Psychedelic Microdosing: A Subreddit Analysis and Jiu-Jitsu
The Beautiful Savage
March 12, 2023
Psychedelic Microdosing: A Subreddit Analysis and Jiu-Jitsu
There has been a growing interest in using psychedelic drugs for therapeutic purposes in recent years. However, what has received less attention is the practice of microdosing, which involves taking shallow doses of these substances to improve mental health and well-being and enhance cognitive function. Microdosing has been popularized by online communities such as the subreddit r/microdosing, where users share their experiences and insights about this practice.
To better understand the motivations, dosing practices, and perceived benefits and limitations of microdosing, researchers Toby Lea, Nicole Amada, and Henrik Jungaberle conducted a content analysis of discussions from the r/microdosing forum titled Psychedelic Microdosing: A Subreddit Analysis. Their findings show why people engage in microdosing, what they hope to achieve, and the challenges they face.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking tiny doses of psychedelic substances, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, to improve mental and emotional functioning without producing the full-blown effects associated with a full dose. The practice has gained popularity recently, with many users reporting improved mood, focus, creativity, and overall well-being.
The theory behind microdosing is that these substances can enhance cognitive function by increasing neuroplasticity, boosting creativity and problem-solving skills, and reducing anxiety and depression. While the evidence for these claims is limited, some jiu-jitsu athletes believe that microdosing can provide a competitive edge on the mat.
Shrooms And Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years, with millions of practitioners of all ages and backgrounds. While jiu-jitsu is known for its physical demands and technical complexities, there is growing interest in the role of mindset and mental performance in the sport. One practice that has attracted attention among jiu-jitsu athletes is microdosing with psychedelics, which some belief can improve focus, creativity, and overall performance.
How Microdosing Can Benefit Jiu-Jitsu
There are several ways that microdosing could potentially benefit jiu-jitsu athletes, including:
Improved Focus: One of the most commonly reported benefits of microdosing is improved focus and concentration. This could be particularly beneficial for jiu-jitsu athletes, who need to maintain high attention and awareness during training and competition. Microdosing may help to reduce distractions and improve the ability to stay present and focused at the moment.
Enhanced Creativity: Another potential benefit of microdosing is enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills. In jiu-jitsu, athletes need to think on their feet and adapt to changing situations quickly. Microdosing could potentially enhance the ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems, giving athletes an advantage over opponents.
Reduced Anxiety: Anxiety can be a significant barrier to performance in any sport, and jiu-jitsu is no exception. Microdosing may help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which could be particularly beneficial for athletes who struggle with performance anxiety.
Improved Recovery: Jiu-jitsu can be physically demanding, and recovery is essential for athletes to maintain peak performance. Some jiu-jitsu athletes who microdose report that it helps them to recover more quickly after training or competition, reducing muscle soreness and improving overall physical well-being.
Potential Risks and Limitations
While microdosing can benefit jiu-jitsu athletes, it is essential to note that there are also potential risks and limitations associated with the practice. These include:
Legal Risks: The use of psychedelics is illegal in many countries, and athletes who choose to microdose may be at risk of legal consequences if caught.
Health Risks: The long-term health risks associated with microdosing are not well understood, and there is a risk of adverse physical or psychological effects. Some users have reported negative side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or increased anxiety.
Lack of Research: There is limited scientific research on the potential benefits and risks of microdosing, particularly in the context of sports performance. As such, it is difficult to say with certainty what the long-term effects of microdosing might be.
While the potential benefits of microdosing for jiu-jitsu athletes are intriguing, it is essential to approach the practice cautiously and prioritize research, education, and harm reduction. Athletes who choose to microdose should know the potential risks and limitations and seek reliable medical advice.
Motivations for Microdosing
One of the main reasons people reported using microdosing was to self-manage mental health issues. Many users reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD and saw microdosing as a way to alleviate these symptoms without resorting to prescription medication. Some also reported using microdosing to manage symptoms of addiction, such as nicotine or alcohol dependence.
Another common motivation for microdosing was to improve psychosocial well-being. Users reported feeling more connected to others, experiencing greater empathy and understanding, and feeling more open-minded and accepting of different perspectives. Some users also reported feeling more spiritually connected, experiencing a sense of transcendence or awe.
Finally, some users reported using microdosing for cognitive enhancement. They reported feeling more focused, productive, and creative and saw microdosing as a way to gain a competitive edge in their professional or academic pursuits.
Dosing Practices
The dosing practices reported by users on r/microdosing varied widely. Most reported taking 5-20 micrograms of LSD or 0.1-0.5 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms, although some reported taking even lower doses. Users reported taking these doses once every few days, with some taking a break for a few days or weeks after several doses.
Many users reported experimenting with different dosing schedules and substances, and some reported combining microdosing with other practices, such as meditation or exercise.
Perceived Benefits and Limitations
The perceived benefits of microdosing reported by users on r/microdosing were wide-ranging and varied depending on the individual. Some users reported experiencing cognitive and creative enhancement, with improved focus, problem-solving, and ideation. Others reported reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, with improved mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Some users also reported enhanced self-insight and mindfulness, with greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions.
Other reported benefits of microdosing included improved habits and health behaviors, such as better diet and exercise habits, improved sleep, and reduced substance use. Some users also reported improved social interactions and interpersonal connections, with greater empathy, understanding, and communication.
However, users also reported perceived limitations and challenges associated with microdosing. One common issue reported was related to dosing, with some users reporting difficulty measuring and accurately dosing their substances. Adverse physical effects, such as headaches, nausea, and increased heart rate, were also reported.
Another limitation reported was related to the fact that taking illegal substances carries legal and social risks. Some users also reported that microdosing did not provide them with mental health or cognitive improvement. Increased anxiety and unpleasant "off" days were also reported, where users experienced negative moods and reduced motivation after microdosing. Finally, some users reported concerns about dependence and drug-related risks associated with microdosing.
Implications for Future Research
While microdosing has been promoted by some as a promising new therapy for mental health issues, there
are many unanswered questions about its safety and effectiveness. The researchers who analyzed the r/microdosing subreddit emphasize the need for further research to understand the potential benefits and risks of microdosing.
Standard doses of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD or psilocybin, have shown promise as novel treatments for depression, anxiety, and addiction in clinical settings. However, much less is known about the safety and effectiveness of microdosing, which involves self-administering these substances in much lower doses over an extended period.
It is important to note that self-administering psychedelics carries risks, including legal consequences and adverse physical and psychological effects. Therefore, the researchers stress the importance of harm reduction resources and education to provide users with the best available information on the safer use of self-administered psychedelics.
In addition, further research is needed to understand the potential therapeutic benefits and limitations of microdosing. Currently, there is a lack of high-quality clinical research on the topic, and most of the evidence comes from self-reported anecdotal experiences on online forums such as r/microdosing.
As psychedelics continue attracting interest from the scientific and medical communities, it is essential to approach their use cautiously and prioritize research to understand their potential benefits and risks. While microdosing may hold promise as a new therapy, further research is needed to establish its safety and effectiveness and to develop appropriate guidelines and regulations for its use.
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