HOW PSYCHEDELICS FUNCTION THERAPEUTICALLY

One of the main ways psychedelics help therapeutically is by temporarily disrupting a system in the brain called the default mode network (DMN). This network is closely tied to the ego. The ego is about our idea of self and our identity. A metaphor for the DMN is that it is like a traffic cop directing what goes where. But instead of cars driving in different directions we have beliefs and are telling our self stories about our self and reality. It is a big factor in the way we think and perceive our life. This system is useful and important but it can stand in the way of change.