Our mental health is one of the most crucial aspects of our well-being. It affects our daily lives, the way we interact with others, and how we perceive the world around us.

Over the years, mental health has gained much attention, and we’ve realized the importance of taking care of our mental well-being.

There are various ways we can improve our mental health, such as therapy, medication, yoga, meditation, and much more.

However, there is one activity that has gained much attention recently and has proven to be extremely beneficial to our mental health – Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.

What is Psychedelic Assisted Therapy?

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy involves the use of psychedelic substances such as MDMA, LSD, and Psilocybin, under the guidance and supervision of a trained therapist, to improve mental health.

It is not a new concept and has been used for thousands of years in indigenous cultures for spiritual and religious purposes. However, it only gained recognition in Western medicine in the 1950s and 1960s.

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy has been found to be effective in treating various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction.

The therapy involves the patient taking a moderate to high dose of the psychedelic substance, and the effects can last from six to ten hours. During this time, the patient is guided through the experience by a therapist who provides support and helps to navigate any difficult emotions or memories that may arise.

The Science Behind Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

The way Psychedelic Assisted Therapy works is by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for our mood, emotion, and behavior.

The psychedelic substances bind to certain receptors in our brains, leading to a temporary increase in the production of these neurotransmitters. This results in a change in perception, cognition, and emotion, allowing the patient to explore their subconscious mind and gain insights into their mental health issues.

Research has shown that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy can lead to long-lasting positive changes in mental health. It has been found to increase empathy, creativity, and spirituality, as well as decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Additionally, it has been found to decrease activity in the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, which is responsible for self-referential thinking. This decrease in activity allows the patient to let go of negative thought patterns and gain new perspectives on their mental health issues.

The Euphoric Experience

The experience of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy can be described as euphoric. Patients often report a sense of oneness with the universe, increased creativity, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The therapy can be compared to a journey of self-discovery, where patients are guided through their thoughts and emotions and can gain insights into their past experiences and mental health issues.

The euphoric experience of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy is what sets it apart from traditional therapies. Patients often come out of the experience feeling more optimistic and with a newfound appreciation for life.

This positive outlook can lead to long-term changes in behavior and thought patterns, improving mental health.

The Safety of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

As with any therapy, safety is a crucial concern. The use of psychedelic substances can be dangerous if not used in a controlled and supervised environment.

However, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy is conducted in a highly controlled environment, under the supervision of trained professionals. The therapist guides the patient through the experience, ensuring their safety and well-being. Additionally, there is a pre-screening process to ensure that the patient is suitable for the therapy and that there are no potential health risks.

Studies have shown that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy has a low risk of adverse effects. However, there may be some temporary side effects such as nausea, increased heart rate, and anxiety.

These side effects are typically short-lived and can be managed by the therapist.

The Future of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy is still in its early stages of research and development. However, there has been much interest and investment in this therapy due to its promising results.

In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted “Breakthrough Therapy” status to MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, paving the way for further research and development.

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat mental health issues. It provides a unique and profound experience that traditional therapies cannot offer.

As research and development continue, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy may become a mainstream therapy for various mental health issues.

Conclusion

Our mental health is crucial to our overall well-being. We must prioritize taking care of our mental health, and there are various ways to do so.

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy is one therapy that has gained much attention recently and has proven to be effective in treating various mental health issues. It provides a unique and profound experience that can lead to long-lasting positive changes in mental health.

As research and development continue, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy may become a mainstream therapy for various mental health issues, providing hope for those who suffer from mental health issues.