Ellen Vora on the Healing Power of Psychedelics

Addiction reprograms the brain, not only ingratiating the use of addictive substances as a necessity for one’s survival in accordance with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs but also affecting many different parts of one’s life. Relationships can become compromised due to one’s use, and professional endeavors can be stunted or lost as one continues to suffer from the effects of the disease. Addiction is a disease that can result from any number of different factors. Genetic predisposition, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ mental health disorders, social circles and influences, and one’s environment can all impact the development of addiction. However, because these sources can be so widely varied, the need for an equally varied approach to treatment is also necessary.

• In this way, Ayla hopes to expand our knowledge of these mysterious substances, and how we can put their effects to use.
• In fact, study participants reported perceiving bad memories as less negative and good memories as more euphoric, vivid, and intensified while on MDMA 15.
• Also referred to as “ecstasy” or “molly,” the compound 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a laboratory-synthesized psychedelic drug derived from amphetamines.
• Panelist Mark Guckel describes how psychedelics helped him overcome an addiction to crack.
• This type of narrative is a main concern for folks who attend Psychedelics in Recovery groups, that psychedelic use is considered a relapse or can push them over the edge back to the substance that causes them the most problems.

The Psychedelic Arsenal: Nature’s Mind-Bending Medicines

• As we explored earlier in the article, the mystical experience can be a catalyst for healing, and the peak experience and its following afterglow can enhance the therapeutic process.
• The idea is that members seek psychospiritual experiences to deepen their practice of incorporating 12-step spiritual principles of recovery into daily living.
• Because of the range of effects of trauma and because they often emerge and resolve and reemerge over the life course, the individual suffering the effects of trauma will have evolving needs over his/her/their life course.
• After a series of clinical administrations paired with psychotherapy sessions, 83%  of participants in the  MDMA group showed clinically significant improvement while only 25% percent in the placebo group did 14.

While many studies and efforts have shown strong evidence to support the use of psychedelics to treat anxiety and depression, not a lot of research has gone into trauma-specific uses of these substances. It is imperative then that those who have a history of trauma (known or unknown) and choose to use LSD as a means of recovery do so within a safe container where resources and support are available in order to bear and process the experience. This is why LSD-assisted psychotherapy is normally done as an immersive session with the necessary preparations and follow-up therapeutic integration. Psychedelics, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, and ayahuasca, have long been known for their mind-altering effects. Recent research suggests that these substances can have profound therapeutic benefits, particularly for those struggling with addiction. Psychedelics are believed to facilitate deep introspection, emotional release, and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself—all of which can be crucial elements in the recovery process.

Reprocessing Sensory & Somatic Processes

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• Many psychedelic substances have been shown to support fear extinction processes.
• And he’s right, everyone who struggles with addiction and substance misuse/abuse is on their own very individual journey.
• Conventional addiction treatment approaches have long relied on a combination of behavioral therapies, support groups, and sometimes medication.
• If you are in a crisis or if you or any other person may be in danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency resources.
• The group provides education on safe practices, encourages mindful use, and supports individuals wherever they are in their recovery journey, whether they choose to pursue abstinence, moderation, or conscious use.
• The evolution of trauma-aware clinical practices outside of our fellowship has been another crucial element of Psychedelics in Recovery.

The Foundation: Traditional 12-Step Recovery

Panhke states that this afterglow can also alleviate anxiety, reduce rumination over past events, and enhance the ability and willingness to participate in interpersonal relationships. The afterglow tends to last up to a month, a timeframe in which psychotherapeutic work and trauma integration can be enhanced 4. Psychedelic therapy, on the other hand, consists of fewer full-dose sessions aiming to reach a psychedelic peak experience. This term was first introduced by Humphry Osmond, who studied and practiced the administration of full LSD doses, followed by intensive psychotherapy work.

Addiction Scale: Measuring Substance Use Disorders and Their Severity

In terms of psychedelics in particular, psilocybin, the psychoactive and psychedelic compound in “magic mushrooms,” can be used to treat depression and reset the functionality of brain circuits that cause a role in depression. Also, microdosing psychedelics can improve cognitive function and flexibility, the same study found. “This binary doesn’t take into account whether you’re using these substances to achieve or maintain a state of recovery, or to manage co-occurring disorders and health conditions, from depression to chronic pain and cancer,” wrote Olivia Pennelle. By embracing this holistic approach, we aim to empower individuals to explore new avenues of healing, both within themselves and within their recovery journeys. After her own research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, Ayla extended her studies.

Countries around the world followed the steps of the U.S., Sobriety and LSD (as well as many other psychedelics) became a schedule 1 substance despite little evidence of risk involved. MK Ultra was a decades-long experiment using LSD as a possible intelligence weapon to alter the minds of their targets. This project only led to an even more sour taste after it was discovered the feds were dosing unsuspecting citizens seemingly willy-nilly. In 1967 the U.S government banned the use of  LSD and recalled all previous government grants to study its psychiatric benefits.

It’s time to clear the smoke

However, proponents highlight the transformative potential and argue that psychedelics, when used responsibly and in a controlled setting, can be powerful tools for healing and growth. Experienced therapists are able to use their expertise in multiple therapy modalities to help patients integrate. And this process may not stop after patients have finished their round of psychedelic sessions. Let’s talk about the ongoing support that patients may need after initial addiction recovery.

This intersectionality allows Psychedelics in Recovery to serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking a more inclusive, holistic, and personalized approach to recovery. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for healing when diverse perspectives come together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared growth. Studies on the efficacy of psychedelics are still ongoing and should still be approached with a degree of discretion. While many studies have shown potential in their use, there may still be time before the long-term effects of the practice become known, and erring on the side of caution can help eliminate some risks. In 2014 studies similar to those assessing the use of ketamine for depression showed that ketamine could also have a positive effect on patients with diagnosed PTSD showing significant relief of symptoms for up to two weeks 18. Ketamine is extremely fast-acting, and patients see results after only one dose.

Psychedelics are powerful substances, and shouldn’t be used by those whose risks are too high. Ayla’s experience in working at a psychedelic clinic in London gave her an insight into the precautions that need to be taken. “By relaxing entrenched mental patterns and rigid thoughts, psychedelics foster creative, divergent thinking and the integration of new neural networks. Another way to conceptualise this is entropy – the amount of chaos and noise the brain allows for in its normal state. OCD, compulsive, and addictive behaviours could be characterised as ‘low entropy’ brain states, where randomness is tightly controlled. By inducing ‘higher entropy’ states, psychedelics can shake up the snow globe, and raise people out of their ruts.