication, to restore balance and joy as well as increase creativity and productivity.
The idea is that an extremely small, sub-perceptual dose of a psychedelic drug can be used as a kind of cognitive enhancer: with little of the hallucinogenic effects, but just enough to switch up your thought process, people can find themselves in a more creative and productive state. It’s not a long-term solution, but rather a tool designed to get us out of the mental ruts we find ourselves in.
It’s important to note, though, that there are serious risks associated with microdosing, and not all substances – and not everyone – is suitable for this kind of experiment. People have had very different experiences depending on what substance they’ve used, so it’s best to consult an expert or do a lot of research before you embark on a microdosing journey.
The Science Behind Microdosing
At its core, microdosing involves taking very small, very controlled amounts of hallucinogenic substances on a regular basis. While there’s still not a great deal of scientific research on the topic, there have been some studies that have demonstrated that microdosing can have significant beneficial effects for some people.
In one study conducted at Imperial College London in 2017, 20 people who had taken LSD in the past were given very low dosages of the drug and asked to complete various cognitive tasks; results showed that, while the cognitive effects weren’t necessarily consistent across all subjects, a number of people experienced a boost in creativity and a reduction in anxiety levels.
Another 2017 study at Johns Hopkins University revealed similar effects in people who took low doses of the psychedelic psilocybin over a period of three months; in this case, the dose was large enough to cause positive changes in mood and other psychological benefits.
FAQ
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking small doses of psychedelic substances, like LSD or psilocybin, to boost creativity and productivity, while keeping the potential hallucinogenic effects to a minimum.
What are the risks of Microdosing?
Microdosing carries serious risks, and it’s important to note that not all substances – and not everyone – is suitable for this kind of experiment. Consulting an expert and doing a lot of research beforehand is advised.
What do studies say about the effects of Microdosing?
Studies show that microdosing can have significant beneficial effects for some people, like boosting creativity and reducing anxiety levels. It’s important to note, though, that results vary depending on the substance and the individual.