The use of psychedelic substances, such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT, has long been associated with creativity and experiences of deep exploration. But in recent years, psychedelics have been making headlines for matters unrelated to their traditional use. Enter microdosing.
Microdosing is the practice of taking a low dose of psychedelics, such as LSD, over a period of several weeks or months. As an increasing number of creatives are turning to microdosing as a way to “unlock” their creativity and innovation, let’s dive in and explore the relationship between microdosing and creative thinking.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves the use of very small amounts of psychedelics in an effort to reap the purported physical and psychological benefits without fully experiencing a psychedelic “trip.” Essentially, practitioners are looking to increase their performance in the various areas of everyday life like creativity, productivity, and social interaction, as opposed to trying to achieve a peak psychedelic experience.
What Are the Benefits of Microdosing?
By taking such a small dose of psychedelics, users tend to remain focused and present in their daily lives rather than taking large amounts and being overwhelmed by an altered state. Proponents of microdosing claim to experience benefits such as improved focus, increased creativity, better sleep quality, improved exercise performance, and increased emotional intelligence.
How Does Microdosing Affect Creative Thinking?
Though much of the research into microdosing is still in its infancy, some studies have suggested that it does appear to have a notable impact on creative thinking. There has been some anecdotal evidence of increases in fluid intelligence, allowing users to generate more novel ideas and remain astute problem-solving in the face of new challenges.
In one study[1], individuals who engaged in microdosing were significantly more innovative than those in the control group. The study found that those who engaged in microdosing were more likely to think outside the box and generate new, creative solutions to challenges they encountered.
Conclusion
As of now, much of the research into microdosing points to its positive effects and potential ability to enhance the creative thinking process. But suffice to say, much more research is needed before any meaningful conclusions can be made.
FAQs
Q. Is Microdosing Safe?
A. In general, psychedelics are not considered to be addictive substances, and users tend to find microdosing to be relative safe, as long as the dosages are small. Additionally, studies suggest that psychedelics, including small doses, are not linked to any concerning mental health issues.
Q. How Long Do Microdosing Effects Last?
A. Generally, the effects of each dose of psychedelics can last for up to 8 hours after consumption. Many microdosers will typically wait a few days before taking another dose in order to ensure the effects have worn off.
Q. Is There Any Risk of Addiction When Microdosing?
A. Psychedelics are considered to be low-risk substances, particularly in microdoses. There is little to no evidence to suggest that microdosing can lead to addiction.
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acer.13914