I followed the Fadiman protocol for three months: 0.15g of dried golden teachers in capsules, every third day. Day 1 dose, day 2 afterglow, day 3 rest, repeat.
The effects are genuinely sub-perceptual. No visuals, no altered thinking, nothing that would impair work or driving. What I noticed over weeks: slightly brighter mood on dose days, more patience with frustrating tasks, and a subtle increase in creative problem-solving. I'd find myself approaching work problems from unexpected angles.
The most noticeable change was in my emotional reactivity. Things that would normally spiral me into irritation — a rude email, a traffic jam — rolled off more easily. Not suppressed, just processed more smoothly.
After three months I took a month off to assess baseline. Some improvements persisted, others faded. I noticed I was sleeping slightly better even off-protocol.
This is not a miracle cure and the placebo effect is a real confounder. But the risk-to-benefit ratio at sub-perceptual doses is extremely favorable. No tolerance issues, no withdrawal, no impairment. I plan to continue cyclically.