Often times we hear stories of some individuals losing themselves when they ‘trip’ on mushrooms and LSD. We have long known that taking these substances triggers a change in the way our brain works while being ‘high’ or under the effect of these substances , scientists have never fully exacted proof of how this process works.
A new study revealed that the effects of psilocybin, the active ingredient in mushrooms, work to dissolve a person’s ego, a phenomenon known as ego-death or ego-disintegration. Researchers say psilocybin triggers a break down of the sense of self through a chemical reaction in the brain.
Based on new scientifc analysis , first-of-its-kind study titled Me, Myself, Bye coducted by researchers from the Maastricht University offered evidence that show this ego-disintegration while ‘tripping’ might be linked to changes in glutamate levels.
Glutamate is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter released by nerve cells in the brain. It is important for fast-tracking signals and information in our brain, especially within the cortex and hippocampus.
The brain’s hippocampus, it turns out, is believed to play a role in a person’s self-esteem.
Nice article