The discussion surrounding psychedelics is far from a new phenomenon; however, in recent years the conversation has taken a new stance. Scientists, researchers, and even clinicians are now exploring the potential therapeutic and wellness benefits of using psychedelic substances like psychedelics for mental health and wellness, including those related to psychedelic-induced states.
Psychedelics, specifically psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”), are a psychoactive compound found in some species of fungi. It’s very popular in the mindful movements and is being investigated for its potential therapeutic effects. The most obvious benefit being the ability to produce positive mental and emotional changes. But, as it’s a powerful psychedelic, there are also risks to consider and understand before taking psilocybin.
So, before we get into the risks and benefits, what is psilocybin, and why has it become such an interesting topic?
What Is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen found in some mushrooms. It affects the brain in a very different way than traditional drugs like alcohol, nicotine, and opioids. The effects, which include altered perception and mood, differ from person to person depending on dose, tolerance level, and setting. In the mindful movement, psilocybin has become widely accepted as having the potential to help people with various issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Benefits of Psilocybin
Psilocybin can be used to treat various mental health concerns. For example, research has shown that psilocybin can reduce anxiety and depression in those struggling with mood disorders, as well as help reduce addictive behaviors in those suffering from addiction. Several studies even suggest that psilocybin can be beneficial for those dealing with post traumatic stress disorder, as it can reduce the emotional intensity of triggers that bring up past trauma.
What’s more, psilocybin has the potential to help with creativity, problem solving, and emotional processing. It can give individuals a sense of clarity and emotional insight that wasn’t available before. For example, a recent study showed that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in long-term changes to behavior, thoughts, and feelings. This suggests that psilocybin can create significant and potentially long-lasting changes to mental health, even after just one use.
Risks of Psilocybin
Although psilocybin is considered relatively safe, it can be a dangerous substance due to its powerful effects. There are also a few physical risks associated with it. These include nausea, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and muscle tension. Additionally, while in a psychedelic state, individuals are more prone to making negative decisions, which can lead to psychological harm.
Additionally, psychological risks with psilocybin can arise if it’s used to self-medicate without the oversight of a trained clinician. This arrangement is potentially dangerous, as the individual may not know how to accurately dose or identify any potential adverse reactions that could occur. And, due to the nature of psychedelic-induced states, there is also the potential for ‘bad trips’, which are marked by intense fear, confusion, and other psychological distress.
FAQs
Q: What is psilocybin?
A: Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound found in some species of fungi. It is a hallucinogen and is well known for its potential therapeutic and wellness benefits.
Q: What are the benefits of psilocybin?
A: Psilocybin has the potential to help with various mental health issues, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. It can also reduce the emotional intensity of triggers that bring up past trauma, as well as assist with creativity, problem solving, and emotional processing.
Q: What are the risks associated with psilocybin?
A: Although psilocybin is generally considered safe, it can be a dangerous substance due to its powerful effects. There are also physical risks associated with it, such as nausea, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and muscle tension. Additionally, if used without the oversight of a trained clinician, it can lead to psychological harm.
The potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin are encouraging, and the careful consideration of potential risks is essential. With more research and further investigation, people can begin to understand how psychedelic-induced states can help improve mental health and wellness. As the discussion around psychedelics continues to grow, it’s important to stay informed and open-minded on the topic.