DMT: The Spirit Molecule

A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences

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

Narrated by: Drew Graham

A clinical psychiatrist explores the effects of DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known.

• A behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of psychedelic research.

• Provides a unique scientific explanation for the phenomenon of alien abduction experiences.

From 1990 to 1995 Dr. Rick Strassman conducted U.S. Government-approved and funded clinical research at the University of New Mexico in which he injected sixty volunteers with DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known. His detailed account of those sessions is an extraordinarily riveting inquiry into the nature of the human mind and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. DMT, a plant-derived chemical found in the psychedelic Amazon brew, ayahuasca, is also manufactured by the human brain. In Strassman's volunteers, it consistently produced near-death and mystical experiences. Many reported convincing encounters with intelligent nonhuman presences, aliens, angels, and spirits. Nearly all felt that the sessions were among the most profound experiences of their lives.

Strassman's research connects DMT with the pineal gland, considered by Hindus to be the site of the seventh chakra and by Rene Descartes to be the seat of the soul. DMT: The Spirit Molecule makes the bold case that DMT, naturally released by the pineal gland, facilitates the soul's movement in and out of the body and is an integral part of the birth and death experiences, as well as the highest states of meditation and even sexual transcendence. Strassman also believes that "alien abduction experiences" are brought on by accidental releases of DMT. If used wisely, DMT could trigger a period of remarkable progress in the scientific exploration of the most mystical regions of the human mind and soul.

Critic reviews

"Fascinating and provocative. A remarkable exploration of the boundaries of science and consciousness itself."

"Rick Strassman's pioneering research work with DMT, a natural psychedelic drug used by Amazonian Indians, raises fascinating questions about the neurochemical basis of experience and the feasibility of conducting human research with mind-altering drugs in a university medical center. Truly adventurous reading!"

"This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the mind, philosophy, the nature of reality, and spirituality."

"DMT: The Spirit Molecule points the way beyond the present impasse of the reigning 'drug abuse' paradigm."

"The most extensive scientific study of the mental and perceptual effects of a psychedelic drug since the 1960s."

"Strassman's important research contributes to a growing awareness that we inhabit a multi-dimensional universe."

"Strassman raises vital questions about the origin of spiritual experiences and the nature of consciousness."

"DMT: The Spirit Molecule is a fascinating journey into the research of psychedelics. . . . The questions and possible explanations about the endogenous presence of DMT that he raises not only enlarge the discussion about psychedelics but also expand our understanding of the nature of consciousness."

"This book will be of profound interest to . . . anyone with a deep interest in the study of consciousness, visionary states and/or psycho-pharmacology."

"Strassman's psychonauts regularly found themselves hurtled into alien laboratories, high-tech nurseries, and Day-Glo hieroglyphic hypercubes."

"DMT: the Spirit Molecule is an enriching journey into one scientist's courageous attempt to solve a bit more of the brain/mind/spirit mystery at the center of human existence."

"What you will find is a thoughtful, well-written report about another of life's mysteries."

"Strassman's research was an important step, one that will potentially illuminate the path for future researchers and volunteers alike, and this book is a great contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding psychedelics."

"This is probably the most thorough book on the psychedelic, DMT--its history, chemistry, uses (legal and illegal), and its effects. This is a very compelling, thoughtful book, written by a scrupulous scientist with the soul of a meditator."

"The account of the project is an excellent inside view of human drug studies, especially those with psychedelics."

"This book is a highly readable, intriguing, provocative description of Rick Strassman's theories and research concerning the effects of DMT."

"Rick Strassman's experimentation with the psychoactive substance DMT is taking up where Leary's 1950/60's LSD experiments stopped."

"[Strassman's] account, written more for the layman than the specialist, is ground-breaking, and raises the interesting question as to what is truly a psychedelic experience."

Wow

I cannot believe what I heard. Listened mostly on 1.3x speed. Was a wonderful listen and incredibly thorough and obviously honest. He’s of course biased in his own subjective opinion, but I believe there are reasonable assumptions made in this book that should be considered a mix between a case-study review and a first-person narrative of the experiences throughout his research career in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

One of the most important books ever made.

This is a must for any human being who is lost, confused or scared of death. The book brings you an understanding of the human mind and an aspect rarely seen. It brings everything from religion to science to philosophy to basic human emotion. Whether or not you agree with the book it will nonetheless open your eyes to a beautiful side of human existence.

Starts very slow gets good

Starts getting better at chapter 7 skip chapter 5 unless you want to hear an old man bitching about bureaucratic government agencies for an hour

Very fascinating!

If you are someone who is interested in psychedelics, I highly recommend giving this a listen. Extremely interesting stuff!

I needed to know

Dr. S shared the good, the bad and the ugly. This guide through the detailed study was fascinating and I was on a roller-coaster of emotions the entire time. I can't say that I have come to any actionable conclusions other than to continue my education about psyodelics in general. This book was the first of many and I'm happy I started with clinical trial studies. Thank you for being brave enough to take the first step Dr. S!