As an advocate of cognitive liberty and a stand-up comedian, Adam Strauss has been pushing the envelope with his unique brand of humor and storytelling. Best known for his show The Mushroom Cure, Strauss delves into his journey with psychedelics as a treatment for various mental health issues. Before his upcoming performances in Santa Monica, I had the opportunity to chat with Strauss about his thoughts on the rise of the commercial psychedelic space, the therapeutic power of these substances, and his upcoming show at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Be sure to get your tickets today for upcoming shows on April 7, 8, and 14.
Adam Strauss’s Journey With Psychedelic Medicine
Adam Strauss has come a long way from his early life as an entrepreneur. His experiences battling obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and discovering the potential benefits of psychedelics led him to create his critically-acclaimed show, The Mushroom Cure.
Early Life and Struggles with OCD
During our conversation, Strauss reflects on his early life, recounting his struggles with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and how he developed body dysmorphic disorder at age 12 (which is a subtype of OCD).
“The OCD didn’t fully develop until I had a profound heartbreak at age 29, and was diagnosed a few years later. It was pretty severe. It’s something that has been a big part of my life,” says Strauss. Despite the challenges he faced, Strauss persevered and eventually found his way to stand-up comedy.
Discovering Stand-up Comedy
Strauss began his stand-up career in 2007. He struck gold with his humor and eventually quit his day job in 2017 to focus on comedy full-time. During our chat, Strauss shares his thoughts on how his OCD influenced his comedic style: “I think my OCD informs my comedy. My comedy has always been very personal, and I think that’s true for a lot of comedians.” His unique sense of humor combined with a subject matter that isn’t a laughing matter makes for the perfect combination of humor and humanity.
Battling OCD with Psychedelics
Strauss’s journey with psychedelics began after reading a scientific study on the potential benefits of psilocybin for treating OCD. He decided to try it himself, which ultimately inspired him to create The Mushroom Cure. At one point during our conversation, he says, “I was not a psychedelic user. I had tried LSD once in college, and I had tried mushrooms once before that, but it just didn’t work for me.” Reflecting on the experience, Adam now realizes that the multiple SSRIs he was taking played a role in blocking the effects of the psychedelics.
Despite his initial reluctance, Strauss forged ahead with his self-experiments, testing various psychedelic substances in his quest to overcome OCD. He explains, “I tried many different psychedelics in the course of my self-experimentation. I tried everything from classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin to some more obscure ones like 5-MeO-DMT, 2C-E, 4-AcO-DiPT, 4-HO-MiPT, 4-AcO-DMT, and DOC.”
However, it was his experiences with psilocybin that ultimately had a profound impact on his life and his battle with OCD. “The first time I tried it for OCD, it was transformative. I mean, it didn’t cure me, which is why the show is called The Mushroom Cure, but it was a very powerful experience that did change my relationship with my thoughts, and that’s ultimately what led to me being able to get a handle on my OCD.”
From Personal Experience to the Stage
With his newfound perspective on psychedelics and their potential for treating mental health conditions, Strauss decided to share his story on stage.
“I started doing stand-up comedy in 2007, and I had always talked about my OCD in my stand-up. It was just natural when I started doing the psychedelic treatment to incorporate that into my stand-up as well.”
Adam Strauss
By exploring his early life, struggles with OCD, and the start of his stand-up career, we gain a better understanding of who Adam Strauss is and the experiences that shaped him. Through his journey and The Mushroom Cure, he offers a unique perspective on the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders, while simultaneously engaging audiences with his humor and thought-provoking storytelling.
The Impact of The Mushroom Cure
Since its inception, The Mushroom Cure has resonated with audiences, providing a thought-provoking and engaging look at the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders. Strauss reflects on the show’s impact, saying, “I think the response to the show has been overwhelmingly positive. I think people appreciate the honesty, and I think it’s a story that people can relate to even if they don’t have OCD.”
By sharing his experiences and weaving humor into a compelling narrative, Strauss not only entertains audiences but also sparks important conversations about mental health and alternative treatment options. The Mushroom Cure serves as a testament to the power of personal storytelling and the potential of psychedelics in addressing mental health challenges.
The Therapeutic Power of Psychedelics
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. For instance, a study published in JAMA Psychiatry showed that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, had significant and lasting antidepressant effects. Another study found that LSD-assisted psychotherapy led to significant reductions in anxiety among patients with life-threatening illnesses.
In his show, Strauss shares his experiences with psychedelics, detailing the transformative effects these substances have had on his life. He emphasizes the importance of cognitive liberty and the right for individuals to explore their consciousness without government interference.
The Rise of the Commercial Psychedelic Space
With products ranging from grow-at-home mushroom kits to ketamine clinics, the commercial space for psychedelics is rapidly expanding. Strauss is in favor of full legalization so that people can use psychedelics on their own, or at a clinic, via a guide, for recreational or medical purposes. “I don’t particularly support commercialization, but I feel it’s realistically going to be part of the mix if psychedelics are going to be more mainstream,” says Strauss, arguing that everyone should have the freedom to experiment with these substances. He cites the low number of societal risks and catastrophic harms associated with the use of psychedelics and believes that the benefits outweigh the potential negative outcomes.
The Importance of Support and Integration
Despite the potential benefits of psychedelics, Strauss acknowledges that there are risks involved and that some individuals may suffer negative psychological outcomes. He argues that the focus should be on providing support and integration opportunities for those who choose to use these substances, rather than restricting their use.
Ideally, Strauss envisions a scenario in which traditional structures and guidance, similar to Amazonian plant medicine practices, are in place to help people navigate the world of psychedelics safely. This would involve integrating psychedelics into society and providing opportunities for education, support, and therapeutic assistance.
The Power of Nature and Psychedelics
When he’s not performing, Strauss enjoys spending time in nature and hiking, often finding the combination of psychedelics and nature to be his favorite form of therapy. His affinity for the outdoors is one of the reasons he’s drawn to the Bay Area, where he can easily escape into nature and experience its rejuvenating effects.
Celebrating Bicycle Day
On April 19th, Strauss will be performing at the Psychedelic Discovery Sessions in San Francisco to celebrate Bicycle Day – the anniversary of the first intentional LSD trip by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. Following his performance, Strauss plans to enjoy the traditional festivities associated with this psychedelic holiday.
Follow Adam Strauss and The Mushroom Cure
For those interested in catching a performance of The Mushroom Cure or keeping up with Strauss’s other projects, you can visit his websites TheMushroomCure.com and AdamStrauss.com. Be sure to follow him on social media at @AdamStrauss for updates on future shows and events.
By sharing his personal experiences and advocating for cognitive liberty, Strauss invites us to consider the potential benefits of these powerful substances in a humorous and thought-provoking way.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see The Mushroom Cure at the Santa Monica Playhouse on April 7th and 8th, and Friday, April 14th! Be sure to follow Adam Strauss for updates on his other projects and performances.
