Ask HN: Have you ever tried certain psychedelics to solve complex problems?

Those of you in to things like cryptography, AI, compilers, complex algorithms and similar topics: Have psychedelics ever helped you to solve complex problems? And if so, would you care to elaborate?

I can't speak of those kinds of things because my lack of very complex problems. At times though they definitely gave me a better understanding of mathematics, physics, linguistics and other certain things that can be hard to wrap your head around.

Even though my favorite psychedelic substance is probably psilocybin, regarding problem solving I have found LSD, 2C-B and DXM to be the most interesting candidates.

Very interested in your opinions.

Resources: * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelics_in_problem-solving_experiment

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtL5fafpRKc

* http://www.themorningnews.org/article/the-heretic

What kind of problems have you tried to solve while high?

I, personally, prefer to have a clear mind when approaching things that require a heavy cognitive load, but that's just me.

Have you ever tried DXM on lower/moderate doses? If so, have you had a clear intention set about a particular issue that you wanted to address? That makes a big difference.

Only because DXM is being abused a lot and the fact that you can only get it in the form of cough syrup in the US doesn't mean that there is no way to use it more responsibly/purposefully. Also: Effects very much differ from person to person. In fact: most people don't seem to like it / have negative (side) effects.

I sometimes solve mathematical problems while dreaming — not usually a very clear minded state. Also, how clear the mind is has a lot do with setting. I don't drink alcohol, so I've often been in party places sober. However, while I in that setting my head is as foggy as a sauna. I can easily imagine the opposite, being 'high' in a setting which allows focussing on a difficult problem.

Well, as I said, I didn't really have had any problems yet that I wasn't able to solve sober. But I definitely did experience a shift in the understanding for complex topics, an improvement in the ability to visualize abstract subjects and creativity in general.

If you are very focused on something and really willing to solve a problem it can even give you a better inner clarity.

By the way: We are talking low/moderate doses here ;)