DMT: The Spirit Molecule cover art

DMT: The Spirit Molecule

A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences

Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

DMT: The Spirit Molecule

By: Rick Strassman M.D. M.D.
Narrated by: Drew Graham
Try Premium Plus free

Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $6.99

Buy Now for $6.99

About this listen

A clinical psychiatrist explores the effects of DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known.

• A behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of psychedelic research.

• Provides a unique scientific explanation for the phenomenon of alien abduction experiences.

From 1990 to 1995 Dr. Rick Strassman conducted U.S. Government-approved and funded clinical research at the University of New Mexico in which he injected sixty volunteers with DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known. His detailed account of those sessions is an extraordinarily riveting inquiry into the nature of the human mind and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. DMT, a plant-derived chemical found in the psychedelic Amazon brew, ayahuasca, is also manufactured by the human brain. In Strassman's volunteers, it consistently produced near-death and mystical experiences. Many reported convincing encounters with intelligent nonhuman presences, aliens, angels, and spirits. Nearly all felt that the sessions were among the most profound experiences of their lives.

Strassman's research connects DMT with the pineal gland, considered by Hindus to be the site of the seventh chakra and by Rene Descartes to be the seat of the soul. DMT: The Spirit Molecule makes the bold case that DMT, naturally released by the pineal gland, facilitates the soul's movement in and out of the body and is an integral part of the birth and death experiences, as well as the highest states of meditation and even sexual transcendence. Strassman also believes that "alien abduction experiences" are brought on by accidental releases of DMT. If used wisely, DMT could trigger a period of remarkable progress in the scientific exploration of the most mystical regions of the human mind and soul.
Near-Death Experience Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Parapsychology Mental Health Health

Critic Reviews

"Fascinating and provocative. A remarkable exploration of the boundaries of science and consciousness itself."
"Rick Strassman's pioneering research work with DMT, a natural psychedelic drug used by Amazonian Indians, raises fascinating questions about the neurochemical basis of experience and the feasibility of conducting human research with mind-altering drugs in a university medical center. Truly adventurous reading!"
"This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the mind, philosophy, the nature of reality, and spirituality."
"DMT: The Spirit Molecule points the way beyond the present impasse of the reigning 'drug abuse' paradigm."
"The most extensive scientific study of the mental and perceptual effects of a psychedelic drug since the 1960s."
"Strassman's important research contributes to a growing awareness that we inhabit a multi-dimensional universe."
"Strassman raises vital questions about the origin of spiritual experiences and the nature of consciousness."
"DMT: The Spirit Molecule is a fascinating journey into the research of psychedelics. . . . The questions and possible explanations about the endogenous presence of DMT that he raises not only enlarge the discussion about psychedelics but also expand our understanding of the nature of consciousness."
"This book will be of profound interest to . . . anyone with a deep interest in the study of consciousness, visionary states and/or psycho-pharmacology."
"Strassman's psychonauts regularly found themselves hurtled into alien laboratories, high-tech nurseries, and Day-Glo hieroglyphic hypercubes."
"DMT: the Spirit Molecule is an enriching journey into one scientist's courageous attempt to solve a bit more of the brain/mind/spirit mystery at the center of human existence."
"What you will find is a thoughtful, well-written report about another of life's mysteries."
"Strassman's research was an important step, one that will potentially illuminate the path for future researchers and volunteers alike, and this book is a great contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding psychedelics."
"This is probably the most thorough book on the psychedelic, DMT--its history, chemistry, uses (legal and illegal), and its effects. This is a very compelling, thoughtful book, written by a scrupulous scientist with the soul of a meditator."
"The account of the project is an excellent inside view of human drug studies, especially those with psychedelics."
"This book is a highly readable, intriguing, provocative description of Rick Strassman's theories and research concerning the effects of DMT."
"Rick Strassman's experimentation with the psychoactive substance DMT is taking up where Leary's 1950/60's LSD experiments stopped."
"[Strassman's] account, written more for the layman than the specialist, is ground-breaking, and raises the interesting question as to what is truly a psychedelic experience."
All stars
Most relevant
Wow. Thank you so much Rick for your work and for sharing this magnificent message.
Thank you for pioneering and holding space for the whole of humanity.

Could not stop listening

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Strassman's perspective dance so delicately between the scientific, spiritual, and otherworldly. It has left me wanting more, and should be required reading for anyone actually wanting to conduct scientific experiments in this field (if only to hear about Strassman's own pioneering experience). The narrator was mostly suitable in an inoffensive sort of way, but with some odd pronunciation of a few words repeatedly (treating some nouns as verbs).

Looking forward to more Strassman

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

... this book will be fascinating either way. The book is methodical and takes you all the way through a fascinating multi year study into DMT.

I love the epilogue, and wonder what some of the participants could be doing now. I think the content would be accessable to most people regardless of your background.

Enjoy!

/A

Whether You Have Tried DMT Or Not...

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

A very interesting analysis of DMT and psychedelics from a scientific and spiritual view, explaining the hows and whys of the trip experiences. I love the theory link to quantum theory and multiverses.
The story seems to waffle on a bit in the beginning but then I realised later that this was to explain the analysis approaches and later.
Definitely a great listen and helps to make sense of the purpose of life and beyond.

An Excellent Read

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Rick Strassman MD absolutely amazing work. It’s a shame that there is still so much controversy behind psychedelics. A great insight into DMT. I’ve done Ayahuasca a few times it is the best medicine for my chronic pain and severe depressive disorder.

What’s a damn shame is how many people during the 60s to now have lived difficult lives due to the ignorance of others who disagree with the use of psychedelics.

Amazing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

This is a truly amazing book. Can not recommend enough. Even if u have no interest in psychedelics it’s an awesome read.

Waw!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Found it extremely interesting an easy to listen an read along.
It was perfect at 1.2 play speed.

Awesome insight into clinical DMT

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I’ve come to understand that using psychedelic substances is best approached gradually, in carefully measured stages. Each phase offers a distinct experience, and easing into them is generally safer than the mainstream practice of diving in with a large dose. Without proper preparation, the intended spiritual experience may not unfold as hoped — and rushing it can compromise both safety and insight.

An incredibly educational approach

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.