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How to Change Your Mind

What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

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About this listen

 “Pollan keeps you turning the pages . . . cleareyed and assured.” —New York Times

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2018, and New York Times Notable Book

A brilliant and brave investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs—and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences

When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. Thus began a singular adventure into various altered states of consciousness, along with a dive deep into both the latest brain science and the thriving underground community of psychedelic therapists. Pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.

A unique and elegant blend of science, memoir, travel writing, history, and medicine, How to Change Your Mind is a triumph of participatory journalism. By turns dazzling and edifying, it is the gripping account of a journey to an exciting and unexpected new frontier in our understanding of the mind, the self, and our place in the world. The true subject of Pollan's "mental travelogue" is not just psychedelic drugs but also the eternal puzzle of human consciousness and how, in a world that offers us both suffering and joy, we can do our best to be fully present and find meaning in our lives. Mental Health Pain Management Physical Illness & Disease Professionals & Academics Psychology & Mental Health Science & Technology Health Consciousness Inspiring Meditation Medicine Food Addiction Addiction Memoirs

Editorial Review

Michael Pollan embarks on a transformative journey when he tries psychedelic drugs. Follow him as he journeys to discover if they can be useful aids in the treatment of addiction and anxiety. This Audible audiobook will open your mind to a whole new understanding of psychedelics.

Legendary journalist and #1 New York Times best-selling author Michael Pollan is the writer and narrator of How to Change Your Mind. He makes a courageous inquiry into the medical and scientific revolution unfolding around psychedelic drugs. Before starting the book, Pollan had never tried psychedelics, but when he discovered that clinical interest had been revived for those drugs, he wanted to see firsthand what these remarkable substances actually do to us.

Pollan tells the story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences in a captivating way as he shares what he experienced under the influence of these drugs. He convincingly maintains that our fears are out of place regarding psychedelics, most of which are not addictive. He doesn’t encourage drug abuse but rather believes that psychedelic-assisted therapy overseen by trained professionals can be personally transformative. It can be helpful for many things like treating addiction and relieving the anxiety of the terminally ill. Pollan is also the writer and narrator of Caffeine, The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food which focus on food and bring reflection about the way we eat.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really opened my mind to a new outlook and procedure of use toward a d regarding mushrooms and psychedelics.

I would reccomend this to anyone interested in medicine, science, experimental use of illicit drugs, anyone eith depression / anxiety / substance abuse, or just curious about the world and our relation to it.

I just wish Michael Pollan would pronounce Saskatchewan properly. Like he isn't doing it wrong just not the way local Canadians do.

Anyways I am eager to delve deeper into his works, the world of mushrooms (magic and culinary), and therapeutic sessions of said mushrooms potentially in the future barring changes in legislation... or not.

Educational, enlightening, and optimistic.

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I have been reading on this topic for several years now. My understanding is growing thanks to Pollan. This will help me and my family as we journey through life with a controlled EGO as much as possible. Thank you Michael.

Exactly what the world needs now

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What an eye opening experience to learn about this. Totally recommend if you wish to have some of your views questioned. #Audible1

Eye Opening

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One of the most respected koi takes on a tough topic and does it with professionalism and academic rigour. This book should be read by all.

A must read

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Super important to have the author narrate as it would be difficult to follow without his intimate knowledge of the material. Took me quite a while to finish as some of the material is a little challenging.

So interesting!

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