From 1990 to 1995, Dr. Rick Strassman conducted U.S. government–approved and funded clinical research at the University of New Mexico in which he injected sixty volunteers with DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known. His detailed account of those sessions is an extraordinarily riveting inquiry into the nature of the human mind and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. DMT, a plant-derived chemical found in the psychedelic Amazon brew ayahuasca, is also manufactured by the human brain. In Strassman's volunteers, it consistently produced near-death and mystical experiences. Many reported convincing encounters with intelligent nonhuman presences, aliens, angels, and spirits. Nearly all felt that the sessions were among the most profound experiences of their lives. Strassman's research connects DMT with the pineal gland, considered by Hindus to be the site of the seventh chakra and by René Descartes to be the seat of the soul. DMT: The Spirit Molecule makes the bold case that DMT, naturally released by the pineal gland, facilitates the soul's movement in and out of the body and is an integral part of the birth and death experiences, as well as the highest states of meditation and even sexual transcendence. Strassman also believes that so-called alien abduction experiences are brought on by accidental releases of DMT. If used wisely, DMT could trigger a period of remarkable progress in the scientific exploration of the most mystical regions of the human mind and soul.
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"Fascinating book, really enjoyed the stories of the subjects and the speculation of what role DMT plays in birth, death, dreams etc. Only problem I have with this book is that it comes across in a factual definitive, when a lot of the theories about DMT are speculation. A lot of the people I have talked to about DMT seem to believe that it IS what causes us to dream and it IS released when you die, but this is not actually a proven fact. I have never tried DMT, and if I do, this book has taught me more than I need to know about preparation. This is no ordinary drug that can be taken lightly it is a powerful medicine, potentially life-changing substance which must be treated with respect. I'm excited for the journey when I'm ready for it!" — Christine (4 out of 5 stars)
"Fascinating book, really enjoyed the stories of the subjects and the speculation of what role DMT plays in birth, death, dreams etc. Only problem I have with this book is that it comes across in a factual definitive, when a lot of the theories about DMT are speculation. A lot of the people I have talked to about DMT seem to believe that it IS what causes us to dream and it IS released when you die, but this is not actually a proven fact. I have never tried DMT, and if I do, this book has taught me more than I need to know about preparation. This is no ordinary drug that can be taken lightly it is a powerful medicine, potentially life-changing substance which must be treated with respect. I'm excited for the journey when I'm ready for it!"
Fascinating and provocative. A remarkable exploration of the boundaries of science and consciousness itself.
" Dmt changed my life in such beautiful ways. My experiences and understanding of dmt is still a mystery. I enjoyed reading Strassmans book, there's much to relate to but still little to make sense of. I doubt dmt's spiritual side will ever be understood. "
" Amazing tale of a doctor's journey in search of "the spirit molecule". This book is filled with insights regarding spirituality, psychedelics and the struggle to understand either in the current political & scientific climate. Looses a bit of steam at the end, but leaves you with plenty of food for thought. "
" Great read - just wish he would have done all sorts of different experiments "
" A fascinating look at an unjustly neglected area of psychology. This book shows you a glimpse of what lies beyond the veil of our everyday experience of reality. The consistency in the narratives of the different participants in Strassman's study should make anybody question the current dogma about hallucinogenics. Recommended reading - though the book should come with a warning about trying this sort of stuff at home! "
" That there is a substance in the brain that may be responsible for allowing the soul to enter/leave the body. "
" This was a wonderful examination of a brain chemical that may be the underlying cause as to why we believe in the spiritual. A fascinating read and reread! "
" Excelent, except for the crazy theories the author mention sometimes. "
" Some of it didn't catch my interest, but a lot of it definitely made TOO much sense I wondered why the idea hasn't gotten out into the public.... "
" A book that explores the bridge point between biology and the psychic. "
" Incredibly interesting theories and case studies. It definitely makes me want to explore these supposed different realms of consciousness. "
" Some interesting sections, but didn't hold my interest throughout. "
" lots, and lots of, unnecessary, details, but we, are just underway. "
" a little bit more quantifiable data would have been nice, but it is what it is. Considering the fact that I wouldn't want to be prodded and jacked in to some machine while I was having the trip of a lifetime. "
" Spectacular, required reading i think for anyone curious about dreaming, NDEs, hallucinagins, and endogenous chemicals. really puts a new perspective on what we see when we're asleep or think we are dead... "
" Interesting research and hypotheses. I actually corresponded with the author and think it would be great for him to continue this research. "
" Alex Grey art. Strange DMT stories. The Spirit Molecule is released from the pineal gland. "
" a very dryly written clinical study on DMT and its effects "
" Mind-blowing. "You can still be an atheist until 0.4." "
" Interesting insight into drug research in the USA. Also filled with carefully recorded accounts of the experience under one of the more unusual drugs know to humanity. "
" boringly written but really interesting "
" there were so many things in this book that related to things I've done and seen in my own experiences (they weren't DMT, but I'd love to try it now) "
" Incredible account of the first clinical research studies of psychedelics since the 60s. "
" This wasn't as interesting as some books in the same genre, but it's still a very interesting topic. "
" Excellent! I have been looking for a book like this for years that goes into the scientific inner workings of psychedlics. "
" Searching for understanding, not sure what has been found but thoughtful wanderings. "
" Nonfiction. This is an interesting experiment done on human beings using the drug DMT, which results in hallucinations, out of body travels, and encounters with other-worldly beings. A little hard to get through at some points but rewarding when the book is finished. "
" Really fun and mildly nerdy. I now definitely want to try DMT in the careful hands of a doctor, but I also waver between being inspired by Strassman's insights and thinking he's a complete lefty quack. :) "
" Rick Strassmen got approval to do a research study on DMT (dimethyltryptamine). DMT the high-octane psychedelic that shoots you out of your body and into the fifth dimension where you meet "entities" that will speak to you with visible language. Yeah...talk about getting blowed!!! "
Rick Strassman, MD, is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in 1977. In 1995 he received the University of New Mexico General Clinical Research Center’s Research Scientist Award. He has published nearly thirty peer-reviewed scientific papers and has served as a reviewer for several research journals and as a consultant to the US Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Social Security Administration, and other state and local agencies. His research centers around the role of the naturally occurring compound DMT and its role in out-of-body and near-death experiences.
Arthur Morey has won three AudioFile Magazine “Best Of” Awards, and his work has garnered numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and placed him as a finalist for two Audie Awards. He has acted in a number of productions, both off Broadway in New York and off Loop in Chicago. He graduated from Harvard and did graduate work at the University of Chicago. He has won awards for his fiction and drama, worked as an editor with several book publishers, and taught literature and writing at Northwestern University. His plays and songs have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Milan, where he has also performed.
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