My Altered States
A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Trauma, Psychedelics, and Spiritual Growth

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“ . . . 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."

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”