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The mysterious power of LSD: Why does it make you feel connected to the universe?
LSD, or diethyl lysergic acid, is a powerful psychedelic drug that heightens thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions. This substance has long been used as a tool for entertainment and spiritual exploration, with many users reporting experiencing mystical and spiritual awakenings after use. So, how does LSD allow users to feel this deep connection with the universe?
In appropriate doses, LSD can change the brain's default mode network, allowing people to reach unprecedented heights of consciousness and perception.
Background on the use of LSD
LSD was first synthesized in 1938 and discovered by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. Since then, LSD was widely studied in psychology and psychiatry in the 1950s and 1960s, and was used to treat alcoholism and schizophrenia. However, due to its association with the Cultural Revolution movement, LSD was classified as a Class I drug by the United States in 1968 and a controlled substance by the United Nations in 1971, and has yet to receive approval for any medical use.
Physical and psychological effects
The physical and psychological effects of LSD are significant and varied. Dosage and even psychological state can affect results. Even small amounts (about 20 micrograms) can trigger significant shifts in perception. Within 20 to 30 minutes of use, users may experience changes in vision and hearing that can last up to 20 hours. Negative experiences, including anxiety and suspicion, are relatively rare compared to the joy of a "good trip."
Awakening of the senses
LSD animates the human senses, enhancing the perception of color, sound, and movement. One might see everyday objects moving in different spatial dimensions or even experience the colors of music. These enhanced perceptions also bring people into some degree of contact with the universe and their own deeper nature.
Many users report feeling a sense of oneness with the universe and a deep connection with nature during their LSD experiences.
Exploration of spiritual experience
LSD is considered by some to be a "secret drug" because it can promote spiritual experiences. The use of LSD as a medium for spiritual exploration has not been uncommon since the 1960s. Timothy Leary, who founded the League for Spiritual Discovery, viewed LSD as a symbol of his sacredness. Users said that LSD allowed them to experience sensations beyond the physical world, and the descriptions of these experiences were similar to the classics of major religions in the world.
Potential healing power
Although the current medical use of LSD is still limited, its potential healing power has aroused the interest of many researchers. Recent research suggests that LSD may be effective in improving mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In studies of alcoholics, a single dose of LSD showed the potential to reduce alcohol consumption, and these results prompted the scientific community to rethink the efficacy of this psychedelic drug.
Risks and Challenges
Although LSD is considered relatively safe physiologically, its psychological effects cannot be underestimated. For people with a history of mental illness, using LSD may trigger the condition. Some studies have shown that some users experience "flashbacks" after taking LSD, that is, they relive their perceptions and emotions in the days after the drug takes effect. These experiences can sometimes cause discomfort and even affect an individual's daily life.
Every LSD user's experience is unique, influenced by factors including mentality, environment and social situation.
Contemporary LSD use
The latest survey data shows that about 10% of adults in the United States have used LSD, and the adult use rate increased to 56.4% between 2015 and 2018. Whether used recreationally or as a spiritual practice, LSD has increasingly become a part of modern culture. However, users need to be cautious about the effects of this psychedelic drug in the face of its potential risks and challenges.
While the power of LSD is astonishing, the nature of this power and its impact on human consciousness remain a major mystery in current scientific research.
The effects of LSD go beyond the physical level, and its effects on perception, emotion, and even spirituality have aroused widespread concern. As research continues, we may be able to unravel the mysteries of this psychedelic drug and understand how it changes our understanding and connection with the universe. So, in such an exploration, how would you define the relationship between individual consciousness and the universe?
