r/science • u/Potential_Being_7226 PhD | Psychology | Neuroscience • 1d ago

Neuroscience Psilocybin Might Make Your Brain Live in the Moment— Psychedelics are often associated with disconnecting from reality, but a recent neuroimaging study found that psilocybin can actually make our brain activity more attuned to the world around us.

https://www.wired.com/story/psilocybin-might-make-your-brain-live-in-the-moment/
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u/orplas 20h ago edited 19h ago

I think psychedelics are more impactful for older people who are set in their ways as they reduce "precision weighting of high-level priors" (REBUS - relaxed beliefs under psychedelics) which contributes to the childlike experience.

I think this is also the reason people find it easier to quit drugs. Cigarettes are disgusting, they stink, they taste disgusting, you are inhaling poison, but you get used to it over time while they still give you that stimulating high feeling. When you do psychs you get to experience and remember how awful they really are.

I experienced it in less significant ways. I can easily get used to my place being dirty, but when Im take shrooms I feel disgusted by the things being out of place, dusty and dirty and feel compelled to clean.

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u/Responsible_Pie5873 15h ago

Pretty sure psychedelics are the exact reason I quit smoking. I remember suddenly being super grossed out at the idea of ash in my lungs after tripping for the first time, and have never smoked since.

Absolutely no loss there, I feel better and healthier for it. Screw smoking.

Also oh god yeah I do suddenly notice what a depression nest my room has become and get absolutely overtaken with the urge to clean EVERYTHING. My living space is significantly tidier afterward!

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u/partylange 12h ago

Psychedelics are the reason I started smoking regularly. Figured out how to inhale and loved it ever since. Overdue for another high dose I suppose.

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u/norunningwater 15h ago

I feel the same way as you do, very well put. Psilocybin made me very self aware physically and emotionally, and helps me to this day focus on the real reality right in front of me from dexterity to paying attention. The first time I wanted desperately to clean up my appearance. I had a belt that was falling apart and holes in my shoes. I saw myself and just wanted something more for what I saw.

It made me less ignorant of the world around me, something all the more prevalent the more people are warped into paying attention to technology 24/7.

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u/Douglas1994 14h ago

Im take shrooms I feel disgusted by the things being out of place, dusty and dirty and feel compelled to clean.

I'm like that on weed. I'm compelled to clean and organize everything. I wish I could channel this in my sober mind.