After5Chicago - Inside the Altered Brain: How Drugs Change Consciousness

A Conversation on Psychedelics, Neuroscience, Consciousness, and the Mind
About this Event

A Conversation on Psychedelics, Neuroscience, Consciousness, and the Mind

Join a neuroscientist and psychedelic researcher for Inside the Altered Brain: How Drugs Change Consciousness, an engaging exploration of what happens inside the brain when we experience altered states of consciousness. From THC to psilocybin, we'll unpack the science behind how psychoactive substances interact with the brain and why they can produce such profound changes in perception, cognition, and our sense of reality.

As research into psychedelics continues to evolve, these substances are also opening new questions about consciousness, mental health, and what it means to understand our own minds. This conversation offers a science-based, accessible look at what researchers are discovering—and what we still don't know.

What We'll Cover:

• What happens when consciousness changes - Explore the neuroscience behind altered states of consciousness and how psychoactive substances can shift perception, mood, cognition, and our experience of reality.

• The brain on THC & psilocybin - Learn what researchers are discovering about how compounds such as THC and psilocybin interact with the brain's networks involved in perception, mood, and cognition.

• What psychedelics can teach us - Examine how studying altered states can provide new insights into the brain, consciousness, and psychiatric disorders.

• From research to clinical care - Explore how psychedelic research is informing conversations around mental health treatment and how holistic approaches can potentially be integrated with evidence-based clinical care.

Whether you're fascinated by neuroscience, psychedelics, psychology, or simply curious about what happens to your mind when your perception of reality changes, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the brain—and perhaps a new perspective on consciousness itself.

Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.

About The Speaker:

Maya Trivedi (she/her) is a neuroscientist and researcher working on psychedelic clinical trials. She earned her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison through one of the first graduate programs dedicated to the scientific study of psychoactive compounds, including cannabis and psychedelics. Her work focuses on the role of altered states of consciousness in advancing our understanding of psychiatric disorders, developing methods for documenting psychedelic phenomenology, and exploring how holistic approaches can be integrated into evidence-based clinical care. Maya also brings more than three years of experience in psychedelic harm reduction and is committed to advancing public education around psychoactive substances through a lens of safety, evidence, and compassion.

Good to know before you come:

• Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email

• Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled

• The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward

• This is a participatory event

• Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate

Agenda

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open & Drinks Flow

Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Guided Experience / Talk

Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in - it's your experience to enjoy.

🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Social Time & Connection

Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!