If you’ve heard whispers about microdosing, chances are you’ve also heard about its promises for unlocking creative potential too. Whether or not there is a link between microdosing and creativity is a hot topic of conversation – but is there anything to all of this hype? We explore the evidence to date.
The concept of microdosing involves consuming a psychedelic substance, such as LSD or psilocybin, at a small fraction of a traditional ‘macrodose’ for potential therapeutic benefits. While there have been plenty of anecdotal reports from creatives claiming creative benefits, such as improved productivity, creative flow, and novel problem solving methods, there are also mixed understandings around the science and long-term effects of microdosing.
One of the most promising areas of research into the psychological benefits of microdosing to date is with people who experience persistent, lifelong creativity blocks. One study, conducted over a period of 8 weeks with a small cohort of people experiencing mental blocks for many years, sought to explore how tiny doses of psilocybin could impact the participants’ creativity. The results showed that consistent microdoses significantly enhanced creativity more than any expected placebo effect, with all participants reporting an improvement in their creative self-efficacy and overall well-being.
So, is microdosing safe? While there is the potential for many positive effects microdosing, further research is required. There is a lack of established clinical trials and studies regarding the long-term effects of any kind of risk, which means that we should be mindful to approach any kind of psychedelics – be it a macrodose or a microdose – with the right kind of respect and caution.
It is also important to note that microdosing is not a one-size-fits-all healing solution. While there have been some promising results from studies into the creative potential of microdosing, the exact effects will vary depending on the individual’s lifestyle, health condition, and other personal experiences. If you are considering microdosing for any reason, talk to your healthcare provider first.
FAQs
Q. What is microdosing?
A. Microdosing is the practice of taking a small fraction of a traditional ‘macrodose’ of a psychedelic substance such as LSD or psilocybin to bring potential therapeutic benefits to the user.
Q. Are there any potential risks to microdosing?
A. While there is the potential for many positive effects microdosing, further research is required. As with all psychedelics, it’s important to approach them with respect and caution, and always consult your healthcare provider.
Q. Can microdosing really help increase creativity?
A. Anecdotal reports from people who have experienced mental blocks for many years suggest that regular microdoses of psychedelics can significantly enhance creativity. However, whether or not microdosing will have the same effect for different individuals is yet to be established through further research.