Investigative journalist Rich Haridy reports on the latest developments in psychedelic medicine.
Psychedelics have been one of the most exciting – and controversial – developments in mental health treatment in recent years. But what are these mind-altering drugs actually doing? And are psychedelics about to hit the mainstream?
In Trip Reports, Rich Haridy does a deep dive into the experimental science and treatments happening across Australia and the world, from the little-known history of psychedelic use in medicine in 1960s Melbourne to the latest science on the impacts of microdosing (or lack thereof) and new models for psychedelic therapies.
‘A mind-expanding journey.’ – Mike Jay
‘A cool, exacting look at psychedelics that cuts through the noise.’ – Alison Pouliot
‘Rich Haridy combines the rigour of a true journalist with the epistemic modesty of an intellectual in an engaging and necessary read for anyone who hopes for psychedelics to remain truly transformational.’ – Douglas Rushkoff
‘An even-handed and evidence-based exploration of psychedelics and their potential, while avoiding the hype.’ – Lynne Malcolm
https://unsw.press/books/trip-reports/
Read a review in The Conversation
Psychedelic drugs were once considered ‘revolutionary rocket fuel’, but could they be life‑changing medicines?
Published: October 5, 2026
The cover and title of Rich Haridy’s Trip Reports are reminiscent of a poster for a psychedelic rock band or a 1960s “happening”. They immediately suggest the book’s leanings.
Trip Reports is a fascinating read at times. It’s written by a self-confessed “psychonaut” – someone with an avid and sometimes evangelical interest in powerful, strange and often unpredictable mind-altering substances.
Haridy, a Melbourne-based journalist, takes a deep dive into the science of psychedelic medicine and developments in Australia. He examines the properties of various drugs, such as LSD and “magic mushrooms”, and considers how they might help humanity. He wants to know whether psychedelic drugs, including MDMA – widely known as “ecstasy” – can help with conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Review: Trip Reports: Stories from an Australian Psychedelic Renaissance – Rich Haridy (NewSouth)
Along the way, Haridy considers many questions. Could micro-dosing be useful? Can – and should – the weirdness and unpredictability of psychedelics be separated from their potentially healing properties? Can they address social problems, such as loneliness and isolation?
Haridy doesn’t dwell on his own drug experiences, but there is raw honesty as he recounts his struggles with poor mental health, including hospitalisation. His experiences suggest the need for better psychiatric treatment.