Written By: Jonathan Zalesne
After a long hiatus from the 80s until now, psychedelic therapy is back in mainstream media. You may have seen news clips or articles talking about psychedelic therapy, maybe you saw John Oliver talk about psychedelic therapy on Last Week Tonight. There is currently a resurgence of information, clinical trials, and study on psychedelics and their therapeutic uses.
So what is psychedelic therapy?
Psychedelics therapy involves the use of mind-altering substances, like, MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, or LSD in controlled settings with trained therapists to experience healing and personal growth. Each medicine affects the brain in a slightly different way, but the commonality is that the medicines allow for the brain to create new neural pathways that are not typically utilized in everyday consciousness. This allows for individuals to process suppressed or difficult emotions, understand and heal from past experiences, gain new perspectives and integrate experiences into one’s sense of self, and break free from negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
The amount of research and literature surrounding psychedelics is growing immensely. One of the most promising areas of research is in the use of psilocybin for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that a single dose of psilocybin, administered in a controlled setting with professional guidance, can lead to significant improvements in mood and quality of life, and the effects can last for several weeks or months. One of the greatest benefits of psychedelic therapy is that the change and growth happens rapidly and then continues to improve even outside of the psychedelic session.
Research is also exploring the use of psychedelics for the treatment of addiction, particularly to substances such as nicotine, alcohol, and opioids. Preliminary studies have shown that psilocybin and other psychedelics may help individuals break free from addiction by disrupting maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior.
Other areas of research include the use of psychedelics for the treatment of PTSD, end-of-life anxiety in individuals with terminal illnesses, and cluster headaches.
Psychedelics have not yet been studied with couples, but, the understanding of how psychedelics work on the brain and relationally make work with couples promising as well.
What is the legality of this work:
1: Oregon:
In November 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin therapy for adults 21 and older. The law allows for the use of psilocybin in licensed therapy sessions and establishes a program for training therapists and guides.
2: Colorado:
In May 2019, Denver became the first city in the U.S. to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. In November 2020, the state of Colorado passed a similar law, decriminalizing the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms for adults 21 and older in certain circumstances.
3: California:
In February 2021, California State Senator Scott Wiener introduced a bill that would decriminalize the possession and use of a range of psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, for adults 21 and older. The bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process.
4: Washington, D.C.:
In March 2021, the District of Columbia passed a law that decriminalizes the possession and use of a range of psychedelics, including psilocybin, ayahuasca, and ibogaine, for adults 21 and older.
It’s important to note that these laws do not necessarily mean that psychedelics are legal for recreational use or that they can be used outside of a licensed therapy session. It’s also important to work with trained professionals who have experience with psychedelic therapy to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Ketamine therapy is classified differently in terms of legality than MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD, and therefore is further along in the research and ability to be used mainstream across the US. So, I am including some research here about ketamine therapy specifically:
Ketamine therapy involves the use of the drug ketamine, which is a dissociative anesthetic that has been found to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects. Unlike other antidepressant medications that can take weeks to months to take effect, ketamine can often produce improvements in mood within hours or days of administration.
The exact mechanism by which ketamine works is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the modulation of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that is involved in learning, memory, and mood regulation. Ketamine is believed to enhance the growth and connectivity of brain cells in the prefrontal cortex, which is a region of the brain that is involved in mood regulation and decision-making.
Ketamine therapy is typically administered through an IV infusion or intranasal spray in a controlled setting with trained medical professionals. The treatment usually involves several sessions over the course of a few weeks, with the exact dosage and frequency tailored to the individual’s needs.
Ketamine therapy has been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain. It is particularly useful for individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications.
In terms of legal status, ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, which means that it has a recognized medical use but also has the potential for abuse and dependence. Ketamine therapy is legal in the United States and is increasingly being offered in clinics and treatment centers across the country.
It’s important to note that ketamine therapy should only be administered by trained medical professionals in a controlled setting and is not without risks, such as potential side effects and the risk of abuse or dependence. It is also not a cure for mental health conditions and is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as psychotherapy and medication management.
Overall, while the field of psychedelic therapy is still in its early stages, the growing body of research suggests that these substances may have significant potential for the treatment of a range of mental health conditions. However, it’s important to note that psychedelic therapy should only be administered in a controlled setting with trained professionals, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks.
If you are curious to know more about psychedelics, the research, or potentially partaking in psychedelic treatment yourself, please contact Kate Pauley at the Colorado Center for Couples and Families.
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