Understanding Psychedelic Medicine
Beyond Traditional Medicine: How Psychedelics Can Transform Your Mental Health
Psychedelic therapy, which encompasses Ketamine, Psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, LSD, Mescaline and numerous indigenous substances, is a rapidly growing field that offers a new approach to the treatment of mood and pain disorders. Traditional psychotherapies and medications are effective for some individuals. For others, they may not achieve the desired results and these patients may benefit from this new/ancient treatment paradigm.
Psychedelic therapy uses “consciousness-expanding” substances, such as ketamine, psilocybin and MDMA to facilitate deep emotional healing and spiritual exploration.
What are Psychedelics?
The term "psychedelic" is derived from the Greek words "psyche”, meaning "mind", and "deloun”, meaning "to make visible or reveal”. It refers to a class of substances that can produce alterations in perception, mood, and thought.
The use of psychedelic substances for therapeutic or spiritual purposes dates back thousands of years, and has been documented in a variety of cultures and traditions around the world.
Psychedelics are typically characterized by their ability to induce altered states of consciousness that can include changes in sensory perception, emotional intensity, and thought processes. The effects of psychedelics are typically described as “mind-expanding” or “consciousness-expanding”. These experiences may include profound feelings of interconnectedness, unity and transcendence, as well as visual and auditory hallucinations.
However, the use of these substances outside of approved research or authorized settings can be dangerous and illegal, and it is important to approach their use with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Conditions Treated with Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic therapy has shown promise in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD and in managing chronic pain. Research studies have shown that psychedelic therapy can be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving mood and quality of life, and increasing motivation to make positive changes.
One of the most promising areas of research for psychedelic therapy is in the treatment of addiction. Studies have shown that psychedelic therapy can be effective in reducing substance use and cravings, improving mood and quality of life, and increasing motivation to make positive changes.
FDA-approved Psychedelic Drugs
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Ketamine:
Ketamine is not typically classified as a classic psychedelic. It is a “dissociative anesthetic” that has been shown to have rapid and robust antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. It is also used in low doses as a therapy for treatment-resistant conditions such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, burnout, and various addiction disorders. Outside of clinical research settings, ketamine remains the sole FDA-approved psychedelic therapy. Ketamine, and particularly ketamine infusion therapy, remains the most studied psychedelic medication and therapy.
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Psilocybin:
Psilocybin is the primary psychoactive compound found in "magic mushrooms." Studies have suggested that psilocybin may be effective in treating depression, anxiety and addiction. It may also have potential for improving end-of-life anxiety in individuals with terminal illnesses.
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MDMA:
In 2021, the FDA approved MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD in clinical trials. MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is often associated with its recreational use as "ecstasy" or "molly," but research has shown that it can be a valuable tool in PTSD-related psychotherapy.
Other drugs such as LSD, DMT and ayahuasca have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various disorders. However, they are not FDA-approved medications and remain Schedule I drugs in the United States.
What is Psychedelic Therapy?
Psychedelic therapy differs from traditional talk therapy in that it allows individuals to access deeper parts of their psyche and connect with their emotions in a more profound way. Rather than relying solely on verbal communication, psychedelic therapy involves an altered state of consciousness that can help individuals break free from negative patterns of thought and behavior.
Psychedelic therapy is a form of integrative medicine. This is the use of both conventional (such as traditional psychotherapy) and alternative therapies (such as MBSR and CBT) in the treatment of illness and disease. At Modern Mindwork, we view the use of psychedelics as a powerful adjunctive therapy that can complement traditional medications and other forms of therapy.
It’s a whole-person approach to healthcare that seeks to address the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of health.
How Does Psychedelic Therapy Work?
Psychedelic therapy works by altering the brain's neural pathways and thought processes, allowing individuals to access deeper parts of their psyche and explore their emotions in a more profound way. While the exact mechanisms of action of psychedelic substances are not fully understood, it is believed that they work by activating the brain's serotonin receptors, which are involved in mood regulation, emotional processing, and perception. They also promote the growth of new brain cells or by altering the connectivity of existing brain cells.
Psychedelic medication administration is varied, and can be complemented by integrative coaching and/or traditional psychotherapy.
It’s vital that psychedelic medications are administered by a qualified healthcare professional who is an authorized practitioner. While these substances have shown promise in treating a range of mood and pain disorders, they can also produce powerful and potentially unpredictable effects. Patients may experience a profound shift in consciousness and intense emotional experiences with psychedelics. Qualified and experienced practitioners provide valuable help in integrating these increased insights, self-awareness and sense of connectedness to others and the world around us.
Learn more about ketamine therapy:
Some of the Benefits of Psychedelic Therapy
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1. Rapid onset of antidepressant effects:
One of the most significant benefits of psychedelic medications, such as ketamine, is their ability to produce rapid and robust antidepressant effects, sometimes within hours of administration.
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2. Increased emotional openness and insight:
Psychedelics have been shown to increase emotional openness and promote a greater sense of insight into one's own emotions and thought processes, promoting long-lasting changes in behavior.
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3. Improved pain management:
Psychedelic medications, such as ketamine, may have potential for treating chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain.
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4. Improved quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses:
Psychedelic medications, such as psilocybin, may have potential for improving end-of-life anxiety and depression in individuals with terminal illnesses.
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5. Reduces the emotional responses that fuel addictive behavior:
Ketamine appears to modulate the activity of the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in processing emotions, enabling the brain to break free from harmful cycles of addiction.
Typical Concerns About Psychedelic Therapies
Safety:
Be aware of the side effects and contraindications. You should only undertake therapy in an approved setting with qualified practitioners such as at Modern Mindwork where you are fully assessed before intake, medically monitored throughout treatment and personally supported as a unique person.
Integration:
The experience of a psychedelic therapy session can be intense and profound, and you may have concerns about how to integrate these experiences into your daily lives. This may involve working with a therapy or other healthcare professional to develop a plan for ongoing support and care.
Stigma:
Psychedelics have a long history of being associated with counterculture movements and may be viewed negatively by some individuals or communities. You may have concerns about the stigma associated with using these substances for therapeutic purposes.
Legal Status:
Currently, ketamine is the only approved psychedelic therapy, with Psilocybin and MDMA still in the research phase. Psilocybin-assisted therapy is not yet legal or regulated as a medical treatment. The personal use of psilocybin mushrooms has been decriminalized in some states but remains illegal under federal law.
The use of ketamine by approved practitioners such as Modern Mindwork, is FDA-approved but is still considered “off-label”.
Is Psychedelic Therapy Right for You?
Psychedelic therapy is not appropriate for everyone and should be approached with caution.
Factors to consider when considering psychedelic therapy include your medical history, current mental health status, and personal preferences. It is important to have a strong support system in place and to be prepared for the intense emotional experiences that can accompany psychedelic therapy.
A Final Word…
Psychedelic therapy offers a new approach that has the potential to transform the way we treat underlying causes and symptoms of specific disorders. While the field is still in its early stages, research studies have shown promising results for the use of psychedelics in treating treatment-resistant conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and chronic pain.
Psychedelic therapy is not appropriate for everyone, and it is important to approach it with caution and work with a qualified healthcare professional. However, for those who are open to exploring new approaches, psychedelic therapy can offer a profound and transformative experience.
Find out more about Ketamine Therapy:
Find out more about ketamine infusion therapy and ketamine-assisted therapy.
Learn more about how music can play a powerful role in successful psychedelic therapy sessions.
Understand the benefits of an Anesthesiology-led practice, click here.
Contact Us Today
Modern Mindwork offers individualized, safe and effective therapies. We provide personalized care and support, empowering you to regain control over your life and achieve lasting well-being through the transformative benefits of ketamine therapies, integrative therapies and multifaceted support.
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