Trippy: The Peril and Promise of Medicinal Psychedelics

In Trippy, New York Times reporter Ernesto Londoño takes readers on a captivating journey through the world of medicinal psychedelics, offering a riveting look at their tremendous promise and inherent risks in mental health treatment. Londoño's personal narrative begins with his own transformative experience at a psychedelic retreat in Brazil's rainforest, where he found relief from depression through ayahuasca ceremonies. This experience serves as the foundation for his in-depth exploration of the booming field of psychedelic therapy.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Londoño introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, including Indigenous elders, religious leaders, war veterans with PTSD, and clinicians, all of whom are reshaping our understanding of trauma and healing through psychedelics. From the spiritual significance of psychedelics to their potential as therapeutic tools, Trippy delves into every facet of this evolving field.

With nuance and insight, Londoño navigates the complexities of psychedelics, shedding light on their resurgence after being abandoned in the 1970s amid the War on Drugs. Trippy serves as an essential guide for policymakers and readers alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of the perils, limitations, and promises of harnessing psychedelics for mental health treatment in the modern world.