My Altered States

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

By: Rick Strassman M.D. M.D.

Narrated by: Rick Strassman M.D. M.D.

“Every reader will find this account fascinating. A lively and intensely personal addition to the drugs-memoir genre.”—Kirkus Reviews

“You're such an important part of the psychedelic history.”—Joe Rogan Experience, episode #1854

• Recounts several dozen of the author’s experiences of drug and non-drug altered states of consciousness from birth to early adulthood

• Applies the lenses of four explanatory models—psychoanalysis, psychopharmacology, Zen Buddhism, and medieval Jewish metaphysics—in understanding how and why they occurred

• Demonstrates the importance of careful unflinching recollection and documentation of both heavenly and hellish altered states in one’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual life

Why do we seek out altered states of consciousness, or why, in some cases, do they happen unbidden? What do we see and hear, and what happens emotionally, physically, and psychologically? How and why are these experiences different from or similar to one another? Are they meaningful? And what do we do with them after they have passed?

Addressing these questions, renowned psychedelic researcher Rick Strassman, M.D., draws upon his journals and analyses of dozens of episodes of altered consciousness that occurred during, or are intimately tied to, his life between birth and young adulthood. Just as significant as the ecstatic blissful experiences are the uncensored and, at times, painfully unvarnished narratives of less elevated ones. Visually augmenting all these accounts are the striking images of artist Merrilee Challiss.

Understanding and applying the meaning and message of any altered state—its integration—first requires a clear-eyed recollection of the actual experience in all its aspects, neither pushing away the ugly nor grasping after the beautiful. This book provides a profound example of how one might go about accomplishing this daunting task.

Critic reviews

“ . . . 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.”

it was okay

Love the story format but not the delivery of it Dr straussman might have been better served to have someone else who does audiobook reading professionally portray his material. otherwise the content and substance of his book was wonderful

Deeper her insight

If you’ve read his books or have seen his interviews. You know this is an incredibly interesting man. This is a very intimate look inside the mind and experience through his life. It’s fascinating to get this kind of look inside the history of someone when you know who they became.

Fantastic

A true leader and pioneer in the study of psychedelics. Fantastic book, it's nice to hear personal stories about his adventures.