The Psychedelic Experience: A Sociological Study: New Models & Findings

Summary:
This is a published study/book by David Watts. It was published in 1971 by Sage Publications. It is a study on the psychedelic experience (namely induced by the substances LSD, Mescaline and Psilcoybin) in relation to society, focusing on how it is perceived by those who part take in it and by the American society as a whole. It challenges society's view of the psychedelic experience as psychosis as opposed to mysticism and argues that the illegalisation of psychedelics is based not on the authorities concern for the individual or society but instead their concern that the psychedelic experience poses a threat to the American Value system. Watts goes further to look at the subculture of the psychedelic experience and drug use and investigates its status as a contra culture. He looks at the negative typing of the user by society and the identity and self image of the drug user who part takes in the psychedelic experience.

Personal Response:
I found this to be a very interesting book and recommend anyone who can get their hands on a copy to read it. Having said that it is by no means an easy read and requires the full attention of the reader ( as can only be expected from an in depth sociological study).

Notes: Picture is of author as I cannot find the book cover on the net.

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Very brief rseponse, would've liked to see a longer, more detailed review, but thanks anyways.
	Thanks for the review