What are psychedelics?
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that can temporarily alter perception and feelings. Psychedelics can enable people to resolve conflicts and traumas underlying mental illness. Massive neuroplasticity and reorganizations are triggered by serotonin 2A receptors in the neo-cortex that are stimulated by psychedelics and body's own neurotransmitters. These non-patentable compounds are unattractive to big pharma and therefore studies are slow. At least the studies subsidized by smaller parties show nice results.
Read more about the ongoing studies on psychedelics
Psychedelics are primarily substances found in nature. These include magic mushrooms, fungi, plants and animals. Psychedelics have been used by mankind for thousands of years as sacred and medicinal substances. Some even argue that religion stems from the use of psychedelics.
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MDMA -
Truffles -
LSD
5HT2a receptors and the DMN network
Psychedelics have a major impact on serotonin-2A receptors in the neocortex. These receptors increased connectivity between cortical neural networks that do not normally talk to each other other other. This increases neuroplasticity in the brain. Another nice side benefit of the psychedelic state is that the default mode network (DMN) becomes less active. The DMN is active in a neural "resting state" and causes people who are not doing anything to have more thoughts about the past, future and self-image (such as "ego"). Thus, a less active DMN due to psychedelics results in less self-awareness, less fear of the future and thus a lower control of the amygdala towards the adrenal glands, resulting in less cortisol secretion. Furthermore, the activation of 5HT2A receptors trigger neuroplastic changes, both functional and structural. This is due to the fact that more BDNF hormone is produced, which causes the repair and creation of new nerve cells/neurons.
Read more about the Default Mode Network and psychedelics
Read more here BDNF and psychedelics
What do you experience during a psychedelic trip?
Beyond the changes at the physical (biochemical and electrochemical) level, there is also a subjective experience that changes with respect to everyday existence. Depending on the doses and the person in question, other effects arise and the intensity of those effects can vary. Beyond hallucinations, other effects also arise. Patients' subjective experiences include ego-death (breaking down thoughts filled, controlling and rigid aspects of our minds), connection, access to emotions, memories, access to the subconscious, and a change from previously rock-solid beliefs about oneself and the world. Sometimes starting such a session can be challenging because in addition to the beautiful effects, tension can first arise from the need to control the effects of the psychedelics. A good therapist or counselor will help you through the beginning, increasing your therapeutic potential. During the peak of a therapeutic session, emotions are allowed to come to the surface so that they are no longer a blockage in that future.
Read more about the different dosages and effects of psilocybin (Mushrooms/truffles)
Read more here hallucinations caused by psychedelics
Psychedelics against PTSD, trauma, depression, addiction, social anxiety and burnout
In trip therapy, we use psychedelics particularly against depression and addiction problems. We also help many clients with anxiety-related complaints. Each approach is slightly different and we take personal circumstances into account. We make personal advice based on an intake in which we also estimate how to improve the neurochemistry before the session. We also give tips on how to prepare for the session. The preparation and the psychedelic session synergistically enhance the effect, increasing the chance of success. Are you curious about the different pathways? Then read on via the links below.
This post on MDMA therapy was taken from trip therapy
Trip therapy: Psychedelic therapy against mental illness
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