What is Psychedelic Assisted Therapy?
When you think of psychedelic drugs, what is the first thing that comes to mind? LSD? Mushrooms with magical properties? Maybe you picture altered states of consciousness and vivid hallucinations that fill your field of vision with a kaleidoscope of colors. What if I told you that psychedelics are being used as part of psychotherapeutic treatment in therapy offices?
A groundbreaking new type of therapy known as psychedelic therapy is slowly emerging in the field of mental health. Continue reading to learn how psychedelics are used by mental health professionals to treat a variety of mental health disorders!
What we’ll cover in this article:
- What is Psychedelic Therapy?
- Research Studies in Support of Psychedelic Therapy
- What is the future of Psychedelic Therapy?
What is Psychedelic Therapy?
Psychedelic therapy (also known as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy) is a type of mental health treatment in which a psychedelic drug is taken as part of the treatment process. The use of psychedelics is usually combined with talk therapy in psychedelic therapy. While this may sound shocking to most readers, psychedelics have been used for both therapeutic and spiritual reasons in many indigenous cultures and countries. However, psychedelic therapy is generally very new to the scene of Western psychiatry.
The idea is that the effects of a psychedelic trip may allow patients to explore deeper parts of their minds that they would not be able to access otherwise. Deeper parts of the mind can be accessed and unresolved traumas can be healed with the help of a trained professional. Doesn’t that sound trippy? Even so, individuals may benefit from these “trips” in a variety of ways.
In both clinical and nonclinical settings, several kinds of mind-altering psychedelic drugs are currently being administered and researched for therapeutic purposes. Examples of psychedelic drugs that are naturally derived from plants in nature include psilocybin (mushrooms), DMT, peyote, ayahuasca, and ibogaine. Some examples of human-made chemical compounds of psychedelics include LSD, MDMA, and even ketamine.
Click here to learn more about all the psychedelic-assisted therapy options we offer in our Las Vegas location.
Research Studies that Support the Use of Psychedelic Therapy
Depression
Could you ever have predicted that psychedelics could be used as a form of treatment for depression? According to a 2016 study a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer.
Anxiety
Some research suggests that psychedelics may be effective in the treatment of anxiety. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology discovered that a single dose of psilocybin reduced anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
PTSD
Furthermore, would you have ever expected that psychedelics can be used to treat PTSD? Yes, that’s right. There is some evidence that psychedelics may be useful in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD). According to a 2019 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, a combination of MDMA and psychotherapy was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in a group of military veterans and first responders. These findings are promising for the future of treating trauma and doing trauma work in as a whole.
Addictions
Have you or a loved one ever struggled with curbing your smoking habit? Well, you’re in luck. Research findings point to the possibility of psychedelics being helpful in treating addiction and substance use. For instance, A 2015 study found that psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms) was effective in helping long-term smokers quit their smoking habit.
Disclaimer: These recent findings are definitely exciting, but more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of psychedelic therapy for mental health. Due to the risky nature of the treatment, psychedelic therapy should only be facilitated under the guidance of a trained professional in a safe and controlled environment.
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What’s in Store in the Future For Psychedelic Therapy
As you have already learned, psychedelic therapy is a quickly evolving field with several new developments on the horizon in the near future. Here are some updates we can look forward to:
FDA Approval: Many companies are currently seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration for psychedelic-assisted therapies. If approved, this therapy could become more widely available to patients seeking mental health treatment.
Neuro-Imaging Studies: Researchers are using neuro-imaging instruments like PET scans and fMRI to get a glimpse into how psychedelics affect the brain. To do this, biomarkers in the brain are identified and used to predict one’s treatment response.
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Programs: As anticipation for this therapy grows, there will be a growing demand for trained professionals who can provide these treatments. Training programs are now being developed to guide mental health and medical practitioners to safely administer psychedelic-assisted therapies.
New Psychedelic Compounds: Researchers are exploring new psychedelic compounds that may have therapeutic benefits and much fewer side effects than existing compounds. Some researchers are investigating the use of a powerful psychedelic compound, DMT, for the treatment of depression.
Last Thoughts on Psychedelics in Mental Health and Therapy
In case you haven’t guessed it by now, Psychedelic Therapy is rapidly becoming one of the most revolutionary forms of psychotherapeutic treatment within the field of mental health. While psychedelics were once known as a popular party drug, it is now clear that they offer previously unrecognized benefits for those struggling with mental illness.
With more research and clinical trials, psychedelic therapy may become the mainstream form of mental health treatment in the coming future.
Click here to learn more about all the psychedelic-assisted therapy options we offer in our Las Vegas location.
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