When I open up about the transformative role of Psychedelic experiences in my healing journey, I frequently encounter the question, "Do you believe you could achieve this without drugs?" This question, often laced with subtle judgment and a hint of hypocrisy (ironically posed by individuals enjoying a coffee or cocktail), overlooks a crucial aspect of my decision to turn to Psychedelics.
These conversations catalyzed a curiosity on why some of us opt for meditation, and others decide to smoke the venom of a toad. It’s likely our preferences in healing practices are influenced by our personalities, specifically where we fall within the 'Big 5' Personality traits. Notably, the Big 5 model is highly regarded for its flexibility & recognition that personality is not static, unlike the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator, which is rightfully criticized & disregarded by reputable personality psychologists.
The 'Big 5' Personality Traits, along with their definitions, are:
Extroversion: The degree to which a person is outgoing, sociable, and energized by interactions with others.
Agreeableness: This trait reflects how cooperative, compassionate, and friendly an individual is towards others.
Openness: This indicates a person's openness to new experiences, creativity, and a willingness to explore novel ideas.
Conscientiousness: This trait describes how responsible, organized, and dependable a person is.
Neuroticism: This measures the tendency of an individual to experience negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and moodiness.
It's reasonable to surmise that individuals scoring high in openness, often referred to as 'openness to new experiences', might be more inclined to explore the world of Psychedelics. Openness is characterized by a curiosity for novelty, a penchant for creativity, and an eagerness to delve into unconventional ideas & practices. Thus, those who exhibit high levels of this trait could be naturally drawn to the unique & profound experiences Psychedelics offer.
Conversely, individuals with high levels of neuroticism may exhibit caution or even aversion towards such exploratory practices. Neuroticism is marked by a tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety & mood swings. For these individuals, the unpredictability & profound introspection that often accompany Psychedelic experiences might be daunting. The inherent uncertainty in such journeys could potentially exacerbate their predisposition towards anxiety, leading them to shy away from these medicines.
When considering agreeableness, which embodies traits like compassion, cooperativeness, and a strong consideration for social harmony, the impact of societal norms & legal frameworks becomes evident. Individuals high in agreeableness might be more swayed by the legal status & societal perception of Psychedelics. The controversial & often illegal nature of these substances could deter them, steering them towards more widely accepted & traditional healing practices such as meditation or yoga. Their decision-making process in terms of healing & exploration is likely to be heavily influenced by societal approval & norms.
Similarly, those scoring high in conscientiousness, characterized by their diligence, organization, and a strong sense of duty, might also gravitate towards more conventional healing methods. Conscientious individuals often value adherence to rules & societal expectations. They might associate Psychedelics with illegal or irresponsible behavior, which clashes with their desire to uphold responsibility & order. Therefore, they may eschew Psychedelics in favor of more mainstream & socially accepted methods of healing & self-improvement.
Finally, individuals with high levels of extroversion, who are generally sociable, energetic, and assertive, are often perceived as the most well-adjusted in society. This perception could lead them to be less likely to seek out any form of healing modality, including Psychedelics. Their natural inclination towards external engagement & social interactions might provide them with sufficient fulfillment & coping mechanisms, reducing their need for alternative healing practices. However, it is essential to note that extroversion, like all personality traits, varies in expression and does not necessarily preclude the interest or need for different forms of healing.
You might be pondering the significance of understanding individual preferences in healing modalities. This curiosity stems from a basic yet profound truth inherent in all human behavior: our universal pursuit of pleasure. It's a natural human instinct to seek joy & fulfillment. No one starts their day by saying, “I hope I don’t experience any pleasure today”. However, the ease with which we find pleasure can vary greatly, influenced by our distinct personality traits.
Our personalities are not just abstract concepts; they manifest vividly in various aspects of our lives. Consider travel preferences, for instance. Some find bliss in the luxurious ambiance of a four-star Caribbean resort, while others seek the thrill of navigating through the dense jungles of Cambodia. Similarly, career choices often reflect our innate tendencies: some find comfort & satisfaction in the structured world of accounting, while others thrive in the dynamic & uncertain life of entrepreneurship.
This diversity in preferences extends to our sense of adventure as well. For some, the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster is exhilarating; for others, the true thrill comes from BASE jumping. Healing practices are no different in this respect. Many find solace in conventional methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which provides structured & evidence-based techniques to manage mental health. Conversely, certain personality types might be more inclined towards profound, transformative experiences like participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony in the Amazon jungle, seeking a connection with the divine.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I notice a pattern in my choices. Backpacking through provincial Russia, my enthusiasm for extreme activities like bungee jumping & skydiving, and my exploration of potent Psychedelics all point towards a high level of openness in my personality. This trait has guided me towards experiences that are unconventional, diverse, and often, boundary-pushing. It reveals a consistent thread in the tapestry of my life choices, suggesting a strong inclination towards novelty & depth.
Considering these insights, I encourage you to reflect on your own preferences & experiences. How do your choices in travel, professional life, and leisure activities mirror your personality traits? Perhaps, like me, you'll discover a fascinating alignment between your personality & the paths you've chosen to explore.
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Again very informative, I think life, the experiences, the trauma, the journeys, aging all play into where we are in “ The Big 5” At 20 I was much more open, more extroverted, now at 70 , I feel more “ neurotic” did my experiences mold me at this point? But this blog made me pause and really do a deep dive and I still believe there is that 20yo deep inside, just have to find her and I do believe psychedelics ( not big Pharma) will help me find her yet again! Thsnk-you…
Fascinating article. Thank you for this. How do you feel addictions and/or substance abuse disorders affect modalities that a patient may choose?