I Am Quitting Magic Mushrooms
By Dr. Dave, Microdose U
Yes, you read that right. After four and a half years of microdosing psilocybin and, more recently, LSD, I’m pressing pause. Not forever, but for a month. And before you panic or start wondering if I’ve lost my mind, let me explain what’s really going on.
I’m heading to Japan in just a few days. And Japan has some of the strictest laws in the world when it comes to psychedelics — even trace amounts. It’s not something to take lightly. If I were caught with even a crumb of a capsule, things could go downhill fast. We’re talking possible detainment, fines, separation from my wife, and a whole mess of problems I don’t need in my life.
So after months of thinking it through, I decided this trip is the perfect opportunity to step back — to take a clean month off and see how my mind and body respond after four and a half years of steady microdosing.
Now, if I’m being honest, part of me is nervous. There’s no “backup plan.” No microdose tucked away in my suitcase. No “just in case” emergency dose. Nothing. If I start to feel anxious, or if an old wave of depression sneaks back in, I’ll have to face it head-on — with my breath, with my tools, and with faith in what I’ve learned.
Replacing the Medicine with Breath
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been practicing something new — a simple breathing technique called 4-4-6-2. You breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for six, and then pause for two before starting again. That’s it. No equipment, no capsules, no plants — just breath.
This practice activates your parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” mode that helps calm your body when anxiety tries to take the wheel. Most of us live stuck in fight-or-flight, running from one stressor to another, never really letting our nervous system settle. For me, before I started microdosing, I lived in that state almost constantly. Poor sleep, work stress, and life pressure had me wired and worn down.
Microdosing helped me climb out of that hole. It helped me regulate. It opened doors to healing that traditional methods never quite could. But now, maybe this next chapter is about seeing how much of that calm I can sustain on my own. Maybe this is a chance to deepen my trust in myself — without the medicine.
And who knows — maybe I’ll come back from Japan feeling even stronger. Maybe I’ll find that the breath alone can carry me where I need to go. Or maybe I’ll return to my regular microdosing routine, more grateful for what it’s done for me. I’ll let you know either way.
Four and a Half Years Later
When I began this journey, I was simply trying to survive. Anxiety and depression were running my life, and PTSD had its claws in me. I was stuck. I didn’t feel like myself anymore. Microdosing gave me a way out. Over the past four and a half years, I’ve not only stabilized my mood and found peace — I’ve grown as a person. My relationships have deepened. My patience has expanded. I’m calmer. Kinder. More aware.
I’ve also learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. For example, psilocybin was my starting point. It taught me gentleness, connection, humility. Later, LSD brought clarity and focus: it’s got a slightly different feel, almost lighter or dreamier. Both have their place. Both are powerful teachers when used responsibly, legally, and intentionally.
And that’s the thing I always come back to: intention. None of this is about “getting high” or chasing an escape. It’s about learning how to be more present and more human — and for me, that process is still unfolding.
Facing a Month Without the Medicine
So yes, I’m feeling a little uneasy. Travel always brings some anxiety for me, and heading halfway across the world without my usual tools adds an extra layer. But I’m reminding myself: I’ve built enough resilience to handle this. I’ve got new tools now — like breathwork — and I’ve got years of inner work behind me.
I’ll also have my journal, my daily supplements (all perfectly legal, don’t worry), and a deep curiosity about what this month might show me. If you’ve ever taken a break from microdosing, or any long-term healing practice, you probably know that sense of both fear and freedom. It’s a test — but it’s also an opportunity to see how much progress you’ve made.
Wouldn’t it be something if, after all this time, I learned that I don’t need the medicine anymore? Or at least, not in the same way? Maybe the microdosing was the training wheels, and this is the part where I learn to balance on my own. I’m open to whatever comes.
Back to Basics
I’ve been getting a lot of beginner questions lately, and honestly, I love that. Sometimes the simplest questions bring us back to what matters most. Questions like:
- How much should I start with?
Usually between 50–300 mg of psilocybin, depending on the person. I often say start small — maybe 100–150 mg — and adjust slowly. There’s no single “right” number. Your body and your mind will tell you what works best.
- Is microdosing safe?
It’s much safer than I once believed. Psychedelics aren’t toxic, and they aren’t addictive. You can’t overdose in the way people do with pharmaceuticals or alcohol. Of course, I always remind everyone to be cautious, stay informed, and only use these substances where they are legal.
- How long does it take to feel results?
For some, the changes start almost immediately. For others, it’s more gradual. The key is consistency and intention. You don’t need to chase fast results. Healing unfolds in its own time.
- Do I have to stop my antidepressant before I start?
No, not at first. You can begin your microdosing journey while staying on your medication. Once things are going well, and always with your doctor’s guidance, you can discuss tapering if that’s your goal. Communication is everything.
These are the kinds of questions I answer every week on the podcast. And honestly, I never get tired of them. Because every new listener represents someone who’s curious, someone who wants to feel better — and that means hope is spreading.
Our Growing Family on Patreon
Before I wrap this up, I want to take a minute to talk about our Patreon family. This is not just another subscription or info dump. It’s a private, loving space where we share openly, ask the tough questions, and support one another in ways we can’t always do on the public podcast.
We talk about sourcing safely (in places where it’s legal), protocols, integration, and all the nuances that can’t fit into a one-hour episode. It’s become a real community — a family — and I mean that. People in there care about each other. They show up. They share. They listen.
If you join, please come with the intention of staying and contributing to that spirit. We’re not looking for one-month drop-ins. We’re building something lasting and real.
The Tools That Help Me Daily
For those curious about what keeps me grounded day to day, I’ve shared my full list of daily supplements on my Amazon Store. They’ve been part of my health routine for years — all legal, all simple, and all designed to support physical and mental balance. No secret pills or quick fixes, just real wellness habits.
And if you’re looking for more personal support, I also offer one-on-one personalized microdosing guidance. Every person’s journey is different, and sometimes having someone walk beside you makes all the difference. You’ll find that information, too, on my site.
A Final Thought
I’ll be podcasting from Japan, so don’t worry — we won’t miss a single Wednesday. I might even throw in an extra episode if the mood strikes. I want to bring you along for the ride, to share what it feels like to go a full month without microdosing after all this time.
If you take anything away from this post, let it be this: healing isn’t linear. It changes shape. It asks us to adapt, to trust, to keep learning. Sometimes that means taking more medicine. Sometimes it means taking none.
So for the next month, I’ll breathe. I’ll watch the sunsets over Tokyo. I’ll pay attention. And I’ll see what comes up.
And when I come home, I’ll let you know what I discovered.
Until then, remember — you’ve got a place here. You’ve got people who care about you, who understand what you’re going through, and who believe in your healing.
I love you.
— Dr. Dave
P.S. If you’d like to learn more about microdosing and starting your own journey, grab my free 5-part email course.
Explore More Resources
Listen: Microdosing Questions Never Before Answered! on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.
Join: The Patreon Family for private discussions, sourcing support, and live group meetings.
Guidance: Explore One-on-One Coaching for personalized help on your journey.
Visit: My Amazon Storefront for the supplements and tools that support my daily routine.
Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before microdosing. Also, only use these medicines safely where it is legal or decriminalized.
