How Psychedelics Could Change Your Brain's Control

A new theory suggests that psychedelic drugs might enhance empathy, creativity, and insight by encouraging the right side of the brain to take the lead over the left. This proposal comes from Adam Levin, a psychiatrist and researcher at The Ohio State University, who combined his clinical experience with a review of brain imaging studies and existing models of consciousness. His work was recently published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Rethinking Left and Right Brain Roles

Traditionally, scientists have explored what each brain hemisphere does, such as language or spatial awareness. Levin, however, emphasises how the two sides approach tasks differently. Under normal conditions, the left side of the brain tends to dominate. It focuses on analysing details, such as solving problems or planning actions. Meanwhile, the right side takes in the bigger picture, helping with creativity, empathy, and emotional connection.
Levin proposes that during a psychedelic experience, this usual balance changes, creating a unique state where the two hemispheres interact more equally, or where the right side temporarily takes charge.

Introducing the HEALS Model

Levin describes his model as HEALS: Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization Under Psychedelics. According to this idea, psychedelics reduce the controlling influence of the left hemisphere, allowing the right hemisphere to express itself more freely. This shift could explain the feelings of openness, emotional connection, and personal insight commonly reported during psychedelic experiences.

Inspiration from Brain Disorders and Psychedelic Reports

Levin was partly inspired by the work of author and psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist, who has written extensively about the divided brain. Additionally, his experiences with patients who had strokes affecting either side of the brain gave him insights into how the hemispheres shape our worldview. For example, people with right hemisphere damage often struggle to notice the world around them, while those with left hemisphere damage still perceive the bigger picture.

These observations, Levin says, mirror what he sees in psychedelic research: people often describe a broadened awareness, deeper emotional understanding, and a more connected sense of self

Beyond Existing Theories

While earlier theories about psychedelics focus on how they weaken control from the brain’s frontal lobes, Levin believes his model adds another layer. Reports from psychedelic users often include greater flexibility in thinking, increased creativity, emotional openness, and deeper insight, all qualities linked to the right hemisphere.
Neuroimaging studies also support this idea, showing increased activity in the right frontal areas and an overall shift toward right hemisphere activity during psychedelic experiences.

Links to Mindfulness and Long-Term Benefits

Research shows that mindfulness meditation, known for boosting right hemisphere activity, shares similar benefits to psychedelics. Interestingly, even one or two psychedelic experiences have been linked to improvements in mindfulness, suggesting these substances might briefly enhance or even help sustain right-brain capacities, especially when combined with practices like meditation.

Conclusion

While psychedelics are currently being studied mainly for their therapeutic potential, Levin believes that future research should also explore how they affect brain dynamics more broadly. He sees his HEALS model as complementing existing theories rather than replacing them.
“We need multiple models to truly understand something as complex as the human brain,” Levin said. “If we focus too narrowly on one explanation, we might miss the bigger picture.”

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.