The default mode network is altered by psychedelics from "summary" of How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
The default mode network is a network of brain regions that are active when we are at rest and not focused on the outside world. This network is associated with self-referential thoughts, mind-wandering, and rumination. It is essentially the brain's autopilot mode, operating in the background when we are not engaged in specific tasks. When the default mode network is overactive or hyperconnected, it can lead to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive thinking. Psychedelics have been found to disrupt the default mode network, leading to a decrease in its activity and connectivity. This alteration in the default mode network is believed to be a key factor in the profound effects of psychedelics on consciousness. By quieting the default mode network, psychedelics allow other parts of the brain to communicate more freely and create new connections. This can result in a dissolution of the boundaries between self and other, as well as a sense of interconnectedness with the world at large. The default mode network is thought to be responsible for maintaining our sense of self and ego. By disrupting this network, psychedelics can induce ego dissolution, a state in which the boundaries between self and other become blurred or even disappear entirely. This can lead to experiences of unity, interconnectedness, and a profound sense of oneness with the universe. Ego dissolution is often described as a key aspect of the mystical or spiritual experiences that can occur during a psychedelic trip. The altered state of consciousness induced by psychedelics can lead to a sense of awe, wonder, and transcendence. This state is often accompanied by a feeling of profound insight, meaning, and significance. People who have had mystical experiences on psychedelics often report a lasting sense of well-being, connectedness, and purpose. These experiences can be transformative and have a lasting impact on a person's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.- The alteration of the default mode network by psychedelics is believed to play a central role in the therapeutic and transformative potential of these substances. By disrupting our usual patterns of thinking and opening us up to new ways of experiencing the world, psychedelics have the power to facilitate healing, personal growth, and spiritual exploration.
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