Preliminary research data analysis of LSD consumption in Britain: a qualitative study

In the Western world, the majority’s ideological values and beliefs are predominantly centred on materialism. Burroughs and Rindfleisch (2002) point out the contemporary mindset of Western individuals is affected by economic affluence. However, Burroughs and Rindfleisch (2002) argue that the pursuit of materialism can negatively affect human well-being. Kashdan and Breen (2007) emphasize a materialistic driven lifestyle can have adverse psychological consequences; self-esteem loss and the formation of maladaptive addictive behavioural patterns. Yet optimist Jackson (2011) believes the current cultural conditions are not permanent but instead fluid. Jackson (2011) states if humanity were made more aware of the destructiveness our consumeristic lifestyles are having on the worlds ecology, many would make permanent behavioural changes imminently. Introduction: In 21st century academia, we are witnessing the re-emergence of scientific interest in psychedelic compounds despite the obvious challenges posed by ethics committees. This is otherwise known as the ‘psychedelic renaissance’ (Sessa, 2012). The experiences of taking psychedelic drugs (often referred to as taking a ‘trip’) may be difficult to articulate for a number of reasons which defy conventional scientific reasoning. Reports (often anecdotal) include anomalous accounts such as out of body experiences, intense hallucinations increased sensuality to the immediate environment and other people, experiencing spiritual awakening, the death of the ego and brief glimpses of spiritual and ecological enlightenment resulting in changes in one’s ego structures and sense of self (Luke, 2012). Psychedelics may allow an individual to receive a different wave vibration of consciousness inaccessible in ordinary consciousness. Daniels (2001) asserts this is a spiritual experience that can offer humanity the potential to transcend the ecological crisis. Poll and Smith (2003) take the view this transformation of the personality synthesis can only occur when a person has undergone a change in their sense of self; the ‘spiritual identity’. One of the theories for the development of the spiritual theory is ‘narrative theories’. This can be understood as constructing an identity and using it to justify the story you have rationalised to yourself for why you behave the way you do. Poll and Smith (2003) outlined the 4 stages of spiritual development; pre-awareness, awakening, recognition and integration. Empirical quantifiable research has been carried out on psychedelic users and identity formation. Móró, Simon, Bárd and Rácz (2011) postulated psychedelic drug usage can have long-lasting consequences for one’s worldview. Five hundred and eighty-nine prior and current drug users completed an online drug survey. The findings were indicative that for many, psychedelic drug usage is intended for ‘self-knowledge’ and to ‘evolve’ one’s consciousness. Wolfson (2011) proposes that psychedelics offer psychology the best chance to rapidly transform our consciousness. They heighten our empathy, reconnect us with the divine and offer new meaning to our lives. One particular entheogen which has risen in scientific popularity is lysergic acid (LSD-25). LSD consumption has been related to in most cases to profound spiritual transformations. Pahnke (1967) outlined several transpersonal features of the LSD experience; cosmic unification, ineffable experiences and long-lasting positive changes in attitudes and behaviours. Recently, LSD has been a research topic favoured by neuroscientists. Cahart-Harris et al. (2016) carried out a double-blind placebo trial of LSD on 20 healthy volunteers. FMRI scans were indicative of a link between the psychedelic state of consciousness and drastic changes in one’s neural activities. The researchers found a significant relationship between ego-dissolution and decreased alpha waves (p