How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us about Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence Paperback – 1 Jan. 1900

I've just finished reading Michael Pollan's book on psychedelics. It's funny, informative and thought-provoking. The main strong point of the book for me is in bringing the reader up-to-date on where psychedelics currently stand as a set of potential therapeutic tools for the treatment of depression, addiction, and the anxiety of cancer patients facing imminent death; and on how public health professionals are slowly winning the argument for more, and much broader, studies to take place. Pollan's approach is rigorously materialist and rational, although by the end of the book - which includes his own experiences as a newcomer to the world of psychedelics at the age of sixty - he has to admit that the world may be a far stranger place than he had previously thought it to be. I can't recommend the book too highly - it's an engaging, intelligent and suprisingly moving read.

I think everyone should be able to read this insightful and groundbreaking exploration of psychadelics and how they may just be the most powerful and radical treatment for mental health in decades.Open your mind, learn about the science, and explore the world as it was meant to be seen.Genuinely, i will never be the same again. Eye opening in the extreme

The book is definitely thought provoking. For someone (like myself) who never read about, not to mention use any psychedelics before it will likely change your mind about the subject.The part about history of LSD is fascinating. If you liked it and want to know more, particularly about how and why psychedelics got banned in USA and the rest of the world I strongly recommend to read "Storming Heaven: LSD and the American Dream" which will give you fuller account of the events.Clearly, for the author trying psychedelics was not exactly life-changing but memorable experience. The tone of the book is generally positive but not exactly endorsing, particularly when it comes to 'recreational use' of LSD.From my part, after reading this book and "Storming Heaven" I came to personal conclusion that very limited (and I mean very limited) use of LSD in therapeutic settings has a potential for somebody to get to piece with himself and the world. Using it for people with depression and/or terminal disease seems quite justifiable.However LSD experience and particularly frequent usage is very unlikely to lead to any 'objective' achievements. That is your are unlikely to become smarter or to gain any special psychological or creative powers. The story of O'Leary demonstrates it quite clearly.Anyway, these are just my thoughts. If you are curious -- read this book, it is likely to change you mind about some aspects of the world.

This book looks at the current situation regarding research into the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental distress. A very interesting history looks at the 1950's and the success at that time through to the withdrawal of research grants following the counterculture. New research is now being undertaken. The book looks at the neuroscience-i.e. what these drugs do to the brain and the Author tries three different kinds of psychedelics as part of his research for the book. All of this is extremely well written. The title of the book relates to the idea of a de frag whereby the brains of some people could benefit from the insights and opening of their minds following an experience with psychedelics. This is an entertaining but serious book that builds a case for the sensible reappraisal of these substances and their benefits when used appropriately although a case is also made for access by people who are not suffering from mental distress. I genuinely couldn't put this book down and it is extraordinarily interesting. Don't be put off by any question of readability-it has enough depth whilst being very approachable for the reasonably well educated. One of the best books of non fiction I have ever read. Could not give it a higher recommendation.

Not sure if it was the author's intention, but there seems to be a hidden message in the title. The book does not only explore how psychedelics can change our minds, but perhaps more importantly it strives to change the minds of the wider audience on psychedelics. And it does it beautifully. Extremely well written and researched, the facts about the history of the subject and the studies meet personal experiences and contemplations. With fresh parallels and thought provoking questions the book offers the reader a great understanding of not just "how", but "why".This should be on a recommended reading list of anyone who is at the beginning of the journey. And if you had some experience, but can't quite make sense of it, the book will certainly help with that.The Audible narration is perfect as well.

I had seen the documentary on Netflix, which was fascinating.But the book is wonderful, full of interesting information and studies.Pollan is such a good writer and reading about his experiences was illuminating, moving and engrossing.It literally opened my mind.I warmly recommend it.