Single Dose of 'Magic Mushrooms' Hallucinogen May Create Lasting Personality Change

**Prince** · 09-29-2011, 09:50 AM

Single Dose of 'Magic Mushrooms' Hallucinogen May Create Lasting Personality Change, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily (Sep. 29, 2011) - A single high dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, the active ingredient in so-called "magic mushrooms," was enough to bring about a measurable personality change lasting at least a year in nearly 60 percent of the 51 participants in a new study, according to the Johns Hopkins researchers who conducted it.

Lasting change was found in the part of the personality known as openness, which includes traits related to imagination, aesthetics, feelings, abstract ideas and general broad-mindedness. Changes in these traits, measured on a widely used and scientifically validated personality inventory, were larger in magnitude than changes typically observed in healthy adults over decades of life experiences, the scientists say. Researchers in the field say that after the age of 30, personality doesn't usually change significantly.

"Normally, if anything, openness tends to decrease as people get older," says study leader Roland R. Griffiths, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The research, approved by Johns Hopkins' Institutional Review Board, was funded in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

The study participants completed two to five eight-hour drug sessions, with consecutive sessions separated by at least three weeks. Participants were informed they would receive a "moderate or high dose" of psilocybin during one of their drug sessions, but neither they nor the session monitors knew when.

During each session, participants were encouraged to lie down on a couch, use an eye mask to block external visual distraction, wear headphones through which music was played and focus their attention on their inner experiences.

Personality was assessed at screening, one to two months after each drug session and approximately 14 months after the last drug session. Griffiths says he believes the personality changes found in this study are likely permanent since they were sustained for over a year by many.

Nearly all of the participants in the new study considered themselves spiritually active (participating regularly in religious services, prayer or meditation). More than half had postgraduate degrees. The sessions with the otherwise illegal hallucinogen were closely monitored and volunteers were considered to be psychologically healthy

"We don't know whether the findings can be generalized to the larger population," Griffiths says.

As a word of caution, Griffiths also notes that some of the study participants reported strong fear or anxiety for a portion of their daylong psilocybin sessions, although none reported any lingering harmful effects. He cautions, however, that if hallucinogens are used in less well supervised settings, the possible fear or anxiety responses could lead to harmful behaviors.

Griffiths says lasting personality change is rarely looked at as a function of a single discrete experience in the laboratory. In the study, the change occurred specifically in those volunteers who had undergone a "mystical experience," as validated on a questionnaire developed by early hallucinogen researchers and refined by Griffiths for use at Hopkins. He defines "mystical experience" as among other things, "a sense of interconnectedness with all people and things accompanied by a sense of sacredness and reverence."

Personality was measured on a widely used and scientifically validated personality inventory, which covers openness and the other four broad domains that psychologists consider the makeup of personality: neuroticism, extroversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness. Only openness changed during the course of the study.

Griffiths says he believes psilocybin may have therapeutic uses. He is currently studying whether the hallucinogen has a use in helping cancer patients handle the depression and anxiety that comes along with a diagnosis, and whether it can help longtime cigarette smokers overcome their addiction.

"There may be applications for this we can't even imagine at this point," he says. "It certainly deserves to be systematically studied."

Along with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this study was funded by the Council on Spiritual Practices, Heffter Research Institute and the Betsy Gordon Foundation.

Other Hopkins authors of the research include Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D, and Katherine A. MacLean, Ph.D.

Story Source:
The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:
K. A. MacLean, M. W. Johnson, R. R. Griffiths. Mystical Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin Lead to Increases in the Personality Domain of Openness. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2011; DOI: 10.1177/0269881111420188

**BillHicksFan** · 09-29-2011, 10:32 AM

There's a lot that can be learned from a psilocybin experience. Take the shrooms alone and sit in darkness with your eyes shut and just listen. There's nothing like experiencing ego death and seeing things for how they really are.

**myCATpowerlifts** · 09-29-2011, 10:32 AM

Hell yea, great post.
Thank you

**twotuff** · 09-29-2011, 10:42 AM

that explains it......

**IronAddict** · 09-29-2011, 10:49 AM

Since the very beginning people realized the psychoactive benefits of Shrooms, and people realized that the altered state of psilocybin has it's benefits too. From the early cave dwellers who first stumbled upon psychedelic mushrooms to the over 6000-year-old tradition of opium cultivation in the East to a modern pharmaceutical industry with over 24,000 drugs on the market, drugs have played a role in our lives since well before recorded human history.

But drugs are bad for you okay, unless they're FDA approved.

**ebn2002** · 09-29-2011, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by BillHicksFan

There's a lot that can be learned from a psilocybin experience. Take the shrooms alone and sit in darkness with your eyes shut and just listen. There's nothing like experiencing ego death and seeing things for how they really are.

I like the TV on but me facing away from it for the flickers and colors and I can stare at the wallpaper for 8 hours. You guys making me want to get some acid this weekend for sure.

**BillHicksFan** · 09-29-2011, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by ebn2002

I like the TV on but me facing away from it for the flickers and colors and I can stare at the wallpaper for 8 hours. You guys making me want to get some acid this weekend for sure.

I actually got given some LSD today which is supposed to be really good. I havent taken acid in about 16 years so that's my plan for the weekend.

Its the end of winter here so mushrooms will be starting to grow again in about two weeks. Cant wait to go picking.

**KelJu** · 09-29-2011, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by BillHicksFan

There's a lot that can be learned from a psilocybin experience. Take the shrooms alone and sit in darkness with your eyes shut and just listen. There's nothing like experiencing ego death and seeing things for how they really are.

I couldn't agree more. With people, shrooms usually amount to a lot of dumb conversation and giggling. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that, I have laughed so hard that the next day felt like Mike Tyson in his prime had punched me in the chest repeatedly.

But, doing a massive dose alone can only be described as spiritual, and I'm not even a spiritual person. You unlock doors that will never be locked again. You perceive reality in a more pure untainted way. My cynicism melts away, and I love and forgive those who I had hated before. I understand and empathize with my enemies, and I love and appreciate my friends and family more than I already did. I usually observe aspects of the world that keeps my mind busy for weeks and even months. So months after a heavy trip, I am at peace as my mind tries to workout more important things, and I no longer obsess over insignificant shit that weighs me down.

I can see why such a thing is so dangerous. I mean, fuck, those in change can't manipulate a person that is seeing clearly.

**KelJu** · 09-29-2011, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by BillHicksFan

I actually got given some LSD today which is supposed to be really good. I havent taken acid in about 16 years so that's my plan for the weekend.

Its the end of winter here so mushrooms will be starting to grow again in about two weeks. Cant wait to go picking.

I fucking hate you, I am eat up with jealousy.

**ebn2002** · 09-29-2011, 01:48 PM

Anybody else notice the AMAZING PACE OF HUMAN ADVANCEMENT AFTER THE DISCOVERY AND WIDESPREAD USE OF ACID IN THE 50's and 60's? Not a coincidence. LSD created the technologically advanced society we live in today, incomprehensible to the generations before us that did not have LSD. Thanks LSD for internet porn

**meow** · 09-29-2011, 01:51 PM

I saw this cute chick totally freak out while she was in shrooms. She was convulsing wildly and her sweater puppies came out to play. She ended up going to the er.

**IronAddict** · 09-29-2011, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by KelJu

I couldn't agree more. With people, shrooms usually amount to a lot of dumb conversation and giggling. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that, I have laughed so hard that the next day felt like Mike Tyson in his prime had punched me in the chest repeatedly.

But, doing a massive dose alone can only be described as spiritual, and I'm not even a spiritual person. You unlock doors that will never be locked again. You perceive reality in a more pure untainted way. My cynicism melts away, and I love and forgive those who I had hated before. I understand and empathize with my enemies, and I love and appreciate my friends and family more than I already did. I usually observe aspects of the world that keeps my mind busy for weeks and even months. So months after a heavy trip, I am at peace as my mind tries to workout more important things, and I no longer obsess over insignificant shit that weighs me down.

I can see why such a thing is so dangerous. I mean, fuck, those in change can't manipulate a person that is seeing clearly.

This here.

Is it possible, do I even dare? Well fuck it...All throughout history, as long as man has been around, anyway. Shrooms have caused men to see visions of gods and spiritual shit. Could those people have possibly been on Shrooms, and seen jesus?

**BillHicksFan** · 09-29-2011, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by KelJu

I couldn't agree more. With people, shrooms usually amount to a lot of dumb conversation and giggling. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that, I have laughed so hard that the next day felt like Mike Tyson in his prime had punched me in the chest repeatedly.

But, doing a massive dose alone can only be described as spiritual, and I'm not even a spiritual person. You unlock doors that will never be locked again. You perceive reality in a more pure untainted way. My cynicism melts away, and I love and forgive those who I had hated before. I understand and empathize with my enemies, and I love and appreciate my friends and family more than I already did. I usually observe aspects of the world that keeps my mind busy for weeks and even months. So months after a heavy trip, I am at peace as my mind tries to workout more important things, and I no longer obsess over insignificant shit that weighs me down.

I can see why such a thing is so dangerous. I mean, fuck, those in change can't manipulate a person that is seeing clearly.

You've completely nailed it in every part of that post. Funny how this is the same message that many famous prophets, ambassadors for peace, humanists and spiritual leaders have been teaching throughout history. Learning and trying to comprehend this message by reading a book equates to very little in comparison to experiencing this message from deep within yourself and with overwhelming clarity.

Religions sure have done a good job of destroying spirituality which I feel is sadly ironic. The common theme of love and forgiveness is found in most religions however their dogmatic set of rules and threats of excruciating punishment for those who don't obey manage to expose contradictions that cannot be ignored by any thinking person.

**IronAddict** · 09-29-2011, 03:32 PM

Gotdamn, I love you guys! You buncha free thinkers and naysayers to the establishment. The wrong people are in charge, that's a fact!

**danzik17** · 09-29-2011, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by KelJu

I fucking hate you, I am eat up with jealousy.

Do some shrooms, apparently you will forgive him.

**BillHicksFan** · 09-29-2011, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by KelJu

I fucking hate you, I am eat up with jealousy.

**Thee_One** · 09-30-2011, 09:14 AM

If you guys have ever been in an argument with a non-tripper,
what is the best way to go about the conversation, to convince them that you are not crazy or a druggie for taking these medicines?

I have a hard time communicating why it is so good, and why the experience is more than just a high.

**.V.** · 09-30-2011, 09:27 AM

Never tried them. But an old friend of mine, her husband, and myself all retire at the same time from drug testing employers. Her husband and I work for the same folks and since they are another sovereign nation...they can do what the fuck they want... This means any kind of random testing, singling out the guy with long hair for testing, whatever they choose. I was tested 5 times last year, I guess my number came up randomly more than any of the other hundreds of employees?

When we retire, we are all going to go to the aquarium to watch the jellyfish in the psychadelic lighting and get stoned out of our heads for the first time (well, it will be the first time for me, her, and Mrs.V. at least). Yep, mushrooms are on the menu that day. 23 years to go and counting down.

**Thee_One** · 09-30-2011, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by .V.

Never tried them. But an old friend of mine, her husband, and myself all retire at the same time from drug testing employers. Her husband and I work for the same folks and since they are another sovereign nation...they can do what the fuck they want... This means any kind of random testing, singling out the guy with long hair for testing, whatever they choose. I was tested 5 times last year, I guess my number came up randomly more than any of the other hundreds of employees?

When we retire, we are all going to go to the aquarium to watch the jellyfish in the psychadelic lighting and get stoned out of our heads for the first time (well, it will be the first time for me, her, and Mrs.V. at least). Yep, mushrooms are on the menu that day. 23 years to go and counting down.

Why wait? You could die way before then, and miss out on one of life's most incredible experiences.

You can't be tested for shrooms. They are out of the body completely within 3 days of ingestion. AFAIK they act/are recognized by the body in the brain, as serotonin agonist. So they shouldn't be discernible in your pee any more than regular dumped serotonin.

**Mrs.V.** · 09-30-2011, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Thee_One

Why wait? You could die way before then, and miss out on one of life's most incredible experiences.

You can't be tested for shrooms. They are out of the body completely within 3 days of ingestion. AFAIK they act/are recognized by the body in the brain, as serotonin agonist. So they shouldn't be discernible in your pee any more than regular dumped serotonin.

Hair tests. Lasts a little longer in the follicle. The shit people have been caught for with those... We'll wait. His idea anyway. I'm just going along for the ride.

**KelJu** · 09-30-2011, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by BillHicksFan

Have fun you fucker!

**Thee_One** · 09-30-2011, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Mrs.V.

Hair tests. Lasts a little longer in the follicle. The shit people have been caught for with those... We'll wait. His idea anyway. I'm just going along for the ride.

Have you any proof that psilocybin is even detectable in hair follicles to begin with?

**LAM** · 09-30-2011, 06:51 PM

some of the best nights of my life were with buddies shroomin...just thinking about all the laughing makes my stomach hurt!

**littlekev** · 09-30-2011, 07:21 PM

Well i know my first experience changed my life forever, i'd have to say every trip left an imprint on my soul in some way. I believe everyone should have that experience atleast once in their lives. The sense of peace with my inner self after a long healthy trip was something that no medicine or therapy could ever give me. Oh and BillHicksFan you avi catches my eye everytime i see your post, Clockwork Orange and some home grown Star Gazers changed my life forever!

**sofargone561** · 09-30-2011, 07:25 PM

never tried shrooms E has always been my desinger of choice

**crazyotter** · 09-30-2011, 07:26 PM

I did so much acid, shrooms and extacy when I was in high school......

Whooooopppssss! Lol

**sofargone561** · 09-30-2011, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by crazyotter

I did so much acid, shrooms and extacy when I was in high school......

Whooooopppssss! Lol

never tried acid or shrooms never will try acid and would love to try shrooms but extacy is the fuckin shit!

**crazyotter** · 09-30-2011, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by sofargone561

never tried acid or shrooms never will try acid and would love to try shrooms but extacy is the fuckin shit!

E was amazing. The superman pills and mitsubishi pills were

**LAM** · 09-30-2011, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by sofargone561

never tried shrooms E has always been my desinger of choice

when it comes to rollin on E people either seem to love it or not. personally with the exception of LSD and mescaline I prefer the all natural stuff (shrooms and weed).

E can be hit or miss depending on who made it and with what. I never got a chance to do any pure molly but I heard that's worth a shot.

**sofargone561** · 09-30-2011, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by LAM

when it comes to rollin on E people either seem to love it or not. personally with the exception of LSD I prefer the all natural stuff (shrooms and weed).

E can be hit or miss depending on who made it and with what. I never got a change to do any pure molly but I heard that's worth a shot.

never had molly either becuase im not a huge fan but i no a lot of people who switched from E to molly and never looked back. Ive had some bad beans but E is deffinatly my shit i never had supermans my favorite where monkeys (back when they where good) stars air and airplanes

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