Ernesto Londoño's new book, "Trippy: The Danger and Promise of Medicinal Psychedelics," blends memoir and investigative journalism to delve into his personal experiences with psychedelic drugs for alleviating depression. It also examines the broader trend of using psychedelic substances like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ayahuasca as potential treatments for mental health issues, including depression and PTSD. The book discusses both the resurgence of interest in psychedelic psychiatry and the ongoing controversies and risks associated with labeling these substances as medicine.
Londoño, a journalist with experience covering conflict zones and the former head of the New York Times office in Brazil, provides a critical view on the adoption of psychedelics as mainstream treatment options. He contrasts sharply with authors like Michael Pollan, who have been more promotional about medicinal psychedelics. Instead, Londoño incorporates a healthy skepticism, questioning the scientific validity and safety of these treatments, particularly for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.
While "Trippy" includes explorations of psychedelic use in various settings, from Amazonian retreats to veteran hospitals in the U.S., it also addresses potential harms. These include the commercial exploitation of indigenous medicines and reported abuses within the psychedelic therapy industry.
Overall, "Trippy" serves as a reflective piece on the personal and societal implications of treating mental health with psychedelics, contributing a nuanced perspective to the ongoing debate about the role of such substances in psychiatry and healthcare.