Following the widespread hippie movement in the 1960’s were psychedelic drugs and acid. From bands like The Beatles to current music artists such as Asap Rocky and Frank ocean, it has been obvious that psychedelics have played a great part within artists’ creative processes, as they provide a more creative, calm and clear outlook on life.
How do these drugs work? They work to lower your blood flow and electrical activity in the brains ‘default mode network’. The ‘default mode network’ is responsible for our ego and our sense of self, therefore, when this is slowed, the difference between yourself and certain objects are diminished, meaning ultimately you will feel closer and more connected to everything around you. Also, the intake of psychedelic drugs increases activity between different parts in our brain which don’t usually communicate, which some scientists believe is the cause of hallucination.
Can psychedelics be beneficial to humanity? In the early 2000’s, an experiment was conducted on cancer patients where they were given psilocybin in small doses and were monitored closely by doctors. Immediately after taking these drugs they felt calmer and happier but to document the long-term effects, they were asked how they felt 6 months after. A volunteer names Gail Thomas said that they helped her overcome her deep sense of loneliness and made her realise that ‘we are all connected’ and that we are ‘not alone’.
Overall, psychedelics do have some benefits to us, but we should always be weary of some of the harsh consequences that could possibly come as a result of taking them. However, they have contributed a lot to the creative industry and also now to the medical industry.
