You may have heard a new buzzword, Psychedelic Therapy, among the mental health and wellness communities. Powered by the benefits of psychedelic substances, this new craze has recently been found through clinical trials as a possible alternative treatment for many widespread mental struggles. This includes:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- OCD
- PTSD
What is behind this somewhat unconventional form of new-age medicine? Read more to find out.
What You Should Know About Psychedelic Therapy
Also known as psychedelic-assisted therapy, psychedelic therapy isn’t a new form of medicine at all. Even though newsworthy research about different chemical compounds didn’t surface until the ‘50s and ’60s, ancient civilizations have been harnessing the powers of mind-altering, plant-based substances for untold years in religious and spiritual practices.
The most well known are ayahuasca, mescaline or peyote, utilized in the Native American and South American tribes. These rituals are still observed in the Native church today. However, only recently are studies taking place again under the watchful eye of esteemed members of the science, medical and mental health societies. Their trials and studies are closely examining the effects of different chemical compounds at controlled and monitored doses on individuals suffering from behavioral abnormalities. The results have been notably promising.
Not to be Confused with Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy aims to provide patients with psychological aids instead of treating them with medications. It works by helping individuals talk through deep seeded emotions in order to come up with a lasting solution for a wide range of mental challenges. Sessions are sometimes held one on one or with small to large groups. They may also incorporate different approaches to problems using music, storytelling, acting or other art forms.
Psychotherapy may be able to help with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and more. Psychedelic therapy, on the other hand, works by giving patients controlled amounts of pharmaceutical grade psychedelic compounds in order to help them break mental blocks that are thought to be the root cause of their condition. Sometimes psychedelic therapists may give small or medium doses at each session to allow them to stay with the individual and talk throughout their trip.
Psychedelic therapy may be able to assist with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addictions, and more. While elements of psychotherapy could possibly be used in addition to psychedelic-assisted therapies, it is important to note that they are not the same thing.
Promising Mind-Altering Chemical Compounds
Psychedelics are being examined in hopes of finding an alternative treatment for common mental issues. It is possible that each may possess certain key benefits for individuals. Listed below is a little more about common psychedelic medicines along with research on the possible benefits and the possible risks and side effects.
Lysergic Acid (Acid/LSD)
Lysergic Acid is a chemically synthesized substance naturally derived from a type of mold called ergot, which can be found growing on rye grains. Research conducted by Dr. Albert Hofmann with the Sandoz pharmaceutical company in Basel, Switzerland, found that using LSD may lower anxiety. Prof. Dr. Stefan Borgwardt, in collaboration with the University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland, is also conducting trials to find out if LSD could be used to treat individuals with major depressive disorders. They have found that it did change the levels of depressive symptomatology and general psychopathology. Ongoing studies are being performed at the University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland as more research is needed.
Mental and physical side effects: It’s possible for a single LSD dose to last from 8-12 hours. Acid may have a mild to extreme effect causing visual and other sensory distortions. In some cases it’s possible LSD may intensify your emotions ranging from euphoric to intimidating, which could be a result of your mental state during the time of ingestion. However, no one really knows how they will be affected. Paranoia is another listed mental effect of the compound. You may also experience physical signs of sweating, increased heart rate and or body temperature, along with dehydration.
Risks: Extensive use of LSD when used on a consistent basis can possibly lead to bouts of depression due to rapidly changing brain chemicals. Other possible serious risks may include increased blood pressure, insomnia, seizures and tremors. Psychosis and harmful psychological flashbacks could also surface. According to Human Hallucinogen Research: Guidelines for Safety, around 25 million people have used LSD. However, no overdose related deaths have been reported. Also, there is still not enough data to support whether or not LSD is actually addictive.
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT/Ayahuasca)
Used mainly in crystalline powder form, dimethyltryptamine is a plant-based compound produced in the bark and nuts of psychotria viridis and banisteriopsis caapi which is found in parts of Mexico and South America. It is the main ingredient in Ayahuasca which is DMT, ingested as an oral brew. In a recent study completed by Gerald Thomas, Ph.D. in British Columbia, Canada they found that ayahuasca may have positive effects in dealing with different types of addiction and other compulsive behaviors, as well as self-harming thoughts. Jessica Nielson, Ph.D. with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies has also been collecting data to support the possible use of DMT as a treatment for PTSD.
Mental and physical side effects: Similar to LSD, dimethyltryptamine will likely produce a highly intense hallucinogenic experience in some users. Effects may only last for about an hour or two, however the actual experience time is unknown. It is possible you may see a wide variety of visual and auditory hallucinations. It has also been reported in some cases to cause physical side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain, rapid eye movements and dizziness. But these effects vary widely for each user.
Risks: According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, DMT may cause the brain to rapidly create the neurotransmitter, serotonin, which may lead to confusion, loss of coordination in the muscles and headaches. Overdosing can result in Seratonin Syndrome, which can cause respiratory arrest, seizures and even lapsing into a coma or even death. The ADF also stated that the exact number of deaths is unknown because it affects everyone differently even if they have taken it before.
Ecstasy (MDMA/Molly)
Ecstasy or MDMA, is one of the least natural of all the psychedelic compounds comprised of methylenedioxy and methamphetamine. However, it was one of the first to be used in psychotherapy. Today, MDMA has been found to possibly have the potential to help treat PTSD according to the The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Ann Mithoefer, B.S.N., in Charleston, South Carolina found in their double blind study, that close to 68% of participants could no longer be diagnosed with PTSD after two treatments a month. MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics) is now on Phase 3 of the same study attempting to get MDMA approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an approved treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by 2021. In addition to what could be a breakthrough treatment for PTSD, MDMA could potentially benefit patients with depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. A study from Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, found that MDMA activates a reaction in the brain that reduces negative feelings like fear, depression and anxiety, and replaces them with more positive reactions.
Mental and physical side effects: As a stimulant, MDMA can possibly cause physical effects like a racing heart rate, loss of appetite, or give you a burst of energy. It may also change your mood or sleep patterns. It is also possible that it may cause overstimulation to the brain causing can fake feelings of intimacy along with insomnia, irritability, memory and attention loss, impulsiveness and maybe even aggressive behavior.
Risks: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, One of the main hazards that arise with ecstasy is not found in the compound itself but with the additives such as excess amounts of caffeine, ephedrine, cocaine and other toxic synthetic substances. All of these additives have been tied to illness and fatalities in high doses. Data collected by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found in 2011 that MDMA was mentioned as the reason for an emergency room visit around 22,000 times. However, the number was low compared to other drug types.
Psilocybin Mushrooms
The “Magic” Mushroom is one of the most widely known hallucinogenic compounds known today. They occur naturally as fungi found on different variations of wild mushrooms. Psilocybin has recently surfaced in different research regarding its possible therapeutic benefits in treating Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and possibly even help with autism and other mental disorders. A study conducted by Francisco Moreno, MD at the University of Arizona, Tucson, USA was found to reduce OCD symptoms in most participants by 23-100%. Dr Robin L Carhart-Harris, Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK, also found positive results in a study to find if Psilocybin could be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. In the patients tested nearly 100% showed decreased symptoms of depression as well as sustained improvement of anxiety and anhedonia.
Mental and physical side effects: The Psilocybin contained can possibly alter serotonin in the brain with effects lasting up to six hours. It also may come with feelings of relaxation, sleepiness or make the user more introspective. Some negative side effects could possibly include extreme nervousness or panic along with physical nausea. Some could also experience visual delusions, hear life-like voices or sounds and even feel as if they are no longer attached to their body. However, side effects vary from person to person so there is no way of telling how the mushrooms will affect you.
Risks: Based on a survey completed by Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA, Ph.D. 10.7% of participants said that they put themselves or others in harm’s way while under the influence of psilocybin. 2.6% of testees stated they had an aggressive reaction. Also 2.7% thought their reaction required medical attention. Shrooms are highly potent and toxic, so consumption should be very closely monitored as fatalities have been linked to overdosing. They can also trigger other mental issues or accidents if precautions are not taken. These risks are increased when taken with other drugs or alcohol.
Mescaline (Peyote)
Widely used in many sacred ceremonies for centuries, peyote is a natural derivative of a substance located in certain cacti species in the Southwest and Mexico. Peyote could possibly be beneficial as a treatment for chronic joint pains, fevers, paralysis along with other ailments. There is not enough evidence to support it as effective medicine. However, John Halpern, MD, Harrison Pope, MD with Harvard Medical School – Cambridge, Massachusetts found while testing Native American Churches who use peyote semi-regularly that it had no long term neuropsychological side effects.
Mental and physical side effects: Mescaline in some cases can have mental effects closely linked to those of LSD where hallucinations are common. Also, according to the DEA it’s possible some physical discomforts can occur. They include vomiting, impaired coordination, anxiety, and nausea.
Risks: It is estimated by US poison control centers around 28% of the small amount of peyote users were treated for toxic related issues. But none of them resulted in lasting illness or death.
Ketamine
Made of a carefully developed chemical compound, ketamine is currently used in both humans and animals in treating pain and anxieties. However, more recent research by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has found that it may be beneficial to treat depression, bi-polar, and other disorders. Also a study by Evgeny Krupitsky, MD, PhD
St. Petersburg, Russia has seen positive effects in using Ketamine in addiction treatments. Also, the Harris County Psychiatric Center in Houston, Texas, United States is conducting a study on the effects of ketamine with treatment resistant depression patients.
Mental and physical side effects: Medical News Today has seen reports of many different effects when using ketamine including possible hallucinations, drowsiness, agitation, muscle stiffness and more.
Risks: According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, ketamine in high doses may cause inability to move, convulsions, coma lapses and even death if not treated right away.
How Can Psychedelic Therapy Help?
The following evidence of recent studies, shows that it is a possibility psychedelics could someday be an alternative treatment for depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, addictions and much more. Below are just a handful of studies conducted to see which psychedelic compounds could help find relief.
PTSD: A test by Michael Mithoefer, M.D, was conducted to find out if MDMA could be a viable solution for treating PTSD. 20 subjects were given MDMA in a double blind study with a ratio of 60% real MDMA and 40% placebos. The results found that 83% of patients given MDMA showed a reduction of PTSD symptoms that did not return. Also, a piece published in The Guardian stated that the US Food and Drug Administration had approved the final phase of MDMA use for PTSD as it may be able to recall difficult memories without triggering negative reactions from Post Trauma sufferers.
Depression: In a random, double-blind trial at the Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, researchers found psilocybin to show positive outcomes in depression for cancer patients. Out of the 51 cancer patients tested with symptoms of depression there was a sustained improvement shown in 80% of those given both low and high doses of psilocybin. The US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland, also found that ketamine could possibly be used as a treatment for depression.
Addiction: Investigator Gerald Thomas, Ph.D has tested the use of ayahuasca as a possible treatment for addiction therapy. During a five day retreat 15 participants were involved in ayahuasca assisted therapy. The results found that there was a 60% decrease in destructive and compulsive thought patterns. Psilocybin therapy also has shown promise in the treatment of addiction, according to Stephen Ross, MD with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.
Can Psychedelic Therapy Help You?
The decision to use psychedelic therapy can be overwhelming and maybe even scary. Because there is so much that is still unknown about psychedelics, the decision to use this type of treatment should be heavily researched. Even with extensive knowledge about psychedelic compounds they can still be dangerous, so it is highly recommended to seek the help of a certified professional before undergoing any type of psychedelic assisted treatment.
Microdosing Alternative
More studies pop up every day regarding the surprising benefits of mind-altering substances. But due to legal issues and the unknown effects, you may still feel anxious about giving psychedelics a try; however, there are ways to dip your toes into psychedelic therapies. Microdosing has become increasingly popular among many professionals, artists and spiritualists alike. This method follows the same principles as regular treatments only you take only a portion of the dose.
There are also various tools available to help you find professionally led retreats and other resources involving psychedelic therapy.
If you are ready to explore the next steps, Depression Alliance is a great resource for information about the effects of Psychedelic Therapy on depression. Check below for more resources to assist you.
Retreats Available: If you are in search of a legal way to explore more natural compound options, Tripsafe.org has a list of therapy centers that have been approved. The Third Wave also has a variety of retreats as well as courses available.
Courses: Psychedelics Today provides classes on psychedelics as well as ways to find a legal guide for a safer experience. The Psychedelic Times also published information on how to give psychedelic therapy a try.
Books to read: If you are looking for literature about the subject of Psychedelics, there is no better authority on the market right now than Michael Pollan. He not only offers information in his own book, How to Change Your Mind, but also has lots of ways you can get more involved and learn more.
Here are more good reads:
- The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys – James Fadiman
- Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca – Dr. Richard Louis Miller
- The Science of Microdosing Psychedelics – Torsten Passie
More Information: If you are having trouble locating a trial to join, Psychedelic Support can offer resources to help. MAPS is also a wonderful place to find everything you need to know about the latest treatments.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind we are not medical or legal professionals. All information given is not meant to substitute medical or legal advice. Always seek consultation from your physician or other professional.