How psychedelics work, explained in under 6 minutes | Matthew Johnson

<div>Exploring the Science and Potential Benefits of Psychedelics<br><br></div><div><br>Psychedelics are a class of drugs that have been used for centuries, primarily for their mind-altering effects. These substances are often associated with counterculture movements and recreational use, but in recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of these drugs. In this article, we will explore the science behind psychedelics and their potential benefits, drawing on insights from Text 1 and Text 2.<br><br></div><div><br>What are Psychedelics?<br><br></div><div><br>Psychedelics are a class of drugs that can have profound effects on one's sense of reality, including one's sense of self. They are often characterized by their ability to produce altered states of consciousness, which can involve visual and auditory hallucinations, changes in perception, and alterations in mood and cognition. Some of the most well-known psychedelic drugs include LSD, psilocybin (the active agent in "magic mushrooms"), and DMT (which is found in ayahuasca).<br><br></div><div><br>Mechanisms of Action<br><br></div><div><br>Psychedelics work by interacting with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain. In particular, they tend to affect the serotonin system, which is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Psilocybin, for example, activates a subtype of serotonin receptor called the serotonin 2A receptor, which leads to changes in the way that the brain processes information. This, in turn, can lead to alterations in perception, mood, and cognition.<br><br></div><div><br>Other psychedelics, such as MDMA, work by releasing large amounts of serotonin, which can produce feelings of empathy and connection with others. Ketamine and PCP, on the other hand, primarily affect the glutamate system in the brain, which is involved in learning and memory.<br><br></div><div><br>It's worth noting that while psychedelics can have profound effects on brain function, they are generally considered to be safe when taken under the guidance of a trained professional. However, there are risks associated with using these drugs recreationally or without proper medical supervision, including the potential for adverse reactions and long-term psychological effects.<br><br></div><div><br>Psychedelics and Mental Health<br><br></div><div><br>Despite the risks associated with psychedelic use, there is growing evidence that these drugs may have therapeutic potential for a range of mental health conditions. In particular, psychedelics have been studied for their potential to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.<br><br></div><div><br>One of the most promising areas of research is the use of psilocybin for the treatment of depression. A number of clinical trials have shown that psilocybin can produce rapid and sustained improvements in mood, with effects lasting for several weeks or even months after a single dose. Researchers believe that this is due in part to the ability of psilocybin to promote "neuroplasticity," or the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences.<br><br></div><div><br>Similarly, MDMA has been studied for its potential to treat PTSD. In clinical trials, MDMA-assisted therapy has been shown to produce significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, with effects lasting for up to six months after treatment. Researchers believe that the ability of MDMA to enhance feelings of empathy and connection with others may help individuals with PTSD to process traumatic experiences in a more productive way.<br><br></div><div><br>There is also growing interest in the potential of psychedelics to treat addiction. Research has shown that psychedelics can produce profound experiences of insight and self-reflection, which may help individuals to overcome negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Clinical trials have shown promising results for the use of psilocybin and other psychedelics in the treatment of addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and other substances.<br><br></div><div><br>The Importance of the Psychedelic Experience<br><br></div><div><br>While the precise mechanisms by which psychedelics produce their therapeutic effects are not yet fully understood, many researchers believe that the subjective experience</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Another important aspect of the psychedelic experience that sets it apart from traditional psychiatric medications is the potential for long-lasting effects. As Pollan notes, there seems to be increased neuroplasticity in the system so that in the days following the psychedelic experience, people are more primed to learn new things and establish a new and more optimal normal state. This means that the benefits of a psychedelic experience may persist long after the drug has left the body.<br><br></div><div><br>Furthermore, the nature of the experience itself can be transformative. Patients may gain insight into themselves and view their lives from a radically different perspective, which can lead to positive changes in their behavior and outlook. This is in stark contrast to the traditional approach of psychiatric medications, where patients simply take a pill and forget about their problems.<br><br></div><div><br>The Psychedelic Renaissance<br><br></div><div><br>There are several reasons why the psychedelic renaissance is happening now. One is the mental health crisis that our society has been facing, with rates of depression, anxiety, and addiction on the rise. Traditional psychiatric medications have proven to be insufficient in many cases, and there is a growing demand for alternative treatments.<br><br></div><div><br>Pharmaceutical companies have also been slow to invest in new mental healthcare treatments, focusing instead on drugs that are more profitable. This has created a void that has been filled by researchers and advocates who are exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.<br><br></div><div><br>In addition, there has been a growing body of research that has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of psychedelic therapy. Studies have shown that psychedelics can be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.<br><br></div><div><br>Conclusion<br><br></div><div><br>The renaissance of psychedelic research and therapy is a promising development in the field of mental health. The potential benefits of these substances are vast, and the growing body of research suggests that they may be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions.<br><br></div><div><br>However, it is important to proceed with caution. Psychedelics are powerful substances that can have profound effects on the mind and body. They should only be used in a controlled and supervised setting, with trained professionals who can ensure the safety and wellbeing of the patient.<br><br></div><div><br>In addition, there is still much that we do not know about how these substances work and their potential long-term effects. More research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of psychedelic therapy.<br><br></div><div><br>Nevertheless, the psychedelic renaissance represents a new frontier in the treatment of mental illness, one that has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach mental healthcare. As we continue to explore the therapeutic potential of these substances, we may discover new and innovative ways to help those who are suffering from mental health conditions.</div>

How psychedelics work, explained by Johns Hopkins professor Matthew Johnson.

Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1
Up next, Psychedelics: The scientific renaissance of mind-altering drugs
 ► https://youtu.be/5T0LmbWROKY

Humans have been consuming psychedelic substances for millennia, but only in the past century have we made significant progress in understanding how they affect the brain and our psychology.

We have learned, for example, that psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT cause psychedelic experiences primarily by affecting a particular type of serotonin receptor, while other drugs like ketamine and PCP primarily affect the glutamate system.

But there remain open questions about how these biological effects contribute to profound psychological changes in people who take psychedelics. One answer seems to center on how the drugs spark communication between different brain regions. What’s more, psychedelics seem to encourage greater neuroplasticity, meaning the brain becomes primed to learn new things in the wake of a psychedelic experience.

Check out this Big Think interview with Matthew Johnson, a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University who explains how psychedelics work, and what researchers hope to uncover about the substances in the future.

Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/series/explain-it-like-im-smart/how-psychedelics-work/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

About Matthew Johnson:
Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D., is The Susan Hill Ward Endowed Professor of Psychedelics and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins. Working with psychedelics since 2004, he is one of the world’s most widely published experts on psychedelics. He has published research on psychedelics and mystical experience, personality change, tobacco smoking cessation, cancer distress treatment, and depression treatment. In 2021 he received as principal investigator the first grant in 50 years from the US government for a treatment study with a classic psychedelic, specifically psilocybin in treatment of tobacco addiction. He is also known for his expertise in behavioral economics, addiction, sexual risk behavior, and research with a wide variety of drug classes. He’s been Interviewed by Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR, Fox News, Fox Business News, BBC and in Michael Pollan’s book How to Change Your Mind.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Read more of our stories on psychedelics: 
AI maps psychedelic “trip” experiences to regions of the brain – opening new route to psychiatric treatments
► https://bigthink.com/health/ai-maps-psychedelic-trip-in-brain/
Psychedelic drugs: how to tell good research from bad
► https://bigthink.com/health/psychedelic-drugs-research/
Metaphysics and mushrooms: Psychedelics can change how you think about the universe
► https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/psychedelics-mushrooms-metaphysics/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

About Big Think | Smarter Faster™
► Big Think 
The leading source of expert-driven, educational content. With thousands of videos, featuring experts ranging from Bill Clinton to Bill Nye, Big Think helps you get smarter, faster by exploring the big ideas and core skills that define knowledge in the 21st century. 
► Big Think+
Make your business smarter, faster: https://bigthink.com/plus/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Want more Big Think?
► Daily editorial features: https://bigthink.com/popular/
► Get the best of Big Think right to your inbox: https://bigthink.com/st/newsletter 
► Facebook: https://bigth.ink/facebook 
► Instagram: https://bigth.ink/Instagram
► Twitter: https://bigth.ink/twitter

3 game theory tactics, explained

'Game theory' is a mathematical theory. that attempts to make sense of how it is. that people interact inthese strategic situations. John von Neumann-based game theory on a stripped down version of poker. Everything we try to do, you know,. 'Should we take this route or that route?'. 'Should I go here on vacation or there?'. It's all about dealing with uncertainties. and probabilities of things happening-. and poker is a very fun and easy way. to teach someone how to do that. First rule of thumb is howto extract the most money. Second rule is how to extract the least amount of money. Third rule is to try to make the best decision in any given moment,. and that's so integral to life. And by thinking abouteverything in that way,. we oftentimes transformsomething that seems. like a situation wherethere has to be a winner. and there has to been a loser,. into one where nobodyfeels like they've lost. and everybody benefits.. - John vonNeumann- based game theory. on a reduced version of Poker. In any given pokersituation that you're dealing with a lot of uncertainty, and it's all. about howto make thebest decision. in anyGiven moment-. and that’s all about how to make a best decision. In the Cold War,. which most people thought,. that's gotta be a zero-sumgame if anything is,. we discovered that actuallythere were opportunities for mutual cooperation.. Arms reduction treatiesare a great example.. The U.S. and the USSR figured out that if they could finda way to cooperate,. they could both save an enormousamount of money and effort by reducing the number of weapons that they had. The process of taking a big interaction. and breaking it downinto little small parts. can change a bad social dilemma into a positive interaction. - What I think almost everyonecan do in their personal life,. is totry and think,. 'In this interaction,. what outcome would begood for both parties?'. And, 'How can we achieve that outcome?' And, ‘How can I get the best out of my interactions with my friends and family?’ - That's what I try and do in my personal life. I try to get the most out of every interaction I have with my family and friends,. and I think I do a pretty good job of it. - I think it's a good idea to try and think, 'What would be the best outcome for me and my family?' and then try to work out a way to achieve that. - If you want to improve your relationship with your family and your friends, you have to work together to achieve your goals. - You have to be willing to make compromises and work together in order to get what you want. - It's not always easy, but it's worth it. It's a long way from being able to say, 'I'm going to do what I want because I want to do it, not because I'm afraid I'm not going to get it, but because I don't want to hurt anyone else's feelings or get it my way, and I'm willing to work hard for it.' - I'm trying to do the best I can,. given what I'm doing, to achieve what I think is best for my family, my friends, my colleagues, my country, my career, my life, and my country. - This process of breaking things down into little tiny parts can help you get to the root of the problem. It can also help you understand how to solve problems in a way that's more effective than one way or another. - In the case of nuclear weapons, the key is to break down the interaction into a bunch of little tiny ones, so that you don't have to go through the whole process of eliminating them all in one go. - The Cold War was an example of how to break up the interaction in a big way. The USSR would eliminate just a few nuclear weapons,. then the U.K. would eliminate a few more,. and then they would go on to the next stage.. And then each would eliminate more, and they'd go on. to thenext stage.

How to maximize wins and minimize losses, explained by four experts on game theory.

Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1
Up next, Harvard negotiator explains how to argue ► https://youtu.be/IDj1OBG5Tpw

Game theory is a useful tool for decision-making in situations where the outcome depends on multiple parties. It provides a systematic way to analyze the interdependence of individuals or organizations and their potential strategies. 

Not only does game theory help you identify the optimal strategy for achieving your goals, it can also help you avoid the sunk-cost fallacy — the tendency to persist in an endeavor because of the resources you've already invested. 

By taking into account the potential actions and responses of other players, game theory allows you to minimize your losses and make informed choices that lead to better outcomes. Whether you're negotiating a business deal or making investment decisions, game theory can be a valuable asset in helping you make smarter choices and achieve your objectives.

0:00 What is game theory?
1:08 War: Learn from Reagan and Gorbachev
2:58 Poker: The sunk cost fallacy
5:56 Zero-sum games: The minimax strategy

Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/game-theory

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

About Kevin Zollman: 
Kevin Zollman is an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy at Carnegie Mellon University. He is also an associate fellow at the Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh, visiting professor at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (part of Ludwig-Maximilians Universität), and an associate editor of the journal Philosophy of Science. His research focuses on game theory, agent based modeling, and the philosophy of science. Zollman is the co-author of The Game Theorist's Guide to Parenting: How the Science of Strategic Thinking Can Help You Deal with the Toughest Negotiators You Know--Your Kids, with Paul Raeburn.

About Annie Duke:
Annie Duke has leveraged her expertise in the science of smart decision making to excel at pursuits as varied as championship poker to public speaking. For two decades, Annie was one of the top poker players in the world. In 2004, she bested a field of 234 players to win her first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. The same year, she triumphed in the $2 million winner-take-all, invitation-only WSOP Tournament of Champions. In 2010, she won the prestigious NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship. Prior to becoming a professional poker player, Annie was awarded the National Science Foundation Fellowship. Thanks to this fellowship, she studied Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Liv Boeree:
Olivia "Liv" Boeree is a poker player, TV presenter and model from England who won the 2010 European Poker Tour in Sanremo. Born in Kent, Boeree studied at Ashford School before going on to earn a First Class Honours degree in Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Manchester. She was the #1 ranked female player on the Global Poker Index as of November 2015, and #6 on the female all-time live poker winnings list.

About Julia Galef:
Julia Galef is a New York-based writer and public speaker specializing in science, rationality, and design. She serves on the board of directors of the New York City Skeptics, co-hosts their official podcast, Rationally Speaking, and co-writes the blog Rationally Speaking along with philosopher of science Massimo Pigliucci. She has moderated panel discussions at The Amazing Meeting and the Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism, and gives frequent public lectures to organizations including the Center for Inquiry and the Secular Student Alliance. Julia received her B.A. in statistics from Columbia in 2005.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

About Big Think | Smarter Faster™
► Big Think 
The leading source of expert-driven, educational content. With thousands of videos, featuring experts ranging from Bill Clinton to Bill Nye, Big Think helps you get smarter, faster by exploring the big ideas and core skills that define knowledge in the 21st century. 
► Big Think+
Make your business smarter, faster: https://bigthink.com/plus/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Want more Big Think?
► Daily editorial features: https://bigthink.com/popular/
► Get the best of Big Think right to your inbox: https://bigthink.com/st/newsletter 
► Facebook: https://bigth.ink/facebook 
► Instagram: https://bigth.ink/Instagram
► Twitter: https://bigth.ink/twitter

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile | Tal Ben-Shahar | Big Think

Tal Ben Shahar: There is a falseunderstanding or expectation that a happy life meansbeing happy all the time. Learning to accept, and evenembrace painful emotions is an important part of ahappy life. The role of the science of. happiness is to teach us what conditions we can put in place toincrease the likelihood of growing from hardship. The number of time we spend with people we care about and who care about us is a predictor of happiness. The most important ideato look at is stress, the silent killer, and the lack of recovery from it. It can be as simple as asking questions, it's deeply engaging with material things, even art, text, even nature, is important. Finally, embracing emotional wellbeing is critical, but how we do we do it is critical too, as well as how we spend time with our loved ones, and how we respond to painful emotions. It's all part of the process of growing through hardship, and it can be done indirectly, by looking at the colors of the rainbow, rather than directly at the sun or the sun itself. It is possible to pursue happiness indirectly, just like looking at sunlight indirectly can lead us to enjoy the indirect pursuit of happiness, and by extension, to raise ouroverall levels of happiness in our lives. The key is to look at the SPIRE model. SPIRE is an acronym that stands for spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and finally,emotional well-being. If you wake up in themorning with a purpose, you're more likely to overcome barriers. And it can trigger the antifragile system, which is about finding a sense of meaning and purpose in life, at work and at home. It turns out that the number of times we talk about gratitude is about the quality of our relationships, and not just about the material ones. And that's the number one condition that turns out to increase the likelihood that we can grow through hardship. And the number two condition is gratitude, which can be talked about about thecultivurable ones, such as family, friends, colleagues, colleagues and friends. And then the number three is gratitude about the things we do that make us feel good, like going to the gym, going for a walk, going to work, doing chores, doing the dishes, doing your laundry, doing whatever it is that makes you feel good. That's the key to growing through hardships, and that's what we need to do in our daily lives. We need to take a step back and look at ourselves as a whole, as a group, and see what we can do to improve our quality of life. And we can start by taking a look at how we feel, not just at the superficial things, like the sun, the moon, the stars, the rain, the clouds, the wind, the grass, the ground, the air, and so on. We can also look at our emotions in a new way, by breaking them down into its elements, into its constituents, so we can see them in a more meaningful way. We're an antifagile system. On the psychological level,you know what that's called? PTG, post traumatic growth.. So where post-traumaticstress disorder, PTSD, is about breaking down,post traumatic growth isabout growing stronger. as a result of pressure of stress. We see ant ifragile systemsall around us and within. us. For example, our muscular system, we go to the. gym and we lift weights.. We're putting pressure on our muscles. What happens as aresult,we actually grow stronger. We’re. an ant ifagrility system. The way to resolve this paradox is that. we pursue happiness indirect. (bright. music) On the one hand, we know that happiness is clearly a good thing, whether in and. of itself, oras a means toward other ends. But on the other hand, valuing it as a good things. is problematic. So the paradox is a way to solve the problem of pursuing happiness indirectly. The same way, pursuing happiness directly can cause. more harm than good. It’s not just a question of whether or not you want to be happy, it can also be a way of improving your quality of your life, and your relationship with your family, your friends, your work, your community, your career, your health, your self-esteem, your body, your mood, your mental state, your spirit, your physical health, and all of the things that make you feel better and better about yourself. It all comes down to how you feel and how you react to the emotions that you feel. He says, "Happier, No Matter What" is the way to get happier, no matter what you're going through a bad day.

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile, with Tal Ben-Shahar
Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ►► https://www.youtube.com/c/bigthink
Up next ►► The science of happiness, motivation, and meaning | Dan Ariely https://youtu.be/6yQiBT_W2VA 

Antifragility is the idea of putting pressure on a system, or human, the system or human actually grows bigger and stronger. 

Antifragile systems are all around us. One example of this is our muscular system. We go to the gym to lift weights. By doing so we are putting pressure on our system to help it grow stronger. The human body is an antifragile system. 

From a psychological perspective, antifragility comes in the form of PTG, or post-traumatic growth. After we experience a stressful event, we learn and grow to become more resilient. 

To learn even more from the world's biggest thinkers, get Big Think+ for your business: https://bigthink.com/plus/ 

Read the video transcript: https://bigthink.com/videos/happiness/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

About Tal Ben-Shahar:
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is an internationally renowned teacher and author in the fields of happiness and leadership. After graduating from Harvard with a BA in Philosophy and Psychology and a PhD in Organizational Behavior, Tal taught two of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history: Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He then taught Happiness Studies at Columbia University. A prolific writer, Tal's books have appeared on best-sellers lists around the world and have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Tal Ben-Shahar consults and lectures to executives in multinational corporations, educational institutions, and the general public. Topics include leadership, education, ethics, happiness, self-esteem, resilience, goal setting and mindfulness. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is also the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy. Learn more here: https://www.happinessstudies.academy/

Tal is an avid sportsman and a certified yoga instructor whose work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, ancient wisdom and modern technology, science and art.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Read more of our stories on happiness: 
Epicurus and the atheist’s guide to happiness
►►https://bigthink.com/thinking/epicureanism-greek-philosophy-atheists-happiness/ 
The meaning of happiness, according to a baker in ancient Pompeii
►► https://bigthink.com/the-past/ancient-rome-happiness/ 
How to avoid “toxic positivity” and take the less direct route to happiness
 ►► https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/avoid-toxic-positivity/ 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

About Big Think | Smarter Faster™
► Big Think 
The leading source of expert-driven, educational content. With thousands of videos, featuring experts ranging from Bill Clinton to Bill Nye, Big Think helps you get smarter, faster by exploring the big ideas and core skills that define knowledge in the 21st century. 
► Big Think+
Make your business smarter, faster: https://bigthink.com/plus/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Want more Big Think?
► Daily editorial features: https://bigthink.com/popular/
► Get the best of Big Think right to your inbox: https://bigthink.com/st/newsletter 
► Facebook: https://bigth.ink/facebook 
► Instagram: https://bigth.ink/Instagram
► Twitter: https://bigth.ink/twitter

All Videos

How psychedelics work, explained in under 6 minutes | Matthew Johnson

3 game theory tactics, explained