After5NewYork - Inside the Altered Brain: How Drugs Change Consciousness

Exploring the neuroscience behind stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, and beyond
About this Event

A Conversation on Consciousness, Chemistry, and the Human Brain

Join a neuroscientist and cannabis industry expert for Inside the Altered Brain: How Drugs Change Consciousness, an engaging exploration of how psychoactive substances interact with the brain to shape perception, emotion, behavior, and our experience of reality. From stimulants and depressants to psychedelics, dissociatives, cannabinoids, and everything in between, we’ll dive into the fascinating science behind why different substances create such different effects.

Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of psychopharmacology and how drugs influence the brain’s complex systems, including neurotransmitters, neural pathways, and the mechanisms that drive changes in mood, cognition, sensation, and consciousness. We’ll examine what happens in the brain with substances ranging from caffeine and nicotine to alcohol, ketamine, cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, and beyond - unpacking the biology behind the experiences people report.

This is not a conversation about promoting or discouraging drug use. It’s an educational deep dive into the neuroscience of altered states and the ways humans have explored, understood, and interacted with mind-altering substances throughout history. Whether you’re interested in neuroscience, psychology, wellness, culture, or simply curious about what happens inside the brain when consciousness shifts, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the chemistry, complexity, and science behind altered experiences.

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

About The Speaker:
Isabel Bermudez is a neuroscientist and cannabis industry professional specializing in psychoactive substances and their effects on the brain. She earned her B.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience from Carnegie Mellon University, where she conducted research in the Concepts, Actions, and Objects Lab, and recently completed her M.S. in Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Ph*rm*cy, one of the first programs focused on psychedelic science and therapeutics. Her work focuses on cannabis and psychedelics, including emerging clinical research on psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and end-of-life distress. She also explores altered states of consciousness, adverse experiences such as “bad trips” and psychosis risk, and the gap between evidence and perception in cannabis use, medical myths, and historical narratives such as MKUltra. Her focus is on separating scientific evidence from hype and misinformation.

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 - 07:45 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.

🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:00 PM
Q&A / Reflection

Info: Ask questions, share insights, or hear behind-the-scenes stories from the host in a casual discussion.

🕑: 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!