Beyond Reality: Are Psychedelic-Induced Mystical Experiences Stronger Than Non-Psychedelic Ones?

Have you ever experienced a profound mystical experience that changed the way you view the world and your place in it? Many people report having such experiences, and researchers are beginning to investigate how these experiences can be triggered and what benefits they may provide.

One of the ways that mystical experiences can be induced is through the use of psychedelic substances. In a groundbreaking study, Dr. David Yaden and his colleagues compared the benefits of psychedelic and non-psychedelic mystical experiences. The study recruited 739 participants who reported having had religious, spiritual, or mystical experiences (RSMEs), which were grouped into those induced by psychedelic substances and those that were not.

According to the study, mystical experiences induced by psychedelic substances were rated as more intensely mystical than non-psychedelically triggered RSMEs. They also resulted in a reduced fear of death, increased sense of purpose, and increased spirituality compared to non-psychedelic RSMEs. These findings remained significant even after controlling for gender, education, socioeconomic status, and religious affiliation. This study is a major foundational study, showing that RSMEs induced by psychedelic substances are genuine, as powerful, if not more powerful, than non-psychedelic mystical experiences, and that psychedelic RSMEs generally produce positive outcomes.

Interestingly, it has been suggested that the endogenously produced psychedelic, DMT, may be responsible for non-psychedelic RSMEs. While research is needed to investigate this possibility, it opens up a fascinating avenue of inquiry into the nature of mystical experiences.

What do you think about the study's findings? Have you had a psychedelic or non-psychedelic mystical experience, and how did it impact your life? Furthermore, what do you think about the potential role of DMT in producing non-psychedelic mystical experiences? Do you think it's a viable explanation or are there other factors at play? Let us know in the comments below.

References

Yaden, D. B., Le Nguyen, K. D., Kern, M. L., Belser, A. B., Eichstaedt, J. C., Iwry, J., Smith, M. E., Wintering, N. A., Hood, R. W., & Newberg, A. B. (2017). Of Roots and Fruits: A Comparison of Psychedelic and Nonpsychedelic Mystical Experiences. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 57(4), 338–353. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167816674625

Disclaimer

Neuro-psychedelic does not encourage the recreational use of psychedelics. While research has shown promising results for the therapeutic use of psychedelics, they are powerful, mind-altering substances that should only be used in a safe setting. If you choose to use psychedelics, it is imperative that you educate yourself about their effects, potential risks, and how to reduce harm. This includes careful preparation, working with a trusted and experienced guide, and taking the necessary precautions to ensure your physical and mental safety.