Why Psychedelic Therapy is the Future of Mental Health

Posted by Bright Minds
3
Dec 27, 2021
696 Views
Psychedelic therapy—a form of psychotherapy that incorporates psychedelic drugs to induce altered states of consciousness—has been shown to have positive effects on several mental health disorders, including anxiety, addiction, and depression. Unfortunately, its use is highly limited because of the stigma surrounding the substances and their regulation as illegal substances by the federal government. Read on to learn more about psychedelic therapy and why it could very well be the future of mental health treatment.

The Effects

Studies show that psychedelic therapy can treat various psychological conditions, from depression to alcoholism. LSD and psilocybin (the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms) are especially helpful for alcoholism, as they help reduce cravings while also reducing anxiety and increasing happiness. The treatments work because they allow people to confront their underlying issues, explore themselves on a more meaningful level, and reach new levels of insight, all of which can dramatically change how they approach life moving forward.

How Is it Different from Other Therapies?

Whereas cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication aim to control symptoms, psychedelic therapy treats disorders at their core by targeting underlying problems. Research has shown that hallucinogens such as psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) and MDMA can help treat mood and anxiety disorders like PTSD, social anxiety, depression, addiction, OCD, and others by reconnecting patients with their emotions and restoring positive feelings about themselves. Many also report experiencing life-changing mystical experiences.

How Effective Is It?

The use of psychedelics in mental health therapy has grown by leaps and bounds. From alcohol addiction to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, psychedelics are showing an incredible amount of potential. Although it’s still early days in their integration into therapeutic practices, they appear to be a very promising avenue for mental health treatment. Here’s why they might be what we need to start treating our brains more effectively.

Should You Try it?

Research from New York University suggests that psychedelics are beneficial for mental health. When combined with psychological therapy, psychedelic drugs help even those with chronic depression lift their moods and reduce suicidal thinking. Though there’s still a stigma attached to these substances, we could be on the cusp of a revolution in mental health treatment, one that combines psychedelics and psychotherapy. Bright Minds Bio is a Canadian psychedelic company that is working on making psychedelic therapies more effective for treatment for various mental-related problems.

Does it Work for Everyone?

It’s important to note that psychedelic therapy doesn’t work for everyone. Your brain chemistry, genetic makeup, and a host of other factors make it, so one drug doesn’t fit all. It can be frustrating to try something that worked for your best friend only to find that it does not affect you. If you do decide to go through with psychedelic therapy, though, don’t let these experiences deter you from following through with treatment! You might have an issue where another person didn’t—or vice versa.
Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.