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Taft's avatar

I wholeheartedly endorse all that you have said here. I would also just highlight that psychedelics don’t immediately turn you off of these things overnight or even with a handful of experiences. At least not for me. But they do clearly illuminate the path to do so, AND the value of doing so. I feel like I am leaving all of these things behind, but it has still been a journey over a few years. But without psychedelics, I don’t think the path and value of the journey to let go of these things would have been so well illuminated.

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Andrew M. Weisse's avatar

Well said. I wholeheartedly agree. Psychedelics aren't a magic wand or an overnight fix. I see them as one tool in the toolbox that allows for growth & heightened clarity.

For me, they were a gradual, but incredibly effective modality in catalyzing the type of introspection that led to meaningful changes.

Happy to hear they have had a similar impact for you.

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Teresa Thompson's avatar

Thanks for sharing this, it's very insightful. Congratulations on being alcohol-free for 7 years!! Keep up the great work. I don't struggle with addiction (thank God) but I'm strongly considering this to treat 35 years of depression/anxiety (PTSD.) Nothing else has worked. If I knew what to do, and where to find, I would try micro-dosing. I feel like there isn't much to lose, and everything to gain, at this point.

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Andrew M. Weisse's avatar

Thank you—and I really appreciate you sharing this!

After 35 years of battling depression & anxiety, it makes total sense that you’re ready to try something different. That kind of persistence takes strength.

Microdosing isn’t a silver bullet, but for many people, it’s been a powerful shift—especially when combined with things like breathwork, nature, or journaling. I agree with your instinct: when nothing else has worked, it’s worth exploring new doors.

Wishing you the best!

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Alice Hesselrode's avatar

Another great post. No additions to substances here but getting over co-dependence. I love the Alan Watts quote. I have been subject to believing I should be doing something. I am in my mid seventies and I have finally relaxed into going to the beach and taking care of my body is "doing something." i live in Mexico in a beach town about 4 hours from mountain town of San Jose del Pacifico. Plan to tke a friend ot 2 with me next time I go there. Also just been letting people drop out of my life. like a tree in autumn letting the leaves fall. I am inviting you to contact me if beautiful beach town on south coast of the state of Oaxaca interests you or want a trip to San Jose del Pacifico.

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Andrew M. Weisse's avatar

Thank you for this—what a beautiful reflection!

I love the image of letting people fall away like autumn leaves. And yes, that Alan Watts quote hits differently when we stop measuring life by productivity.

Your beach town sounds like paradise. I’ve actually been wanting to visit Oaxaca, I currently live in Puerto Vallarta—it’s a special place. I might just take you up on that offer. Appreciate the invite 🙏🏼

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Alice Hesselrode's avatar

I've been to PV. In my opinion Huatulco is 1000 time better. However it is very hot most of the time. The water is calm and clear. Beautiful bays some only reachable by boat so some beaches have no permanent structures. Can see the Sierra Madres in the distance. sometimes they look like a painting. Town is small with no bigbox stores. Because of the way the coastline slants northeast and the horseshoe bays we don't get hit with severe weather. We had lots of rain with Erick but not much wind so no toppled trees and even palapas survived. Can't build anything more than 5 stories. A lot of National park. It is hilly. I love the ocean and the geography here. Great fresh food, I love Mexico in general.

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Andrew M. Weisse's avatar

That sounds incredible!

Especially the calm bays and untouched beaches. Definitely sounds peaceful & authentic. Appreciate the breakdown…Huatulco just jumped way up my list!

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Brad's avatar

Insightful article…thanks for sharing

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Andrew M. Weisse's avatar

Thank you so much!

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Michael Housman's avatar

Great article! I'm still struggling a bit to kick alcohol entirely and also to be less judgy / critical of other people's path. I think it's an ongoing journey but psychedelics have definitely helped!

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Andrew M. Weisse's avatar

Thank you!

It's definitely ongoing journey. I love the path you're on...can't wait to train together soon, brother!

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