The analysis revealed eight themes that illustrate the content of the self-reports and interactions of microdosing users in relation to (1) reasons, expectations and context of microdosing ; (2) enhanced states and heightened senses ; (3) insights and transformation ; (4) enhanced skills and optimal performance ; (5) Relief and cure for health problems. ; (6) unwanted side effects and lack of results ; (7) Microdosing approaches, strategies and dosage ; and (8) General viewpoints on microdosing. The topics are presented below along with illustrative quotes. Since it is not correct to label the individuals (unknowingly) who provide the self-reports for this study as “respondents” or “participants,” we will, for ease of reading, refer to them throughout as “microdosers” or “users.”
Reasons, expectations, and context of microdosing
The explicit reasons for microdosing were a form of self-treatment (e.g., disorders), self-optimization (e.g., increasing “normal” function), or a mixture of both. A small sample also mentioned exploratory motives.
Microdosing has been (in part) discussed as one of several modalities in a personal endeavor to seek health, incorporating diet, exercise, meditation, or other techniques for health, wellness, and personal development. A “holistic” approach to health has often been championed, and in this context, microdosing has been seen as a catalyst for improving overall guidance and outcomes of health efforts or self-optimization. "I was already doing things to become less anxious and depressed and to have more confidence." Things like yoga, meditation, proper nutrition, exercise, and personal development. But once I added mushrooms, it was like, "I'm on steroids." Specific trends or lifestyle orientations (e.g., biohacking, personalized medicine, and transhumanism) have also been mentioned in association with interest in microdosing.
Improvement incentives involved both physical and mental aspects and were sought by users with normal functioning, as well as in the context of limiting neuropsychiatric conditions. Those suffering from various illnesses sometimes viewed microdosing as a last resort for self-treatment when healthcare, prescribed treatments, or other methods were deemed insufficient. "I became increasingly depressed, none of the medications were working, and eventually, I became suicidal, and that's when I thought I had nothing to lose, it was better to try something crazy."
Not uncommonly, microdosers were motivated by previous experiences with high doses of psychedelics and expressed a broad interest in psychedelics. Other users had no prior experience with psychedelics or interest in psychoactive drugs and sought microdosing only as an effort to treat their conditions. "I really don't like getting high."
It was sometimes said that interest in microdosing was influenced by user stories and information from YouTube or other social media. The impact of the YouTube platform and how engagement with the microdosing trend is advancing were also demonstrated by the comments and interactions with content viewers (commenters). Both criticism and gratitude for the videos, content creators, and the views and information they provided were present in all the data. “Love your vids!” It's great to know that other people are on the same journey.” The comments section is frequently used to clarify information discussed in the videos and to ask for advice on specific health issues or recommendations for additional information resources. Great video and interview! When you quote the weight of a serving of mushrooms, are you quoting the dry weight as in powder form?
enhanced states and heightened senses
It has been said that microdosing provides a subtle but significant change in psychophysiological states, effectively serving as an all-purpose or non-specific amplifier. These (acute) effects appeared to be the basis or prerequisite for the psychological advances and improved functioning described in the following three themes. Thus, themes 3, 4, and 5 should be read as a progression or continuum stemming from the most immediate change in the states defined in this theme. However, some overlap and arbitrary division between these four themes will inevitably occur. Furthermore, the outlined progression may not, in reality, appear or manifest itself linearly on all occasions.
Most notably, the heightened states attributed to microdosing revolved around alterations in time perception and an increased (broader) sense of "presentness in the now." Because they are more present in the moment, microdosing users have reported experiencing less mental chatter and more focus, uninterrupted engagement (flow), and perceptual clarity. “I was able to simply “be” instead of constantly evaluating/analyzing/talking to myself about how things are, and that’s a feeling that has been elusive in my normal state.” The increased sense of presence and perceptual clarity signifies a qualitative improvement in the experience of the present moment, both in the form of greater visual acuity, increased awareness of sound, touch and smell, but also in the affective quality of the subjective experience. The feeling of enhanced psychophysiological functioning has been compared to "the expensive, high-quality fuel that high-performance cars need to run optimally." Not uncommonly, users noticed several enhancement effects happening simultaneously. "Visual acuity goes beyond stopping." Even with hearing and physical performance. "Leave everyone else in the dust!" Direct enhancement effects were also observed for mood, energy levels, and "drive." "I felt it as a bubbling sensation of energy, this little feeling of brightness." The effects on emotional states were further exemplified by a reduction in stress, sadness, anger, and other unwanted feelings. Furthermore, greater patience, more openness, and a sense of firmness and gratitude were mentioned as beneficial improvements in emotional states. Other psycho-spiritual changes are outlined in the following section.
Insights and transformation
An increased process of self-reflection has often been seen as central to the practice of microdosing. Microdosers provided extensive descriptions of thoughtful insights and psycho-spiritual shifts, reportedly allowing for improvements in personal orientation, priorities, and habits. Firstly, the insights discussed and the changes in propensity seemed to stem from a greater awareness and subsequent desire to live "authentically" and with more connection to nature and care for one's own needs and those of others. “Yes, microdosing can improve performance, but it also increases the chances of you doing the kind of work that can not only be a deeper alignment with yourself, but also work that will be beneficial to other people besides yourself.” A stronger sense of an authentic self and a clearer understanding of personal truths or core beliefs. They were frequently mentioned as a result of microdosing insights. "They were able to show me who I am."
A key component of the transformational processes was how latent emotional content could be evoked through microdosing, providing an opportunity to recognize and process persistent traumas or integrate a psychological "shadow" at more conscious levels of the psyche. "Microdosing revealed parts of my personality, of my nature, that I wasn't proud of and that weren't easy to face." Users of microdoses reported improved knowledge of a wide range of psychological, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors, indicating a greater capacity for emotional regulation and awareness of the impact of personal actions. Improvements in self-confidence and self-acceptance, and a subsequent decrease in social distress, allowed for a greater sense of empathy and deeper connections in personal relationships. Also,
Microdosing has also been discussed as a means of integrating previous insights and realizations gained through the use of high doses of psychedelics or other peak spiritual experiences. For these users, the practice of microdosing was seen as a way to amalgamate a spiritual experience or practice (e.g., meditation) with the "waking state" and circumstances of everyday life. It has been argued that Western society today does not present a "purer way of being," and the microdosers discussed findings on the negative impact of living in a "disconnected culture and society." "This world is infested with junk food, pornography, materialism, jealousy, and all those things." I think mushrooms connect us to a much simpler, ancient way of seeing the world. "A feeling of 'reconnection with nature' was reportedly a major and common transformative influence of microdosing." On the same note, it was described how the desire for unhealthy habits decreased significantly while motivation for more exercise, healthier eating, and less habitual use of social media was introduced. In addition, users reported less procrastination and a spontaneous urge to clean the house, tidy drawers, pay bills, or tackle other postponed or neglected tasks.
Enhanced skills and optimal performance.
As a result of the changes described earlier in psychophysiological states and, to some extent, also the insights and transformations described in the previous topic, microdosers reported a range of enhanced abilities or improved performance. Most commonly, the topics discussed included greater access to creativity and improved productivity, including convergent and divergent thinking. It was said that creative blocks or writer's block were overcome by increasing "ready-to-use thinking" and increasing enjoyment of the work. "Because you're having an abundance of creative thoughts, it allows you to take a fresh look at any work you're doing and makes things more exciting." Improved productivity and effectiveness were reported in tasks such as software development, music composition, business management, and academic work. and other cognitively intensive tasks and problem-solving. "I solve Rubik's Cubes, and when I did it with LSD, I was able to find much more efficient and faster solutions for certain cases."
The athletic performance and exercise benefits of microdosing have been exemplified by practitioners of many different sports and activities, including ice hockey, basketball, freestyle climbing, MMA, and long-distance trail running. Increased energy, focus, coordination, prediction, and overall motivation were typical benefits attributed to the use of microdosing in sports and physical exercise. "I used to play every hockey game in 10th grade on LSD, and it really heightened my senses and instincts."
A greater sense of presence, extroversion, assertiveness, or persuasiveness in social situations supposedly improved the ability to influence others and generate new relationships or work-related opportunities. "Sales meetings and marketing outreach have been easier for me than before." When I tracked the performance metrics, I saw that I performed about 20% better than without microdosing.” Enhanced leadership skills, along with greater adaptability and sensitivity to the needs and social feedback of colleagues, were other benefits mentioned regarding microdosing in a professional setting.
Relief and cure for health problems.
Various disorders or pathological functioning, often resistant to previous attempts at cure, have been supposedly relieved or alleviated by microdosing. Most commonly, depression, including long-standing major depression and other difficult-to-treat cases, has been completely cured or significantly alleviated. Microdrinking LSD was the best thing that ever happened to me. "Dealing with severe depression for 35 years... now it's over!" A decrease in anxiety was also reported (however, these results seemed more contradictory, see topic six). Several microdosers have stated how depression and anxiety were eliminated, and examples of releasing catastrophic thought patterns have been presented. Freedom from dysfunctional beliefs and improved perception of illness have been attributed to microdosing by people suffering from various psychological problems. Individuals with PTSD and bipolar disorder reported significant improvements. "I am bipolar and have used antidepressants my entire life." The only remedy that works for me is psilocybin mushrooms. I microdose and grow my own now. I've never felt better.
Drug dependence (alcohol, narcotics, prescription medications, and nicotine) has been repeatedly considered to be effectively treated by a microdosing practice. "I quit smoking after 20 years." It's like reprogramming your brain.” "It also ended my alcoholism." It has also been said that microdosing helps with motivation and lifestyle changes after addiction. "When I stopped using cannabis, my mind ended up in a very dark place." It wasn't until I started microdosing psilocybin that I was able to do something positive for myself, both physically and mentally.
Users with neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g., ADHD and ASD) have noticed improvements in cognitive and social skills. "It can help people with Asperger's learn to socialize without diminishing their love of science." At least that's what LSD and DMT did for me.” Relief from problematic stuttering has also been attributed to microdosing in some cases.
Reports of what appeared to be neurological effects of microdosing were discussed in the context of paralysis and dyspraxia (a neurological motor coordination disorder). One case involving paralysis due to spinal cord injuries reported regaining control of bladder function and also described spasms and peculiar leg movements after administering microdoses of psilocybin mushrooms. "I've also regained control of my bladder and bowel movements since starting my microdosing experiment!" It's so incredible that I want to shout it from the mountaintop and tell everyone!” Symptoms of dyspraxia were successfully treated by microdosing in a case where prescribed medications were not perceived as adequate or sufficient treatment. "Even microdosing once a month tends to alleviate the symptoms of dyspraxia." The FDA is keeping me from seeking medical treatment options because they prefer to prescribe me medication for addictive anxiety instead of treating the actual diagnosis. The intense desperation described by those suffering from treatment-resistant cluster headaches, and how microdosing cured or reduced the frequency of pain episodes, were other remarkable testimonials to the health benefits experienced.
Undesirable side effects and lack of results.
Microdosing caused some adverse effects and discomfort, but no serious events or harm were reported. Furthermore, mixed results or a lack of the desired effects were observed. More commonly, it appeared that a preferred "functional" microdose was not always established, and several examples of inadvertent overdosing were reported. In some cases, microdosers found themselves visibly affected while attending a work environment. However, this was usually discussed in a lighthearted manner as a comical or strange occurrence, rather than a significant adverse event.
As mentioned in a previous topic, the effects on anxiety have sometimes been complex or contradictory, and some users have experienced increased anxiety, or occasionally even panic attacks, discouraging its use. However, increased anxiety has also been interpreted as a function of a therapeutic or cathartic process, where increased awareness initially intensified anxiety and triggered negative emotions, as well as providing more insights and possibilities for working through personal issues. "You feel a higher degree of connection with yourself, to the point that if you have anxious thoughts or if there is something you are worrying about, it is possible that this worry will be intensified."
The feeling of being physically uncomfortable or overly aware of bodily sensations sometimes discouraged further use. Gastrointestinal discomfort and cramps, as well as increased body temperature, were other undesirable side effects reported sporadically. Furthermore, feelings of restlessness and "nervousness," compared to the potentially unpleasant effects of caffeine, were mentioned and considered to have a negative impact on the ability to concentrate. "Microdosing only made me hyperactive." This put me in a 'do' mental state instead of 'relaxing', but at the same time, I become sloppy. Great if I only need to get up to clean the house, but maybe not for solving complex problems or doing detailed work. The super-stimulant effects were more strongly associated with LSD than with other substances. Due to its long-lasting effects, LSD was sometimes said to cause insomnia. Increased impulsivity appeared to be another related effect that could mean undesirable outcomes. Excessive impulsivity was only mentioned in the context of long-term microdosing practice over many months.
The pro-social and productivity-enhancing effects reported by microdosers were negated by a smaller sample that experienced the opposite effects, with increased introversion and decreased practical or problem-solving skills. It was speculated that the incorrect (too high) dosage was to blame for these results. Decreased performance in specific cognitive domains while experiencing improvements in others—for example, less mechanical intelligence but improvements in social skills—was also mentioned.
Microdosing approaches, strategies, and dosage
Both the videos and the comments were used to advance and exchange information about practical procedures, mental preparations, or other strategies to achieve the best results. The predominant topics included dosage and administration, substance effect profiles, and precautions to minimize the risks or undesirable effects of microdosing.
The overall goal of a preferred dose appeared to be subtle but noticeable (acute) effects, but not to impair or interfere with daily activities. A typical approach was to start with approximately 1/10 of a “full” or “recreational” dose every four days for a few weeks and then have a reset period before starting a new dosing period (i.e., the “Fadiman protocol” based on Fadiman’s recommendations). 17 ]). It was also common for microdosers to establish (and recommend that others discover) a dose and dosing interval according to personal needs and preferences. But not daily. Only when I feel I need a boost. There have been many examples of users who found the typical microdose (1/10) too palpable or, in other cases, totally ineffective and adjusted their dose accordingly. "I am very sensitive to psilocybin; it's difficult for me to microdose accurately." The relationship between dosage and experiences of increased anxiety was discussed, and a strategy where dosage was gradually increased to avoid triggering anxiety was suggested. "Microdosing causes me extreme anxiety, unless I do a 'loading phase' where I increase my tolerance a little and then return to a regular microdose."
A small sample discussing entirely sub-perceptual doses for certain circumstances was also present. Typically, this approach combined a microdose of psilocybin with other non-psychoactive medicinal mushrooms and supplements for purported epigenetic neurogenesis benefits, as suggested by mycologist Paul Stamets.
The substances discussed were the classic serotonergic psychedelics, primarily LSD and psilocybin. However, analogues of both substances, such as 1P-LSD and 4-ACO-DMT, were also common. Occasional mentions of other substances such as N , N DMT, ibogaine, mescaline, 2-CB, cannabis, and 5-MeO-DALT also occurred. The effect profiles of the most common substances, for example LSD and psilocybin, not only overlap but also differ in several important ways. In addition to being longer-lasting and having more energetic effects, LSD was said to be more inclined to benefit structured and focused cognitive work, while psilocybin was more inclined to benefit emotional awareness. Some preferred 4-ACO-DMT; claiming that it provided both the cognitive clarity of LSD and the emotional awareness and grounding of psilocybin.
To promote safety and avoid harm, it was recommended to first test a given substance and dosage at home on a non-working day. Other practical and preventative recommendations included testing substances with a reagent “test kit” for the intended purpose, using a sensitive balance for accurate dosages, employing volumetric dosing (LSD), or grinding mushrooms into powder before weighing the material for greater predictability. It was also recommended to take breaks from microdosing to restart and avoid the buildup of tolerance, and to refrain from making impulsive important life decisions while under the influence.
A prevailing sentiment regarding preparation and mindset was that intentions are a vital component for the effectiveness and potential benefits of microdosing. It has typically been recommended to set clear intentions and view microdosing as a tool to facilitate the achievement of those goals. On the same note, it was also advised to let go of specific expectations and trust the process. "Have a clear and serious intention and be open to guidance and revelation." It was considered preferable to keep some form of record of the day-to-day status in order to monitor and recognize gradual changes over time. Microdosers geared towards performance and athletics sometimes also utilize various self-tracking techniques, through biometrics or other objective measures, to assess performance and avoid biases or errors in judging the effects of microdosing.
General viewpoints on microdosing
This topic summarizes the general viewpoints on microdosing discussed by users; What microdosing is, why and how it works, and how it compares to other methods or medications were predominantly deliberate topics. Discussions about the supposed mechanisms of action generally included biochemical and psycho-spiritual explanations. Scientific concepts such as neurogenesis and neuroplasticity have been attributed to feelings of increased adaptability and benefits in cognitive functioning. Improved mood, confidence, and posture were attributed to increased serotonin activity. The microdosers described how these supposed biological changes, guided by their intentions and efforts, allowed for a kind of "reprogramming of the mind-body interface." Also, More esoteric or mystical concepts, such as the presence of an intrinsic "intelligence" or "mushroom spirit" and certain "homing" properties, where mushrooms somehow impact a user's most pressing specific problems, were sometimes speculated upon. Some have conceptualized the benefits of microdosing as a form of "spiritual healing," while others have viewed it as a "psychotherapeutic tool."
A key perspective was that psychedelics differ fundamentally from established or prescribed psychiatric treatment in that they do not mask problems or facilitate passive coping, but instead can help the user recognize the root of their problems and work through them. “Instead of mitigating our emotional response to past trauma, the trauma begins to resurface, and we have to look at it and integrate it in a way that helps us become a healthier self.” The effect profile of microdosing was similarly compared to, and sometimes favored in relation to, prescribed stimulants (ADHD medications), as well as off-label stimulants used for exercise purposes. "Adderall has this feeling of forcing you to concentrate, whereas with LSD, it's more like you want to." "Microdosing was also sometimes preferred over high doses of psychedelic substances because it was a less intense and laborious process, yet still achievable through more gradual changes over time." "This gives the mushroom time to work its way into your system." I think that with anything you take more consistently, but in moderation, you give it time to work more deeply in your body.
The microdosing provided was used intentionally and in a structured manner; It was generally understood to be a relatively safe and accessible intervention, with low potential for abuse and few serious side effects. . Many users have found microdosing immensely beneficial, and several testimonials have been presented about how microdosing "saved my life" and kept me from committing suicide. Others concluded that microdosing offered certain benefits, but exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle factors were generally more critical. One of the most significant negative points discussed was the illegal status of most of the substances used, and access to microdosing prescriptions was seen as far preferable to the current situation. Some users expressed embarrassment and stigma about participating in illegal methods.
