Psychedelic medicines have been a hot topic in the scientific and medical world in the past few years. With mental illnesses being rampant in our society, scientists are beginning to study new forms of therapy—and rediscover some old ones.
Research linking psychedelic medicine and the medical world is nothing new to us. They have been studied heavily from the 1950s to the 1970s, but many psychedelic drugs have been made illegal due to the reported potential for abuse and lack of use in medicine. However, recent research revived the field and found that psychedelic drugs do hold some promise for medicinal use.
Psychedelic Medicines and Their Use
Psychedelics are a loosely classified group of psychedelic medicines that trigger an altered state of consciousness. This altered state of consciousness involves warps in sensory perceptions and thoughts, and it’s also known as a “trip” or “psychedelic experience”. Traditional psychedelics act on the serotonin receptor and include mescaline, psilocybin, LSD, and DMT. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthesia with psychedelic properties. MDMA also works on the serotonin receptors but in a different way and is considered an empathogen.
Psychedelic medicines have varied effects and uses through creating non ordinary states of consciousness. Psilocybin or “magic mushrooms”, for instance, can cause significant visuals, colors, synesthesia, and an intense rush of emotions, such as euphoria. Some drugs, such as ketamine, have also found use as anesthetics in addition to producing a dreamlike state of consciousness.
Although most psychedelic drugs have been made illegal because of their potential for misuse, a 2020 article reviewing recent psychedelic research pointed out that there are now safe methods of using their benefits. In addition, studies have shown that more harm comes from substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine in significantly greater numbers. This has implications for a budding field of therapy for mental health: psychedelic therapy.
Do We Have Scientific Proof for the Medical Benefits of Psychedelics?
Recent research proved to be fruitful for psychedelics and the field of medicine. New studies have connected the use of psychedelics with improvements in the participants’ mental health. For example, a 2020 study on ketamine found that the drug can help alleviate symptoms of depression. It does so by heightening the brain’s plasticity, which helps it make new connections and help it better sense prediction errors. As a result, the use of ketamine has a rapid antidepressant effect even in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Psilocybin also has had its fair share of studies highlighting its benefits on mental health. In a 2021 study, the drug exhibited antidepressant effects in patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. It even did well, if not better, than escitalopram, a type of antidepressant. Many other psychedelic medicines such as MDMA, mescaline, and LSD received favorable results in recent scientific studies.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
Many psychedelics are still classified as illegal substances because the hallucinogenic and euphoria-inducing effects give the drugs a high potential for misuse. Although many of these substances have shown not to be physiologically addictive and are actually used to treat addictions. There are also some significant side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, dissociation, and panic attacks. However, the misuse and side effects can be mitigated under the supervision of a professional during psychedelic therapy.
Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health
Psychedelic drugs and scientific research have a long history. Thanks to recent research, scientists are now seeing the possible medicinal benefits of these drugs, particularly when it comes to mental health. As experts gain more knowledge regarding drugs and mental health, psychedelics hold a more promising future in therapy.
If you’re seeking psychedelic therapy in the US, Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman has what you need. Stephanie Lyn Coleman, MD is a licensed physician who studied integrative medicine techniques and received training in ketamine-assisted therapy. She specializes in psychedelic medicine, working with a team of professionals to provide holistic health. Take care of your mental health—contact us today!