Psychedelic Assisted Therapy | Carepatron

What are psychedelic substances or psychedelic drugs?

Psychedelic substances are psychoactive compounds that significantly alter perception, mood, and various cognitive processes. Historically, they have been utilized in diverse cultural and spiritual rituals for centuries, but recent research has revealed their potential as therapeutic agents (Nichols, 2016; Raj et al., 2023).

For instance, psilocybin, a psychedelic drug derived from magic mushrooms, is gaining attention for its role in psilocybin-assisted therapy, particularly for treating major depression and alcohol abuse.

Another notable psychedelic is ibogaine, recognized not only for its psychoactive effects but also as an anti-addiction drug. It shows promise in addressing addiction issues, offering a unique approach to combatting dependencies.

Other psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), are being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating various mental health conditions, including eating disorders and the emotional distress associated with life-threatening cancers.

What is psychedelic therapy?

Psychedelic therapy involves the controlled use of psychedelic substances in a therapeutic setting to assist in the treatment of mental health issues. Research has shown that it can be effective for conditions like treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Tamar Glatman Zaretsky et al., 2024). During sessions, a trained therapist guides the patient through the experience, helping them process emotions and insights that arise.

Purpose of psychedelic therapy

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is an innovative approach aimed at facilitating profound emotional and psychological healing. By utilizing psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, MDMA, or ayahuasca in a controlled and supportive setting, this therapy seeks to unlock deep-seated emotions and promote significant breakthroughs for individuals facing mental illness.

This method is particularly beneficial for those grappling with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, who often struggle to find relief through traditional antidepressants. Psychedelic therapy can reset neural pathways, offering a fresh perspective on mental health challenges.

Additionally, anxiety disorders can be addressed as individuals confront and process their anxieties in a safe environment, leading to reduced symptoms and improved coping mechanisms. For patients with PTSD, the profound experiences facilitated by psychedelics allow for a reframing of traumatic memories, promoting healing and alleviating post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may also aid individuals in overcoming addiction by addressing underlying emotional issues and fostering a sense of connection and purpose. This form of therapy presents new perspectives and emotional release, making it a valuable tool for mental health professionals.

Benefits of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy offers a variety of therapeutic benefits that are gaining attention in psychedelic research:

• Enhanced emotional processing: This form of psychotherapy helps patients navigate deep-seated emotions and trauma, often leading to significant breakthroughs in their healing journey.
• Increased openness: Psychedelic experiences promote openness to new perspectives, crucial for personal growth and healing.
• Reduced symptoms of mental illness: Clinical trials have demonstrated reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD through the use of psychoactive drugs in therapy.
• Spiritual significance: Many patients report profound insights and a sense of spiritual awakening during sessions, contributing to long-term mental well-being.

Mental health professionals are increasingly recognizing the potential of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and other psychedelic therapies in enhancing treatment outcomes.

Role of a psychedelic therapist

A psychedelic therapist plays a crucial role in guiding patients through psilocybin treatment and other human hallucinogen research. Their responsibilities include:

• Pre-session preparation: Educating patients on what to expect, setting goals, and discussing potential benefits for mental health problems and substance abuse.
• During the session: Creating a safe, supportive environment that allows patients to process their hallucinogenic experiences in real-time.
• Post-session integration: Assisting patients in integrating their experiences into daily life through follow-up sessions and ongoing support, which can be vital for addressing addiction issues, including the use of anti-addiction drugs like ibogaine, backed by evidence from randomized controlled trials.

By providing guidance and support throughout the entire process, a psychedelic therapist can help patients make the most out of their therapy and achieve positive outcomes.

References

Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264–355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478

Raj, P., Rauniyar, S., & Sapkale, B. (2023). Psychedelic drugs or hallucinogens: Exploring their medicinal potential. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.48719

Tamar Glatman Zaretsky, Jagodnik, K. M., Barsic, R., Josimar Hernandez Antonio, Bonanno, P. A., MacLeod, C., Pierce, C., Carney, H., Morrison, M. T., Saylor, C., Danias, G., Lepow, L., & Yehuda, R. (2024). The psychedelic future of post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. Current Neuropharmacology, 22(4), 636–735. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159x22666231027111147