Coaching & psychedelics
Psychedelic therapy refers to the use of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, in a therapeutic setting to treat various mental health conditions. These substances have been shown to have a profound impact on the brain and have been used in the past to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. According to a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, "Psilocybin has a long history of use in traditional indigenous cultures and has been the subject of renewed scientific interest in recent years as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions" (Johansen & Krebs, 2015).
One of the main benefits of psychedelic therapy is that it can provide a unique and transformative experience for individuals. These substances can help to break down patterns of thought and behavior that are entrenched in the mind, allowing for new perspectives and ways of thinking. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have not responded to traditional forms of therapy. A study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that "Psilocybin-assisted therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements in anxiety and depression, and led to decreases in cancer-related psychological distress" (Grob et al., 2011).
Another benefit of psychedelic therapy is that it can provide a sense of connection and transcendence. Many people report feeling a deep sense of unity with the world around them and a sense of interconnectedness with others. This can be incredibly healing for individuals who have experienced trauma or isolation. A study published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology found that "Participants consistently reported personal and spiritual significance, transcendence of the ego, and interconnectedness with others and the natural world" (Griffiths et al., 2016)
It's worth noting that psychedelic therapy is still considered experimental and is not yet widely available. In the United States, some research studies are currently underway or have been completed, but the FDA has not yet approved these substances for general use. In other countries, such as Canada and Brazil, research studies are also ongoing. However, as per the FDA, "The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression, and to psilocybin therapy in combination with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression" (FDA, 2020)
In conclusion, psychedelic therapy has the potential to be a powerful tool in treating mental health conditions and has shown promise in early research studies. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of this treatment approach, and it should be approached with caution.
References:
Grob, C. S., Danforth, A. L., Chopra, G. S., Hagerty, M., McKay, C. R., Halberstadt, A. L., … Greer, G. R. (2011). Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 199(1), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0b013e31820a23b3
Griffiths, R. R., Johnson, M. W., Carducci, M. A., Umbricht, A., Richards, W. A., Richards, B. D., … Klinedinst, M. A. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181–1197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116675513
