The Future of Microdosing

What is microdosing and what are the potential benefits?

Austin: The classic definition [of a microdose] is a sub-perceptible psychedelic dose. Meaning when you take a microdose, you don't feel any significant change and it's about a tenth of a regular dose. So if a regular dose of LSD is anywhere from 150 micrograms to 200 micrograms, a microdose is going to be anywhere from 15 to 20 micrograms, or if a regular dose of psilocybin mushrooms is anywhere from a gram to two grams, a microdose is going to be anywhere from 100 milligrams to 200 milligrams.  

The idea with microdosing is that it's a protocol. So it's not just you take it once and you expect all these benefits, like you might with a high dose. Instead, it's consistently taking this microdose, a small dose of a psychedelic, let's say two to three times a week for a period of four to six weeks.  

[One main benefit] is enhanced mindfulness. So [people who microdose] become more aware of why they are doing what they're doing, which allows them to shift and change their behaviors as a result. And the second thing is a better mood. Microdosing helps to enhance both serotonin and dopamine production, and what that does neurobiologically is it leads to a greater sense of contentment while also leading to more energy focus and attention in the external world.

How can microdosing improve open-mindedness and curiosity?

Austin: Neurobiologically what's often happening is it's shutting down something called the default mode network. And so the default mode network is what helps us do our everyday tasks. And when it gets too rigid and constricted, we become very anxious. We can't get out of our head.  

Psychedelics allow more flexibility to come into that overly rigid state, which allows someone to take a step back and be okay with the not knowing. It allows someone to take a step back and be more present with the moment at hand. Most of us are really stuck in this linear structure. I believe it's the left side of the brain. We're always needing to get things done. We're always needing to know the answer. What psychedelics do is they activate the other side — they activate the right hemisphere, the creative and abstract side. And so that interconnectivity then allows for this sort of wonderment or this curiosity that people often experience.

Can you tap into a flow state via microdosing?

Austin: When we're looking at microdosing as a tool of performance the word that is really in our cultural zeitgeist right now is flow - how can we access more flow? How can we be in the zone? And flow is when that mind chatter turns off and when you're put in the zone and it feels like there's time dilation, you're way more productive, and things feel fun and interesting. When people are focused when they have a creative task and they microdose, it really helps amplify that peak state. Because of what microdosing is doing in the brain, it’s helping with greater connectivity between the two hemispheres that allows the more neurotic, chatty side of the brain to calm down and the more creative non-linear abstract side of the brain to be charged up. And that balance between the two leads to a state of equanimity, state of centeredness, and presence that is so central to performance.

What is a common misconception surrounding microdosing psychedelics that you want to clear up?

Austin: [One misconception is that] psychedelics are a panacea or a magic pill. There's been a lot of energy and momentum around psychedelics in the last few years, which has been really positive. And I think the core thing to emphasize is psychedelics are an opener, they are catalysts. They’re a tool that can help you to take ownership over your existence, help you to take ownership over your physical well-being, over your mental well-being, over your spiritual wellbeing, but you still have to show up every day and commit to becoming a healthier, better, more integrated, more complete person. 

When it comes to working with psychedelics, there's a phrase that I love, which is altered states lead to altered traits. Sometimes when we have these altered states through breath work or meditation or yoga or psychedelics, we have the insight, we have the awareness and then we don't really do anything about it. And so that insight and awareness that we initially had just sort of goes away and we never actually change our behavior. We never actually change who we are. And so the opportunity with psychedelics with this altered state, when there are things that come into our awareness, when there's insights about the nature of who we are, when there's insights about behaviors that we can shift to better support and nourish ourselves, it's really critical that especially that first month after a psychedelic experience, that we integrate that properly. We journal about what's come up, that we commit to a practice like meditation or yoga that we do every day as a way to help us stay grounded in the present moment. Because if we don't do that, then this just becomes another drug experience.

Disclaimer: The topics discussed in this interview are at the cutting edge of health and wellness. This interview represents the views and opinions of Paul Austin and does not represent the views of or any endorsement by Equinox. Paul is an entrepreneur and thought leader, but he is not a doctor, licensed therapist, or healthcare professional. This interview does not constitute medical advice and is provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Information and views on this topic may evolve based on future research and learnings. Consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions and before making any decisions on these thought-provoking topics.