Psychedelics and gaming – optimizing the brain for accelerated learning?
Researchers recently discovered a unique property of psychedelic drugs: they can reopen “critical periodsâ€, times when the brain is highly susceptible to environmental learning signals.
Immersive play has shown similar results, increasing our ability to learn at a greatly enhanced rate. This has lead some scientists to believe that we do not lose neuroplasticity so much as restrict our access to it as we age by limiting how much and how intensely we play.
Today we are looking at mouse models and macaque monkeys but as the understanding of these mechanisms continues to evolve, I predict we will see a convergence between psychedelic therapies and gaming as therapeutics.
This could be the way to accelerate our intent into action, change the thoughts and behaviors that inhibit us most, and ultimately allow us to be who we want to be.
Exciting times in neuroscience. Enjoy this article that delves deeper into how different psychedelics are affecting our ability to learn.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/psychedelics-social-learning-23466/
