We all want to be better people, right? People who are kinder, more empathetic, and more emotionally intelligent. Well, it turns out that there may be a way to become those things… and it involves psychedelics. That’s right, I’m talking about stuff like LSD, magic mushrooms, mescaline and DMT. Now before you write this off as another hippie diatribe extolling the virtues of mind-altering substances, hear me out. There is actually a ton of science to back up the claim that psychedelics can make you a better person. Let me explain how.

Psychedelics Increase Emotional Intelligence and empathy

In 2006, a study conducted at the University of Arizona found that people who had used psychedelics scored higher on tests measuring empathy and emotional intelligence than those who hadn’t. The increased empathy was especially pronounced in those who had used psychedelics more than once.

Other studies have found similar results. A 2012 study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that people who had taken LSD were more likely to score high on a “perspective taking” test, which measures how well someone can understand another person’s point of view. They also found that people who had taken LSD were better able to empathize with others and were more likely to agree with statements like “I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me.”

Psychedelics Can Make You Less Stressed and Anxious

Another benefit of psychedelics is that they can help reduce stress and anxiety. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that psilocybin mushrooms can help reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients. The study participants reported feeling less anxious and depressed after taking psilocybin, and those effects lasted for up to six months after the initial dose.

Other studies have found similar results when it comes to LSD. A 2016 study published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science found that a single dose of LSD can help reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). After taking LSD, the participants reported feeling less anxious and stressed, and those effects lasted for up to 12 months after the initial dose. So if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety or stress, psychedelics could be worth considering.

Psychedelics Can Help You Quit Bad Habits

Smoking cigarettes, overeating, drinking too much alcohol… we all have bad habits that we’d like to quit but find it difficult to do so. But what if I told you that there was a way to make it easier? A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that psilocybin mushrooms can help people quit smoking by reducing their cravings for cigarettes and making them less interested in smoking overall.

In the study, participants were given two doses of psilocybin separated by one week. The first dose was low (0.2 mg/kg), while the second dose was high (0.4 mg/kg). After taking the psychedelic mushroom doses, participants reported reduced cravings for cigarettes, as well as reductions in other measures related to nicotine dependence such as urge to smoke and self-efficacy (confidence in one’s ability to refrain from smoking). These effects lasted for up to six months after treatment, indicating that psilocybin could be a potentially long-lasting treatment for nicotine addiction.

Psychedelics Help Us Connect with Nature

One of the most well-known effects of psychedelics is their ability to induce what is known as "ego death." This is when your sense of self-importance and separateness from the world around you disappears. This can be a very spiritual experience, and it can help you see the interconnectedness of all life. After having this experience, many people report feeling more compassion for animals and a greater desire to protect the environment. Psychedelics can thus help us connect with nature on a deeper level, and this connection can be beneficial for both our individual wellbeing and the health of the planet as a whole.

Psychedelics Help Us Connect with Each Other

Psychedelics are often thought of as drugs that make you see weird things and trip out. But they can also be powerful tools for healing and self-discovery. When used in the right setting and with the proper guidance, psychedelics can help us connect with ourselves and each other in a deeper way. They reduce our sense of self-importance and make us more compassionate towards others.

They also help break down barriers between people of different cultures and backgrounds. When we are able to see the world from another person's perspective, it helps us build empathy and understanding. This is essential for creating a more peaceful and just world. Psychedelics have the potential to help us heal old traumas, connect with our spiritual side, and find new meaning in life. Used wisely, they can be an invaluable tool for personal growth and transformation.

Psychedelics Help Us Connect with Ourselves

Psychedelics offer us a chance to explore our inner most thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental environment. They help us to confront our fears, work through our traumas and connect with ourselves on a much deeper level. In doing so, we become stronger and wiser individuals. Psychedelics provide us with an opportunity to connect with ourselves in a way that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

They allow us to explore our own thoughts and feelings without judgment. They also help us confront our fears and overcome our traumas. By facing our demons, we are able to grow as individuals and become stronger and wiser. Psychedelics offer us a chance to grow in ways we never thought possible. So why not take advantage of that opportunity and see where it takes us?

The Negative Side of Psychedelics

Of course, there is always a potential downside to everything. Psychedelics are no exception. While there is much excitement about the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, it's important to remember that these drugs can also lead to negative experiences (known as "bad trips"), which can potentially worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. In addition, because these substances are illegal in most countries, it can be difficult to obtain them without breaking the law. This means that people who want to try psychedelics for therapeutic purposes often have to do so without medical supervision, which can be dangerous.

Conclusion:

All this goes to show that there are real benefits to using psychedelics—benefits that extend far beyond just getting "high." If you're struggling with stress or anxiety, trying quitting smoking or breaking another bad habit, or if you simply want to become a more well-rounded person, psychedelics could be worth considering. Of course, as with anything else, it's important to approach them with caution and respect; start slow (with a low dose), be sure you're in a comfortable environment with people you trust… and see where your trip takes you!