Table of Contents
Author's Note 10
Introduction 13
What Is Microdosing and Why Is It All the Rage? 13
How to Use This Book 15
Psilocybin and LSD 18
Harm-Reduction Model 18
Part 1 The Microdoser's Handbook 22
Chapter 1 What Is Psilocybin, and How Might It Help Me? 23
History of Microdosing Psychedelics 26
Chapter 2 Psychedelics and Psychiatry … a Match Made in Heaven? 32
Chapter 3 The Biopsychosocial Model of Health 36
Self-Care 39
The Four Pillars (aka Four Food Groups) of Mental Health 40
Chapter 4 The Microdosing Guidebook's Recommended Protocol 45
Is Microdosing Right for Everyone? 46
Introduction to the Fadiman Protocol 47
How to Find Your Optimal Dose 54
Chapter 5 When to Start Journaling 57
Chapter 6 Microdosing for Physical and Mental Health 62
Mental Health Applications 63
Medical Applications and Microdosing 67
Miscellaneous Other Applications 80
Reported Benefits from Microdosing (Based on Substance Used) 84
Reported Effects from Microdosing 85
Chapter 7 Potential Side Effects 87
Common Side Effects and Ways to Manage Them 87
Reported Side Effects 91
Sleep and Microdosing 91
Color Blindness and Microdosing 93
Dose-Dependent Side Effects 93
Chapter 8 How Do I Prepare My Microdoses? 95
Consistency Is Key 95
How to Prepare Your Dose 96
Making Capsules 96
Chemical Composition 97
An Example of Dosing 98
Should I Consider Adding Other Substances to My Microdose Regimen? 99
Chapter 9 The Legality of Microdsoing 102
Decriminalization Is Not Legalization 103
Drug Testing 105
The Future of Microdosing Research and Privatization of Psychedelic Medicines 106
Large Doses Prior to Participating in Microdosing Research 107
Chapter 10 Mental Health and Microdosing 109
What Are Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine? 109
Depression and Microdosing 112
Chapter 11 How Do I Discuss Microdosing with My Healthcare Provider? 125
Starting a Conversation about Microdosing 126
What Should My Medical Provider and I Discuss? 127
Part 2 The Provider's Handbook 130
Chapter 12 Author's Note to Clinicians 131
Chapter 13 Special Considerations 136
Human Hallucinogen Research: Guidelines for Safety 137
Physiological Considerations and Microdosing 139
Psychiatric Considerations and Microdosing 144
Chapter 14 Medications and Microdosing 148
Antidepressants and Microdosing 149
Other Antidepressant Medications 154
Psychostimulants and Microdosing 155
Antipsychotic Medications and Microdosing 155
Anxiolytics and Microdosing 158
Pain Medications and Microdosing 163
Medications for Bipolar Disorder and Microdosing 166
Chapter 15 Educational Information and Professional Organizations 169
Professional Organizations 169
Educational Programs 171
Further Reading 173
Part 3 The Workbook 176
Hands-On Tools and Activities 177
Setting Goals 187
Setting Your Intention 190
Note Area 193
Self-Care 194
Personal Self-Care Menu 199
Create Your Microdose Myco-Mixtape 202
Path 1 Using the Past to Create Your Mixtape 203
Path 2 Using Your Feelings (Remember, Same Rules Apply) 206
Choosing Your Microdosing Theme Song 209
Week 1 Setting Your Intention 211
Putting It All Together 213
Week 2 Getting to Know Your Fun-Guys (or Gals, or Gender Nonconforming) 216
Week 3 Spreading Your Mycelium Network of Self 221
Week 4 How Mushroom Do You Have to Grow? 225
Week 5 Not Trippin', Straight Up Livin' 231
Week 6 Integration. What's Next? 234
Conclusion My Journey and the Catch-22 of Psychedelic Writing 238
References 243
Acknowledgments 285
About the Author 287
