The Psychedelic Trip: Nature's Hidden Orgasm?

What if nature has embedded secret rewards within certain actions that contribute to the well-being of its ecosystems or serve as mechanisms for survival? This intriguing idea forms the foundation of my thoughts on a particularly mystical part of nature’s repertoire: the psychedelic experience. While current studies are still catching up to these speculations, the concept that nature might reward us—and other organisms—through such profound experiences is fascinating and deserves exploration.

Nature's Reward Mechanism

Nature’s intricate systems often seem designed to reward behaviors that promote survival and community engagement. From the joy of consuming nourishing foods to the blissful afterglow following physical exertion, these rewards are evident in various facets of life, compelling organisms towards beneficial activities.

One fascinating aspect of this reward system is the separation of the reward from the function itself. Consider the example of sexual reproduction: while the primary function of sex is to pass on genetic material and ensure the survival of the species, the orgasm—a highly pleasurable experience—is not a mechanical necessity for reproduction. It serves as an additional reward that motivates individuals to engage in sexual activity, thereby increasing the likelihood of procreation and the propagation of genes.

Similarly, the pleasure derived from eating is separate from the nutritional function of food. The act of eating could be purely functional, yet nature has added flavors and sensations that make the experience enjoyable, encouraging organisms to seek out and consume the nutrients necessary for survival.

Could the intense, transformative experiences induced by psychedelic substances also be a part of this natural reward system? The effects of psychedelics, such as the feelings of connectedness, profound insights, and emotional breakthroughs, may serve as rewards that encourage the consumption of these substances. These experiences are not directly tied to the mechanical action of ingesting the compound but rather serve to reinforce the behavior through the powerful, positive experiences they provide.

In the context of psychedelics, the rewarding experiences—such as ego dissolution, heightened perception, and enhanced creativity—might promote the consumption of these compounds, which in turn could have significant benefits for brain development. The idea is that the pleasurable and profound experiences of a psychedelic trip incentivize individuals to consume these substances, potentially leading to increased neurogenesis and enhanced neuroplasticity. These neurological benefits could contribute to the rapid growth and development of the human brain, providing a survival advantage by improving cognitive functions and adaptability.

By examining these reward mechanisms, we can see that nature often provides additional incentives to ensure that beneficial behaviors are repeated. This separation of reward from function might be a key evolutionary strategy to promote activities that enhance survival and well-being. If psychedelic experiences are indeed part of this system, it opens up a fascinating new understanding of how these substances have influenced human evolution and brain development.

Psychedelics and the Brain: An Intersection of Biology and Experience

Psychedelic substances like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT primarily target the brain's serotonin receptors, notably the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction catalyzes a cascade of changes in perception, thought, and emotion. Studies, such as those conducted by Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at Imperial College London, reveal that psychedelics significantly disrupt the default mode network (DMN), leading to what many describe as "ego dissolution" and heightened neural connectivity. Could these profound brain state alterations be nature’s way of rewarding us for engaging with these substances?

What Is It Rewards?

The Stoned Ape Theory suggests that psilocybin mushrooms could have provided several evolutionary advantages. One major claim is that low doses of psilocybin enhance visual acuity, which would have been beneficial for hunting and survival. Higher doses are associated with enhanced creativity, problem-solving abilities, and the development of complex language—key elements in the formation of early human societies.

McKenna's hypothesis gains some support from modern research indicating that psychedelics can promote neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and enhance neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections). These processes are crucial for learning, memory, and overall cognitive flexibility. For instance, a study published in "Cell Reports" in 2018 demonstrated that psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT significantly increase neural connectivity and synaptic growth in the brain .

To understand the potential impact of external substances like psilocybin on human evolution, consider the dramatic increase in brain size over the past few million years. Around 2 million years ago, Homo habilis had a brain size of approximately 600 cubic centimeters (cc). By 1.8 million years ago, Homo erectus had brains around 900 cc. Modern Homo sapiens, emerging about 300,000 years ago, have an average brain size of approximately 1,400 cc.

Comparative Brain Size Growth in Other Primates

This rapid brain growth, known as "encephalization," suggests significant evolutionary pressures. McKenna posited that this increase could not be solely attributed to internal factors like diet or climate changes. Instead, he suggested that external cognitive enhancers, such as psilocybin mushrooms, played a crucial role.

Comparative Brain Size Growth in Other Primates

Comparing human brain growth to our closest primate relatives provides context:

• Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Around 400 cc, stable over millions of years.

• Bonobos (Pan paniscus): Similar to chimpanzees at about 400 cc, with little change.

• Gorillas (Gorilla spp.): Range from 400 to 500 cc, relatively constant.

• Orangutans (Pongo spp.): Approximately 350 to 400 cc, stable over time.

These comparisons show that while other primates have maintained stable brain sizes, the human brain size increased dramatically from 600 cc to 1,400 cc in about 2 million years, a growth unmatched among our closest relatives.

Summary

The idea that nature might reward us through profound experiences like those induced by psychedelics is an intriguing hypothesis. This concept suggests that the rewarding aspects of psychedelic trips may encourage their consumption, leading to benefits such as increased neurogenesis and enhanced neuroplasticity, which in turn contribute to brain development. The separation of reward from function, seen in other natural behaviors, might be a key evolutionary strategy. If psychedelics are part of this natural reward system, it offers a fascinating new perspective on their role in human evolution and brain development.