Adam Strauss was in his 20s when he first started noticing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He tried therapy, yoga, meditation, and medication, but nothing was working. Then he found a small proof-of-concept study online about the impact of psilocybin—the active, psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms—on OCD, and was inspired to embark on his own journey of self-experimentation. As a result, he saw considerable progress in his mental health over the next several years.
While there still isn’t adequate science behind using psilocybin for OCD, Strauss was inspired to share his experience in an off-broadway show: The Mushroom Cure, adding to a broader conversation about the role of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Videos by VICE
On today’s episode, reporter Jesse Hicks talks to Strauss about his journey.
You can catch The VICE Guide to Right Now Podcast on Acast, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. And sign up for our newsletter to get the best of VICE delivered to your inbox daily.
