Does LSD make you smarter? New study suggests it promotes learning and memory

[C C]

https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/does...nd-memory/

INTRO: Researchers grew tiny brain tissue in their lab, which they exposed to solutions containing the powerful psychedelic drug LSD. Under the microscope, the scientists could see evidence that LSD enhances neuroplasticity — the capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information. Subsequent investigations also showed LSD made rats more eager to explore and improved memory in humans.

Previously, LSD has shown promising results in clinical trials for a variety of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, and addiction. But these findings show that the drug may not only be a viable treatment, but also a nootropic — a compound or supplement that enhances cognitive performance.,, (MORE - details)

[Magical Realist]

“LSD is a psychedelic drug which occasionally causes psychotic behavior in people who have NOT taken it.” ― Timothy Leary

[Syne]

LSD doesn't improve any potential that isn't already there. IOW, it's more likely just a catalyst instead of a cause. Neuroplasticity is only a change in how the brain operates, not an increase in native performance. But people love taking pills, etc. instead of doing the work for the same results.

[Yazata]

INTRO: Researchers grew tiny brain tissue in their lab, which they exposed to solutions containing the powerful psychedelic drug LSD.

A great deal would depend on what concentration the "solutions" were. (I haven't read the paper and am just replying to what CC posted.) LSD doses in humans are typically measured in tens to hundreds of micrograms ("mikes"), millionths of a gram. Very low concentrations.

Under the microscope, the scientists could see evidence that LSD enhances neuroplasticity

Which is extraordinarily interesting if it proves to be true.

the capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information.

Increased neuroplasticity might conceivably screw up a neural network that is already well optimized to its tasks as well. Inducing neuroplasticity might not be an unalloyed good.

Subsequent investigations also showed LSD made rats more eager to explore and improved memory in humans.

But I have to admit that those are very positive signs.

Previously, LSD has shown promising results in clinical trials for a variety of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, and addiction. But these findings show that the drug may not only be a viable treatment, but also a nootropic — a compound or supplement that enhances cognitive performance.

Maybe, maybe not. I think there is some truth to the idea that LSD and similar psychedelics can induce psychiatric illness in some small minority of users. (Perhaps those already predisposed to psychiatric illness.) So there is danger as well as opportunity in prescribing them.

The idea that LSD can increase neuroplasticity suggests that just hypothetically it might be useful in treating people with brain injuries, if it stimulates the growth of alternative nerve pathways to those that might have been damaged. It might reduce recovery times and improve the level of improvement, when combined with a program of cognitive/motor training.

[stryder]

INTRO: Researchers grew tiny brain tissue in their lab, which they exposed to solutions containing the powerful psychedelic drug LSD.

A great deal would depend on what concentration the "solutions" were. (I haven't read the paper and am just replying to what CC posted.) LSD doses in humans are typically measured in tens to hundreds of micrograms ("mikes"), millionths of a gram. Very low concentrations.

Under the microscope, the scientists could see evidence that LSD enhances neuroplasticity

Which is extraordinarily interesting if it proves to be true.

the capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information.

Increased neuroplasticity might conceivably screw up a neural network that is already well optimized to its tasks as well. Inducing neuroplasticity might not be an unalloyed good.

Subsequent investigations also showed LSD made rats more eager to explore and improved memory in humans.

But I have to admit that those are very positive signs.

Previously, LSD has shown promising results in clinical trials for a variety of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, and addiction. But these findings show that the drug may not only be a viable treatment, but also a nootropic — a compound or supplement that enhances cognitive performance.

Maybe, maybe not. I think there is some truth to the idea that LSD and similar psychedelics can induce psychiatric illness in some small minority of users. (Perhaps those already predisposed to psychiatric illness.) So there is danger as well as opportunity in prescribing them.

The idea that LSD can increase neuroplasticity suggests that just hypothetically it might be useful in treating people with brain injuries, if it stimulates the growth of alternative nerve pathways to those that might have been damaged. It might reduce recovery times and improve the level of improvement, when combined with a program of cognitive/motor training.

It's taken them long enough to look for the evidence which to be honest was already known to be there.

A number of cultures in the past used a "Passage to manhood" method of applying various hallucinogens as part of religious ceremonies. It made me consider that perhaps the increase in human intelligence which we just put down to evolution, might of well had some assistance. On the one hand it also likely aided people building fantastic interpretations of their reality based upon their observations and teachings (leading to the continued rationality of religion) and the other it could lead to inspiring great works.

What people have to understand though is that its not meant for constant usage. Its more to create a seed of change and then grow from that point (re-engage the neuroplasticity into a channeled direction) So if a person was to attempt to study hard (for a year or two) after having used it, it can aid them.

As for dealing with brain injuries, that's dependent also on the age of the person. Ideally it should be used when young if used at all, but this is only because the brain is still in development, which means it's capacity for neuroplasticity is already high. As you get older however that plasticity is reduced, and old neurological damage does start to peer through. Neuroplasticity at that point is therefore more of a workaround than a fix.

[Syne]

I think there is some truth to the idea that LSD and similar psychedelics can induce psychiatric illness in some small minority of users. (Perhaps those already predisposed to psychiatric illness.) So there is danger as well as opportunity in prescribing them.

Like I use to advise people, don't do LSD if you have any problems with your demons, stress, etc. when sober. Now I don't advise using LSD at all.

[Magical Realist]

I'd be afraid if I did LSD I'd gouge out my eyes with a screwdriver! I don't trust it or any hallucinogenic.

[RainbowUnicorn]

in varying doses i have taken LSD dozens of times

i think it shows great promise in micro-dosing for PTSD & anxiety disorders.

candy flip is one of the most common forms of LSD where it is mixed into 1 pill with MDMA.

personally i prefer just MDMA and a little meth(pseudoephedrine hydrosulphite[refined into the street name of "P" or meth amphetamine])


my expectation is micro dosing with MDMA & LSD matched along side CBT and a healthy diet with regular exercise
will dramatically reduce PTSD & anxiety attacks.

brain injurys from concussion etc is a different story.


the key being to open up new pathways in the brain and use CBT to pattern those new behaviours and neurological responses in
like re programming learning to walk etc.
but instead of learning to walk its learning to feel & react & think all mixed into one action.

IF YOU DECIDE to try a candy flip
be sure to only take 1/4(one quarter of a pill) of a pill & no more
if it feels like its not doing anything remember its subtle changes you want not big changes
& dont do it at night, do it midday
the effects will last around 4 to 5 hours & will repress your appetite
& it takes around 45 minutes to take effect properly

[C C]

Bear eats hallucinogenic honey, has wild trip
https://www.scivillage.com/thread-12722-...l#pid52583

[Zinjanthropos]

Reaching Nirvana, cosmic consciousness, or other positives by becoming wasted just doesn’t sound right to me.