What You Need to Know About Using Psychedelics to Improve Mental Health
When a new treatment emerges in the mental health “market,” it’s tempting to see it as a panacea and cure-all solution. Mental health challenges can feel incredibly overwhelming and lonely. So when we hear about a new miracle solution – whether it’s a new drug or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – we might want to rush out and try it for ourselves. However, a healthy skepticism is in order.
Recently, research into psychedelics and their use in mental health treatment has been mushrooming. There are studies of everything from using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in PTSD treatment to mushrooms for end-of-life care to ketamine for depression. The results look promising: one studying on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD found that 67% of patients no longer met the clinical criteria that would lead to a diagnosis of PTSD more than one year after treatment ended.
Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy isn’t new. In the early 60s, university researchers were looking into the potential benefits of mescaline and LSD. But in 1970, psychedelics (or hallucinogenics, as they were known then) became schedule 1 drugs. Researched ceased and psychedelics returned underground, only to make a resurgence in the 2000s. Today, research is expanding into the effects on eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD.
Unfortunately, access to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy isn’t accessible to everyone. Many desperate people are attempting these treatments alone, without much information or support. While that is not something that we can encourage or recommend, we can bring compassion to people’s suffering. Harm reduction and education are essential as self-medication becomes more prevalent. Until treatment becomes more accessible, it’s our responsibility to spread knowledge and encourage responsible use.
So what should you know about the use of psychedelics in mental health treatment?
Psychedelics aren’t a magic pill. Hallucinogens can be potent. However, they don’t work as a painkiller is taken to reduce a headache. Instead, these medicines allow you to rewire your neural pathways and enhance your therapeutic process. Taking MDMA at a party or LSD to watch TV isn’t going to cure your depression. In fact, it can serve the opposite effect. When we use these medicines, old trauma can resurface. Having that experience in an unfamiliar or unsupportive environment can be scary. A core component of the work is in integrating the experience after it ends. The lead up to the experience as well as the post-session integration are as important as the trip itself. Make sure you’re in therapy or have an alternative support system in place.
Why do psychedelics work?
While research is still ongoing, there’s a lot we already know about how psychedelics work. They allow different parts of your brain to communicate better. They work on your serotonergic system. And they can create strong dreamlike states, which often feel mystical or spiritual. This experience seems to be a fundamental part of the process. People who felt a powerful spiritual experience during their trip showed lasting improvements in their mood and mental health.
Be aware of the abuse potential of psychedelics.
Ketamine and MDMA aren’t “classical” psychedelics, even though they are used in the same type of research and can have beneficial effects. Both Ketamine and MDMA can have serious side effects, as well as being more prone to abuse. Taking them regularly, or taking too large of a dose, can cause serious harm to your physical and mental health. LSD and psilocybin mushrooms aren’t considered addictive, and they have little physical risks. However, they can be intense and scary experiences that can leave a user anxious even after the trip has ended, if not taken with precaution.
Methods of psychedelic use.
Current trials use MDMA as a part of psychotherapy. The client sees two therapists while under the MDMA allows access to painful memories under a feeling of safety. LSD and psilocybin are typically used as an inner journey, often with blindfolds and headphones, while ketamine is administered in infusion centers or as an FDA-approved nasal spray.
Do your research on psychedelics.
It is vital to get dosages right, as well as set and setting. It’s often recommended to fast before taking psychedelics, and some people avoid certain foods for several days before their journey. Read about what you can expect during your trip – both the positive and negative experiences. A bad trip is typically a feeling of anxiety coupled with the fear that you will remain “stuck” in this experience. Understanding that this is a common experience and that the effects will wear off can help you avoid the worst of it.
Understand set and setting.
The environment in which you take psychedelics, as well as your emotional state while taking them, will have a significant impact on your experience. If you’re taking psychedelics for the first time, set your intentions before. Think about what you want to achieve. Journal, take a walk in nature and try to have an experienced trip sitter with you. A trip sitter should be someone that you feel comfortable with, who is knowledgable and experienced with psychedelics. They should know what to do it you start to feel anxiety in your trip and be able to help you with practical issues like getting water, going to the bathroom, and putting on music if you wish.
Consider your family history.
Be especially careful if you have a history of psychotic episodes or schizophrenia in your family, as psychedelics might trigger an episode, even if it’s not something you’ve experienced previously. High blood pressure is another factor to take into consideration. Exercise caution and consult a physician if you have any doubts.
Follow-up.
Processing the lessons that came up during your trip is part of the therapeutic process. If you can’t find an integration circle in your area, there are several you could join online. Meditating, journaling, and taking part in forms of slow movement therapies such as tai chi or yoga can also help you integrate.
Using psychedelics can be an incredibly healing experience, but it’s not something to be taken lightly. Always make efforts to take psychedelics in a safe environment with experienced professionals.