How to Disappear Completely: Entheogen-induced Experiences of Self-dissolution

This article presents an interview study of self-dissolution experiences induced by entheogenic or psychedelic drugs, with the aim of broadening our understanding of the nature and characteristics of such experiences. Respondents (N=37) were recruited at various online fora for individual interviews...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Johnstad, Petter Grahl (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: equinox 2021
In: International journal for the study of new religions
Year: 2021, Volume: 12, Issue: 1, Pages: 97-113
Further subjects:B psychedelic
B self-dissolution
B Spirituality
B Meditation
B study of religions
B ego dissolution
B Entheogen
B Qualitative
B Interview
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Summary:This article presents an interview study of self-dissolution experiences induced by entheogenic or psychedelic drugs, with the aim of broadening our understanding of the nature and characteristics of such experiences. Respondents (N=37) were recruited at various online fora for individual interviews via private messaging. They reported a wide variety of experiences that involved some form of self-dissolution, ranging from the disruption of self-related illusions to experiences of bodilessness and total immersion in another reality. Several interviewees also reported a temporary transformation of their identity, where they went from seeing themselves as a separate individual to an experience of oneness with all of humanity or with a transcendent force. There were also reports of telepathic contact between friends or partners who used entheogens together, and in their most intense form, these experiences involved what was described as a mind blending where one's usual sense of selfhood dissolved into the telepathic unity.
ISSN:2041-952X
Contains:Enthalten in: International journal for the study of new religions
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1558/ijsnr.25490