The history of substance abuse traces back thousands of years! People have been using (or, misusing) substances for medicinal, religious, or recreational purposes all over the world. And in the modern world, we know a whole lot more about these substances than ever before.
You might already know that some of these are called psychedelics. These are substances that can cause hallucinations. But in therapeutic practice, they’re known to “expand” the consciousness of individuals.
So, what do they help with the treatment of chronic addiction? Let’s find out.
What is Psychedelic Therapy?
From what we’ve seen, the traditional approaches to addiction treatment focus on symptom management. However, psychedelic therapy is transforming the way we understand and treat addiction. This approach aims to address the root causes of addiction instead of just prescribing medicines to keep the symptoms in check.
When you undergo psychedelic therapy, substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and particularly ibogaine are administered under strict professional supervision. These substances are known for their ability to alter consciousness which enables a deep exploration of your mind.
The core idea behind this therapy is to induce a state where you can confront hidden or suppressed aspects of your psyche. In most cases, it leads to meaningful personal insights and emotional release.
Studies have seen that this process can help dismantle the psychological foundations of addiction. Of course, psychedelic therapy isn't a quick fix that shows results overnight. Rather, it involves careful preparation, the therapeutic session itself, and a critical integration phase where you, with the help of a therapist, make sense of the experiences.
The Science Behind Psychedelic Therapy
What does science say about psychedelic therapy? Well, the majority of research shows that this therapeutic approach is based on its ability to alter brain function.
Studies show that substances like psilocybin and ibogaine therapy promote neuroplasticity. In other words, they allow our brains to form new connections and pathways. As you’d expect, this can lead to changes in behavior and thought patterns that can help overcome addiction in a positive way.
The same research has also shown that psychedelics can reopen the "critical period" of social reward learning. In case you’re not aware, it’s a time when the brain is particularly receptive to behavioral changes.
In any case, this reopening can help individuals rewrite addictive behaviors with healthier alternatives. Furthermore, psychedelic therapy has been associated with reduced cravings and a heightened sense of motivation to stay drug-free. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that these are key components in long-term recovery.
The Process of Psychedelic Therapy
So, how does it all work? If you or one of your loved ones are thinking about getting psychedelic therapy, you must understand it’s a structured journey. It requires careful planning, a supportive environment, and professional guidance.
Typically, we can break the whole process down into three steps.
Step1: Preparation
Just like any health procedure, there’s an elaborate preparation phase. Before your psychedelic session, you'll have several discussions with your therapist. The idea behind these discussions is to build trust and set clear expectations for the session.
The preparation stage is crucial for establishing a safe and supportive framework, where you feel comfortable exploring deep-seated emotions and thoughts.
Step 2: The Therapy Session
This is the body of the process where you actually take the substance. Typically, you’ll find yourself in a calm, controlled environment. Don’t be surprised if you hear calming music and comfortable sitting/lying arrangements.
Under the supervision of your therapist, you'll ingest a psychedelic substance to initiate a profound journey through your psyche. This part of the process can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on what type of psychedelic you’re going for.
During this time, your therapist might guide you through the experience. But generally speaking, they don’t interfere until the end of your journey.
Step 3: Integration
This is the final nail in your addiction coffin. Once the session is complete, integration therapy starts. This is when you work closely with your therapist to process the experiences and insights from the session. Be open and honest about it, no matter what you see or experience. Remember, every experience is supposed to be different so don’t go in with a set expectation.
The goal of integration therapy is to help you make sense of the psychedelic experience and apply the insights to your daily life.
Commonly Used Psychedelics for Addiction Treatment
Now that you know what psychedelic therapy is and how it works, you might be wondering about your options. Thanks to modern medicine, we have managed to utilize a variety of natural and synthetic substances for the therapy.
Here are the most commonly used ones and how they work.
- Psilocybin: Magic mushrooms have it. Psilocybin is known for reducing cravings and improving the motivation to break free from addictive behaviors. Clinical studies suggest that psilocybin therapy can lead to decreases in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- LSD: This powerful psychedelic has been explored for its potential to treat alcoholism, with some studies indicating that it can help reduce alcohol dependency. LSD is thought to bring about insightful experiences that can alter one's relationship with addictive substances.
- MDMA: Often used for emotional healing, MDMA is used primarily to treat PTSD. However, it has also been studied for its effectiveness in reducing psychological barriers and increasing empathy. Needless to say, empathy can go a long for those with substance use disorders.
- Ayahuasca: This brew, used traditionally by indigenous tribes, contains DMT and has been studied for its ability to treat addiction. It works by inducing powerful, transformative experiences that can lead to increased self-awareness and a renewed outlook on life.
- Ibogaine: Perhaps the most directly linked to treating addiction, especially opioid addiction. Ibogaine is known for its ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and decrease the likelihood of relapse. It works by resetting and refreshing the brain's neurotransmitter systems, which can provide a “clean slate” for recovery.
