This book chapter (2018) presents a historic overview of self-experimentation with psychoactive substances whose scientific documentation began in the mid-1850s and continuously expanded over the next 125 years while stimulating scientific (and therapeutic) advances and becoming increasingly widespread amongst layperson with the rise of New Psychoactive Substances. While psychologists like William James and Sigmund Freud drew significant inspiration from their drug experiences, other examples may serve as cautionary tales, such as John C. Lilly’s account of ketamine dependence that developed out of self-experimentation.
- Published
- Journal
- New Psychoactive Substances
- Authors
- Passie, T., Brandt, S. D.