When looking to boost psychological health and wellness, psychedelic therapy isn’t the first resource that comes to mind for many. However, psychedelics– especially psilocybin– are increasingly being recognized and embraced as a powerful and revolutionary treatment approach. From reducing anxiety and depression to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the potential of psychedelic therapy has led many to explore how this once-taboo treatment can be used.
The Humbling History of Psilocybin
The psychedelic compound psilocybin is a naturally-occurring psychoactive substance found in certain species of mushrooms. Often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin has been used for thousands of years in religious and spiritual rituals for spiritual and healing purposes. In the 1950s, psilocybin caused a stir in the scientific community with the noted research of Dr. Albert Hofmann, the so-called “father of LSD.”
Dr. Hofmann’s research into psilocybin established its potential to act as a powerful therapeutic tool. He believed psychedelics could help to “encounter and integrate oneself with the spirituality of nature.” In the following decades, psilocybin resurfaced in studies exploring how it can be used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction, among other mental health conditions.
Recent Research on Psilocybin Therapy
The modern era of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is well underway. Some of the most promising research thus far is in the field of dealing with end-of-life anxiety, a widespread problem among terminally ill patients. Based on a few studies, psilocybin has been found to have a powerful effect on reducing anxiety and improving quality of life in people facing life-changing illnesses. It’s not just end-of-life anxiety that the compound may be beneficial for; a 2020 study found that psilocybin could be effective in treating depression too.
Psilocybin’s potential for healing isn’t limited to mental health conditions. A 2019 study found that the substance could be useful in treating chronic pain, while a 2017 study revealed that psilocybin could be beneficial for those struggling with opioid addiction. While more research clearly needs to be done, the potential implications of these recent findings is extremely exciting– and potentially, life-changing.
The Emergence of Scientific Research
The growing body of clinical research is affirming the belief that psilocybin can have helpful applications. Employing modern scientific methods in clinical trials and controlled studies has revealed the radiance of this substance’s potential. Integrating ancient healing modalities with modern scientific research has enabled us to begin to unlock the depths of psilocybin’s healing capacity.
Stigma Surrounding Psychedelic Therapy
Despite the exciting discoveries and promising research, a major obstacle in the spread of psychedelic-assisted therapies remains the social stigma that surrounds them. Psychedelics’ traditional association as a “party drug” has caused some to dismiss its potential as a healing tool. It’s up to us to educate ourselves on this substance’s true potential and to spread awareness of its potential for therapeutic treatment.
FAQs
Q: What are some common uses of psilocybin therapy?
A: Psilocybin therapy is being researched for its possible use in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD; end-of-life anxiety; chronic pain; and opioid addiction.
Q: How is psychedelic therapy administered?
A: Psychedelic therapy is administered and supervised by a trained legal and licensed medical professional.
Q: Is psychedelic therapy safe?
A: When done in a therapeutic or clinical setting, psychedelic therapy has been found to be safe and well-tolerated with minimal adverse side effects.
Q: How long does the effect of psychedelic therapy last?
A: The acute effects of psilocybin typically last around 8-10 hours, while the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic therapy can last much longer.