ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS: A Journey through the history and science of Psychedelics & Alcohol with Prof David Nutt and Darren Le Baron

What have altered states taught us across history, and what are we still learning?

What are really seeking when we sip, trip, or turn inward?

Join us for an immersive evening with Prof. David Nutt & Darren Le Baron, exploring how humans have always sought altered states - from alcohol to ancient plant medicines - and what this reveals about our need for connection, transcendence, and healing.

Together, we’ll journey through cultures and centuries, from sacred brews to cutting-edge neuroscience, uncovering how altered states have shaped our rituals, relationships, and search for meaning.

Through two compelling talks, this event invites you to reflect on our collective longing for connection, transcendence, and healing - and how we might pursue it more consciously.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Mycelium, myth & memory: ancestral fungi and plant wisdom in a Modern World with Darren Le Baron

• The ancient role of fungi, fermented brews, and altered states in ritual and community
• African perspectives on psychedelics, identity, and remembrance
• Reclaiming ceremony and conscious celebration in the age of disconnection
• Why spiritual memory lives in the soil, and the mycelium network

Your brain on freedom: neuroalchemy, alcohol & the future of connection with Prof David Nutt

• GABA, serotonin, and how our brains seek bonding, relief, and transcendence
• Why alcohol “works” — and how it backfires neurologically and socially
• The rise of SENTIA Spirits and other alcohol alternatives
• How psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, meaning, and healing

A look at Harm Reduction with Darren Le Baron and Prof David Nutt 

• Through education and ancestral teachings: reclaiming safety and wisdom  in altered states
• Through the Drug Science lens: reframing risk, reshaping policy, and redefining the path forward

STRUCTURE:

• 18:00: Grab a free mocktail from SENTIA Spirits and network
• 18:45: Talk begins
• 20:00: Q&A
• 21:00: Ends

LOCATION:

Shoreditch Exchange, Senna Building, Gorsuch Pl, London E2 8JF

Your ticket includes a free SENTIA Spirits drink on arrival.

SPEAKERS 

Prof. David Nutt

Professor David Nutt is a leading neuroscientist and psychopharmacologist known for his groundbreaking work on how drugs affect the brain and their potential to revolutionize mental health care. A former chief drug adviser to the UK government, he was famously dismissed for prioritizing scientific evidence over political agendas, sparking a national debate on drug policy reform.

As Co-Founder of Drug Science and SENTIA Spirits, author of several books including Psychedelics: The New Science of Psychedelics and Their Role in Mental Health and Society and Drink?: The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health, Professor Nutt continues to push boundaries in science. His research and advocacy aim to challenge stigma, influence public policy, and create innovative solutions for improving mental and physical health.

Darren Le Baron

Darren Le Baron is an educator specialising in mycology and psychedelic research, and is based between the UK and the Caribbean. 

Known around the world for his Shroomshop Master classes and mushroom educational programs, he is a keen cultivator and teacher. His achievements include launching the UK's first accredited Mycology and Mushroom Cultivation course for schools and young people in 2021, providing hands-on experience to empower school children and at-risk youth.

A respected voice in the global psychedelic community, Darren is a regular speaker at major conferences and festivals including Breaking Convention, All Things Fungi, Ozora, and Lightning in a Bottle. Through his work with The Psychedelic Society and other organizations, he continues to inform and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to cope with social challenges and contribute to community development as well as self-improvement in an innovative, creative, culturally-aware style.

@darren_le_baron

OUR TEAM

Carlotta Artuso

Carlotta is an Event Coordinator at The Psychedelic Society, with a deep passion for nature, personal and collective growth, mystical experiences and food (Italian roots play a big role here!).

Psychedelics have profoundly transformed her life, opening her mind to new perspectives and deeper self-awareness, allowing her to break free from the 9-5 grind and to launch her own PR and Events company -  Carlotta PR.

She believes in their potential to heal and transform, and she's passionate about advocating for their safe, intentional use to inspire positive change and open new pathways of consciousness.

@carlotta.artuso

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

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