Sam Altman’s Psychedelic Journey: From Anxiety to Calm
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that he used to be “a very anxious, unhappy person.” But a weekend retreat in Mexico changed everything.
“If you had told me that, like, one weekend-long retreat in Mexico was going to significantly change that, I would have said absolutely not,” Altman said. “And it really did.”
The retreat involved psychedelics, though Altman didn’t specify which ones. The experience profoundly altered his outlook. He now describes himself as a “calm person.” This shift has improved his quality of life and his ability to tackle difficult challenges.
Altman’s journey with psychedelics didn’t stop there. He’s experimented at Burning Man, but found guided experiences more impactful. These structured sessions, he says, have been truly “life-changing.”
RELATED: MindMed Just Dosed Their First Patient in LSD Clinical Trial for Anxiety
The Tech World’s Psychedelic Trend
Altman isn’t alone in his exploration of psychedelics. The tech industry has shown increasing interest in these substances. Steve Jobs famously used LSD. Peter Thiel, of PayPal fame, has funded psychedelic therapy research.
This trend extends beyond Silicon Valley. A 2022 YouGov survey found that 28% of American adults have tried psychedelics at least once.
Altman’s involvement goes deeper than personal use. He’s served as board chairman for Journey Colab, a startup developing psychedelic drugs for addiction therapy. His commitment to the field is clear.
In 2022, Altman tweeted about psychedelics, prompting a response from Elon Musk. Musk noted that “Amphetamines negatively affect empathy” while “psychedelics do the opposite.”
The Changing Landscape of Psychedelics
The legal status of psychedelics is evolving. Oregon made history in 2020 by legalizing psilocybin for therapeutic use. Denver and Oakland have decriminalized magic mushrooms.
These changes reflect growing interest in psychedelics’ potential benefits. Research continues to explore their effects on mental health and well-being.
Altman’s story raises intriguing questions. How might psychedelics shape the future of mental health treatment? Could they play a role in fostering innovation and creativity in tech?
As society grapples with these questions, one thing is clear: the conversation around psychedelics is changing. And leaders like Altman are at the forefront, sharing their experiences and sparking dialogue.
What do you think about the potential of psychedelics in therapy and personal growth? Have you had any experiences with them? The debate continues, but stories like Altman’s suggest we may be on the cusp of a new era in mental health and consciousness exploration.
Read more of this story at Business Insider.
