Psychedelic-Induced Constraint Destabilization and Reconstruction as a Mechanism for Cognitive Reset
Stanley Everett Sambey
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) March 25, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19221582 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that psychedelic-induced 'psychological reset' involves two stages: constraint destabilization followed by partial reconstruction into a modified configuration, rather than a return to baseline. Contends that REBUS and the entropic brain hypothesis explain acute destabilization but not post-experience reconstruction, and proposes testable predictions for neuroimaging and behavioral research. |
Abstract
Psychedelic experiences are frequently described as producing a “psychological reset,”characterized by reduced rigidity of thought and disruption of maladaptive cognitive pat-terns. Existing models such as REBUS and the entropic brain hypothesis explain acutedestabilization but do not fully account for post-experience reconstruction. This paper pro-poses a two-stage mechanism: (1) constraint destabilization, and (2) partial reconstructioninto a modified configuration. The resulting reset reflects a reconfiguration event ratherthan a return to baseline. The model yields testable predictions grounded in neuroimagingand behavioral measures. keywords: psychedelics, cognitive reset, REBUS, predictive processing, constraint destabilization, neuroplasticity, default mode network, integration, psilocybin