Psychedelics & OCD: Surrendering to Uncertainty with Adam Strauss

Adam Strauss suffered with debilitating obsessive compulsive disorder for many years; nearly a dozen different medications and intensive psychotherapy had little impact on his condition. So when he read a scientific study suggesting that psilocybin might be an effective treatment for OCD, he decided to embark on a programme of vigilante psychopharmacology. 

The Mushroom Cure, Adam's theatrical monologue about his attempt to cure his OCD with psychedelics, has been described by Michael Pollan as “brilliant, hilarious and moving”. The New York Times said the show "mines a great deal of laughter from disabling pain", and Time Out New York called it "riveting; a true-life tour de force", naming it a Critics' Pick.

In this event, Adam will share some short excerpts from The Mushroom Cure, followed by an in-depth discussion of his experiences using psychedelics for OCD. He will provide an overview of the (to date very limited) research on psychedelics and OCD, as well as sharing his perspective on how psychedelics can facilitate creativity. Finally, he'll welcome any questions in a Q&A. 

Prepare to laugh, learn, and come away with a new perspective on how psychedelics may promote freedom from obsessive thinking and behaviour. 

SPEAKER: Adam Strauss

Adam Strauss is a writer and comedian based in New York. When not in lockdown or mid-pandemic, he performs nightly at many of New York City’s best comedy clubs (and most of its worst ones). His monologue The Mushroom Cure is the true story of how he treated his debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder with psychedelics. Adam won the New York Fringe Festival’s Overall Excellence Award, The Eddy Award for Best Solo Show in San Francisco, and the Leffe Beer Craft Your Character Storytelling Competition. In addition to the show, Adam speaks about OCD and psychedelics in articles, on podcasts and at conferences in a bid to educate people, spread knowledge and awareness, and ultimately help those who may be on a similar quest for freedom from OCD.

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