My Altered States
A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Trauma, Psychedelics, and Spiritual Growth
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My Altered States
Narrated by:
Rick Strassman M.D. M.D.
Buy Now for £12.99
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Narrated by:
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Rick Strassman M.D. M.D.
About this listen
“You're such an important part of the psychedelic history.”—Joe Rogan Experience, episode #1854
• Recounts several dozen of the author’s experiences of drug and non-drug altered states of consciousness from birth to early adulthood
• Applies the lenses of four explanatory models—psychoanalysis, psychopharmacology, Zen Buddhism, and medieval Jewish metaphysics—in understanding how and why they occurred
• Demonstrates the importance of careful unflinching recollection and documentation of both heavenly and hellish altered states in one’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual life
Why do we seek out altered states of consciousness, or why, in some cases, do they happen unbidden? What do we see and hear, and what happens emotionally, physically, and psychologically? How and why are these experiences different from or similar to one another? Are they meaningful? And what do we do with them after they have passed?
Addressing these questions, renowned psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman, M.D., draws upon his journals and analyses of dozens of episodes of altered consciousness that occurred during, or are intimately tied to, his life between birth and young adulthood. Just as significant as the ecstatic blissful experiences are the uncensored and, at times, painfully unvarnished narratives of less elevated ones. Visually augmenting all these accounts are the striking images of artist Merrilee Challiss.
Understanding and applying the meaning and message of any altered state—its integration—first requires a clear-eyed recollection of the actual experience in all its aspects, neither pushing away the ugly nor grasping after the beautiful. This book provides a profound example of how one might go about accomplishing this daunting task.
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Critic reviews
“ . . . Having the mind and the courage . . . You’re such an important part of the psychedelic history of this country because what you did is you legitimized a very important thing."
“A remarkable memoir from a trailbreaking consciousness explorer. Strassman, in describing his own development from altered state to altered state, has written honest, candid reports of his own trips. A unique set of stories illuminating what became his extraordinary life.”
“For those of us who seek a path to better understanding of ourselves and how our own behavior affects others, and who are willing to dive deep into the mystery of consciousness, Rick Strassman’s My Altered States provides much food for thought. I highly recommend it!”
“An illuminating autobiographical exploration of pioneering psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman’s early life and firsthand experiences with altered states of consciousness. . . . This sensitive and self-revealing examination of how these powerful compounds affected Dr. Strassman’s personal evolution and his insights into the potential impact of psychedelics make a valuable contribution to our understanding of human consciousness and the potential for new and valuable psychiatric treatments.”
“In his gripping, painfully honest memoir My Altered States, eminent psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman delves into the risks as well as spiritual potential of psychedelics. As capitalists seek to monetize these remarkable substances, Strassman’s book provides a much-needed counterpoint to the hype and hoopla.”
“Brave, honest, real, self-critical, deeply personal, and well-told, Rick Strassman’s account of his formative years casts compelling light on his subsequently pioneering career in psychedelic science. A necessary contribution.”
“Rick Strassman’s memoir is a gift defined by both raw honesty and a distinct literary beauty. He shows us how scientific exploration itself can be an altered state, guiding us deeper into practices like meditation, psychedelics, and psychoanalysis. Get ready for a wild ride, including a telepathic one on a flying carpet.”
“If you want to know what shaped the mind of one of the most important and influential psychedelic scientists of the last century, I can’t recommend this book highly enough.”
“The doyen of DMT studies finally begins to share his personal experiences with psychedelics—as well as his personal history—in this wise, intimate, funny, at-times disturbing, always heartfelt memoir. It covers his life up to the time he joined a Zen Buddhist monastery while on leave from medical school in his early twenties. I highly recommend this book.”
It informs the listener as to how and why he began delving into psychedelics and how they in turn both helped and hindered his development as a young man finding his way in this confusing and contradictory world.
Rick’s foray into altered states of consciousness seemed to be his way of trying to make sense of what we are as humans and why we even exist at all. Fascinating stuff and very helpful for those wanting to know about how this renowned doctor got his start in the field of studying psychedelics and their relationship to psychoanalysis.
The story is a little uncomfortable at times, and his halting, somewhat stilted narration technique jarred me occasionally. I’m not convinced he should have narrated the book himself, quite honestly, but I forgave him as I know he had a stammer which he managed to overcome, so a brave effort overall.
The book ends a bit abruptly, and I’m left wondering if this is just the beginning of a life story? I’ll be ready for the next installation.
A very personal account
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