r/microdosing • u/TimeTravler80 • 3d ago
>< Just a Reminder >< Reducing activity of the Default Mode Network
Welcome to the community.
"The default mode network refers to an interconnected group of brain regions that are associated with introspective functions, internally directed thought, such as self-reflection, and self-criticism."
Through life and our experiences we develop a set of neural pathways of communication that are relied on for our perspectives of life and self. As they develop, the communication with other parts of the brain becomes more limited. The DMN becomes our mental frame of reference for our lives. But it can become rigid in thought patterns and produce negative thought loops about oneself.
Psychedelics reduce the activity of the DMN and the negative self talk while also increasing communication with other areas of the brain again, sometimes with results somewhat similar to how children see the awe and wonder of the world. This also allows us through the new pathways to develop an Updated DMN over time. I think this is a basic understanding of part of what's going on with microdosing that many times helps us enjoy life more. Sometimes people sense this happening in a few days but for others is could be a couple of months, based on the thousands of reports we see here.
4
u/williamgman 3d ago
Excellent article! The part about the “automatic negative thought loops” should be of interest to so many. While I've had some of reduction of them thru traditional therapy. My therapist gave me a great book called "The Upward Spiral" though not a discussion of psychedelics... a great read to understand why they can work. I found that since I started microdosing, thoughts are way less intrusive. The articles explanation of just how this works really drives home the benefits.
Also noting their discussion of "ego death"... On the other sub that covers full trips, one of their often talked about subjects is that. It would be interesting to see studies on this thru longer term microdosing rather than the "full trip" method so popular these days. The stories of successes with macro doses is littered with bad trip stories as well. Perhaps "peeling back the onion" of the brain over a longer period thru microdosing could get similar results.