Betty Eisner, a pioneering psychologist from the mid-20th century, was instrumental in the early exploration of psychedelic therapy, particularly the use of LSD for treating psychological conditions such as alcoholism. Working alongside Sidney Cohen at UCLA, Eisner was at the
For over a decade, Alcoholics Anonymous has been my sanctuary. It was the place I turned to when I was lost, hopeless, and struggling to survive my alcoholism. In those early days, the rooms of AA felt like home—a place
The chapter titled “To Wives” in the book Alcoholics Anonymous (commonly known as the “Big Book”) has sparked debate and criticism since its first publication in 1939. Designed to offer guidance to the wives of alcoholic men, this chapter reflects
In May 1957, LIFE magazine published a groundbreaking article titled “Seeking the Magic Mushroom,” which documented the experiences of a U.S. banker, R. Gordon Wasson, who ventured into a remote Mexican village to participate in the ancient ritual of consuming
In the 1950s and 1960s, a group of forward-thinking individuals, including Bill Wilson, Sidney Cohen, Betty Eisner, Tom Powers, and Gerald Heard, embarked on an unconventional journey that would intersect the worlds of addiction recovery and psychedelic research. These early
A Glimpse into the Unconventional Side of Bill Wilson: A Letter Discussing LSD Therapy A recently surfaced letter dated March 22, 1957, penned by Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of his
Exploring the Unlikely Correspondence Between Timothy Leary and Bill Wilson In the early 1960s, an unexpected correspondence unfolded between two prominent figures: Timothy Leary, a psychologist and leading advocate for psychedelic research, and Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, formally titled “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism,” was first published in 1939. Written primarily by AA co-founder Bill Wilson, with input from early members,
Per Tradition Ten, the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Psychedelics in Recovery as a whole. Deciding to incorporate plant medicine into
“How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence” is a groundbreaking work by acclaimed author Michael Pollan. Known for his in-depth explorations of food, plants, and the natural
“Trippy: The Peril and Promise of Medicinal Psychedelics” is a captivating exploration into the world of psychedelic substances and their potential roles in medicine and therapy. The book, authored by Dr. Scott Alexander, a seasoned psychiatrist with a deep interest
The intersection of psychedelics and addiction recovery is a topic that is gaining increasing attention as more people explore alternative paths to healing. However, for those who participate in traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), discussing the use of