My Altered States - by Rick Strassman (Paperback)

About the Book

"An investigation based on direct experience into the meaning and message of altered states. Recounts several dozen of the author's experiences of drug and non-drug altered states of consciousness from birth to early adulthood. Applies the lenses of four explanatory models-psychoanalysis, psychopharmacology, Zen Buddhism, and medieval Jewish metaphysics-in understanding how and why they occurred. Demonstrates the importance of careful unflinching recollection and documentation of both heavenly and hellish altered states in one's psychological, emotional, and spiritual life"--

Book Synopsis

An investigation based on direct experience into the meaning and message of altered states

"Every reader will find this account fascinating. A lively and intensely personal addition to the drugs-memoir genre."--Kirkus Reviews

"You're such an important part of the psychedelic history."--Joe Rogan Experience, episode #1854

- Recounts several dozen of the author's experiences of drug and non-drug altered states of consciousness from birth to early adulthood

- Applies the lenses of four explanatory models--psychoanalysis, psychopharmacology, Zen Buddhism, and medieval Jewish metaphysics--in understanding how and why they occurred

- Demonstrates the importance of careful unflinching recollection and documentation of both heavenly and hellish altered states in one's psychological, emotional, and spiritual life

Why do we seek out altered states of consciousness, or why, in some cases, do they happen unbidden? What do we see and hear, and what happens emotionally, physically, and psychologically? How and why are these experiences different from or similar to one another? Are they meaningful? And what do we do with them after they have passed?

Addressing these questions, renowned psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman, M.D., draws upon his journals and analyses of dozens of episodes of altered consciousness that occurred during, or are intimately tied to, his life between birth and young adulthood. Just as significant as the ecstatic blissful experiences are the uncensored and, at times, painfully unvarnished narratives of less elevated ones. Visually augmenting all these accounts are the striking images of artist Merrilee Challiss.

Understanding and applying the meaning and message of any altered state--its integration--first requires a clear-eyed recollection of the actual experience in all its aspects, neither pushing away the ugly nor grasping after the beautiful. This book provides a profound example of how one might go about accomplishing this daunting task.

Review Quotes

"Strassman writes with an engaging directness--his prose deftly toggles between sarcastic observations and sincere confessions, bringing heartfelt intensity to his observations on love, heartbreak, therapy, and particularly the wild experiences he's had under the influence of various psychedelic drugs. His descriptions are remarkably vivid . . . every reader will find this account fascinating. A lively and intensely personal addition to the drugs-memoir genre."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"A fascinating investigation of consciousness through the lens of an extraordinarily intrepid explorer. Dr. Strassman brings courage, humor, and a hard-earned humility to the journey of self-discovery, venturing into the heights and depths of what it means to be a conscious human, bringing back gifts of perspective and wisdom for us all."-- "Rabbi Shefa Gold, author of Torah Journeys"

"An atlas for the wounded who hope to heal, a mirror for the healed who hope to understand, and a beacon for the lost who can't yet see the path beneath their feet. . . . Rick's story is a gospel for seekers who straddle the fence between the scientific and the mystical, the extrarational and the rational."-- "Rachel Rumstein, book club coordinator at Intercollegiate Psychedelics Network Labs"

"As mainstream culture prepares to embrace psychedelics as medicine, Dr. Strassman's accessible and poignant stories help contextualize the kinds of experiences we might expect for ourselves and our loved ones, from states of bliss and self-acceptance to gnawing anxiety and unexplored shame. Highly recommended."-- "Katherine MacLean, Ph.D., author of Midnight Water"

"For those of us who seek a path to better understanding of ourselves and how our own behavior affects others, and who are willing to dive deep into the mystery of consciousness, Rick Strassman's My Altered States provides much food for thought. I highly recommend it!"-- "Graham Hancock, host of Netflix's hit documentary series, Ancient Apocalypse and author of Fingerpri"

"From a childhood obsession with fireworks to the medical doctor's now famous experiments with mental dynamite, My Altered States is the antidote to today's psychedelic hype: the true story, warts and all, of an unusually curious mind."-- "Travis Kitchens, writer"

"From his harrowing visions of his ancestors' persecution as Eastern European Jews to his humorous tales of getting high for the first time, Rick speaks to and for us all, recounting the journey of a soul striving for connection and grounding through body and mind."-- "Madison Margolin, journalist and author of Exile & Ecstasy"

"This is not your average travelogue, but one written by a master of the psychedelic movement. A must-read for any aspiring or experienced psychonaut with core teachings for psychedelic guiding."-- "Daniel McQueen, author of Psychedelic Cannabis"

"My Altered States successfully bridges psychopharmacology and psychotherapy in a coherent whole that will satisfy the initiated as well as the lay reader who, like Dr. Strassman, seek to tap into the deepest mysteries of the mind."-- "Tadeo Feijão, M.D., president of the União do Vegetal (UDV) General Directorate"

" . . . Having the mind and the courage . . . You're such an important part of the psychedelic history of this country because what you did is you legitimized a very important thing."-- "Joe Rogan, from a conversation with Rick Strassman, M.D., regarding his contributions to psychedelic"

"A remarkable memoir from a trailbreaking consciousness explorer. Strassman, in describing his own development from altered state to altered state, has written honest, candid reports of his own trips. A unique set of stories illuminating what became his extraordinary life."-- "James Fadiman, Ph.D., author of The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide"

"An illuminating autobiographical exploration of pioneering psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman's early life and firsthand experiences with altered states of consciousness. . . . This sensitive and self-revealing examination of how these powerful compounds affected Dr. Strassman's personal evolution and his insights into the potential impact of psychedelics make a valuable contribution to our understanding of human consciousness and the potential for new and valuable psychiatric treatments."-- "Charles S. Grob, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine"

"Brave, honest, real, self-critical, deeply personal, and well-told, Rick Strassman's account of his formative years casts compelling light on his subsequently pioneering career in psychedelic science. A necessary contribution."-- "Jeremy Narby, coauthor of The Psychotropic Mind"

"If you want to know what shaped the mind of one of the most important and influential psychedelic scientists of the last century, I can't recommend this book highly enough."-- "Andrew R. Gallimore, Ph.D., neurobiologist and author of Reality Switch Technologies"

"In his gripping, painfully honest memoir My Altered States, eminent psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman delves into the risks as well as spiritual potential of psychedelics. As capitalists seek to monetize these remarkable substances, Strassman's book provides a much-needed counterpoint to the hype and hoopla."-- "John Horgan, science journalist and author of The End of Science"

"Rick has taken on the daring task of writing about how various substances have affected his consciousness. He does so by immersing us into his own soul and circumstances in an honest, elegant, and engaging style that also triggers self-reflection. This book is a gem."-- "Luis Eduardo Luna, Ph.D., coauthor of Inner Paths to Outer Space"

"Rick Strassman's memoir is a gift defined by both raw honesty and a distinct literary beauty. He shows us how scientific exploration itself can be an altered state, guiding us deeper into practices like meditation, psychedelics, and psychoanalysis. Get ready for a wild ride, including a telepathic one on a flying carpet."-- "Jeffrey J. Kripal, author of How to Think Impossibly"

"The doyen of DMT studies finally begins to share his personal experiences with psychedelics--as well as his personal history--in this wise, intimate, funny, at-times disturbing, always heartfelt memoir. It covers his life up to the time he joined a Zen Buddhist monastery while on leave from medical school in his early twenties. I highly recommend this book."-- "Tao Lin, author of Trip: Psychedelics, Alienation, and Change"

"This book is a magnificent treat, offering page-turning accounts that are as fascinating as they are engaging. . . . Beyond the usual altered states, Strassman explores unconventional and rarely recognized types of shifted consciousness with elegance and wisdom gained from years of reflection. . . . My Altered States is a mind-expanding treasure, illuminating the depths of human consciousness with a rare and captivating brilliance."-- "David Jay Brown, coauthor of The Illustrated Field Guide to DMT Entities"

About the Author

Rick Strassman, M.D., is adjunct associate professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. From 1990 to 1995 he performed the first new human research with psychedelic drugs in the United States in more than 20 years, studying the powerful naturally occurring compound DMT as well as psilocybin. The author of several books, including DMT: The Spirit Molecule, he lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.