Week 5 | Psychedelics and Connection
Psychedelics and the potential effects on the human-animal bond and nature relatedness
Last week, we explored the concept of critical periods in veterinary medicine, highlighting their importance in shaping behavior and physiological development.
Ensure you’re caught up with our communication discussions by listening to past discussion recordings.
Psychedelics and Connection
The discussion group on August 16th (Week 5) explores the topic of Psychedelics and Connection. We will discuss the Human Psychedelic Use and the potential effects on the Human-Animal Bond and Nature Relatedness. We will explore how psychedelics influence human perceptions and interactions with animals and nature.
This discussion will cover the potential benefits of psychedelic use, how it can enhance the human-animal bond, and its impact on our relationship with the natural world. We will explore the fascinating research on how classic psychedelics influence human-animal relations and may promote pro-environmental behavior.
Understanding psychedelics as non-specific amplifiers, we will also discuss the potential risks; and as animal health professionals how this may show up in the exam room.
Key topics for Week 5 include:
Classic Psychedelics and Human-Animal Relations:
Lifetime use of psychedelics is linked to reduced speciesism and increased animal solidarity.
Ego dissolution, a key psychedelic experience, further reduces speciesism and enhances the desire to help animals.
Mechanisms of Change:
Psychedelics reduce defense mechanisms that prevent attitude changes, fostering reconnection with animals and breaking down human-animal distinctions.
Pro-Environmental Behavior:
Psychedelic experiences can change self-construal to include the natural world, leading to more pro-environmental actions.
Environmental Virtues:
Psychedelics can promote virtues like 'living in place,' which includes respect for nature, humility, and wonder.
Nature Relatedness:
Psychedelics can significantly increase nature relatedness, enhancing psychological well-being and predicting pro-environmental behaviors.
Synergistic Effects with Nature:
Nature-based settings enhance the benefits of psychedelic therapy, increasing nature relatedness and psychological benefits.
Climate Change Knowledge:
Psychedelic use is linked to increased knowledge about climate change, fostering pro-environmental behavior.
Psychedelics as non-specific amplifiers:
Understanding that psychedelics do not create a guaranteed result in any particular individual, we discussed the potential challenges or risks related to the human-animal and how this could present in the exam room.
Classic psychedelics can profoundly influence and change our relationship with animals and nature. Join us as we explore the profound implications of psychedelics on fostering deeper connections with animals and the environment.
Watch Week 5 Recorded Lecture here.
$25 registration
25min lecture
valid for 0.5 hr CE for VCCounselor renewal requirements
Week 5’s Resources:
Classical Psychedelics and Human-Animal Relations
Psychedelics and environmental virtues
