What Is Psilocybin Assisted Therapy

Key takeaways:

1. Psilocybin therapy is a rapidly growing subject of interest in the United States.
2. Medical Institutions like Johns Hopkins have already created research centers dedicated to the study of psilocybin and its effect on the human mind.
3. At Johns Hopkins University, they are researching, “behavior, mood, brain function, biological markers of health,” and psilocybin’s effect on them.
4. At the current time they believe Psilocybin therapy can be helpful in treating opioid addiction, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, chronic lyme’s disease, anorexia nervosa, and alcohol abuse in people with major depression.
5. While Psilocybin therapy can be incredibly useful, it is currently not legalized for medical use on the federal level.
6. Psilocybin as a therapeutic aid must always be used in the company of a licensed professional to ensure positive outcomes are achieved.

A Quick Overview

Are you curious about the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms? Have you heard of psilocybin therapy and wondered what it entails? Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of magic mushrooms, treatment is gaining traction in the world of mental health. Studies are showing that with proper guidance and care, this powerful substance has the potential to help patients process traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In this article, we will explore what psilocybin therapy is, how it works, and why people might benefit from trying it. Read on for all you need to know about magic mushrooms and this exciting development in psychedelic treatment research in the field of mental healthcare.

What is Psilocybin Therapy?

What To Expect

Psilocybin Therapy is an emerging form of psychotherapy that combines the psychedelic effects of psilocybin, the active component of magic mushrooms, with the psychological support of a trained therapist. The session begins when the patient lies down in a comfortable setting and is administered a single dose of psilocybin to initiate an introspective journey. Music is then played to create an atmosphere conducive for deep exploration. An eye mask can additionally be used to block out external stimuli.

During this time, psilocybin trip users typically have up to 8 hours to go inward while their emotional and mental well-being are carefully monitored by the therapist. What results is a profoundly meaningful experience that can help alleviate certain conditions such as depression, substance dependency, or simply provide life-changing insight into themselves and their relationship with the world. Psilocybin therapy has been gaining more recognition due to its effectiveness in offering patients an engaging yet safe therapeutic environment as part of their healing journey.

While this type of therapy treatment does involve the use of psilocybin, it is very different from the drug-induced highs recreationally sought with other psychedelics. Instead, the doses of psilocybin in therapy treatment is most commonly administered under the watchful eye of a skilled therapist to aid individuals in examining themselves, their thoughts, and their behaviors in a safe space. The goal of this type of therapy is to help patients gain a greater understanding of themselves and their issues, often facilitating life-altering insights and treatment.

These sessions unlock newfound perspectives and understanding of the patient’s life situations abling them to make meaningful changes that have lasting positive results. Ultimately, when using psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, an experienced helping professional is always present throughout the entire session so that they are able to provide additional guidance and insight which can help patients come up with their own solutions and growth-oriented decisions.

Research

The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is leading the way in groundbreaking studies that are exploring new treatments for some of the most difficult chronic conditions that affect many people. For example, researchers at Johns Hopkins are currently in clinical trials examining the effectiveness of psychedelic and consciousness research treatments on opioid addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, chronic Lyme disease, anorexia nervosa, and alcohol use in individuals suffering from major depression.

These studies are showing encouraging results, providing evidence that psilocybin therapy can be used to help people address complex issues, such as depression, and offering new hope for those suffering from these conditions. While more research still needs to be done in this area, the findings so far are promising enough that many professionals are now starting to view psilocybin therapy as a potential treatment option for those with depression and anxiety.

Over the past five years, they have successfully studied how psychedelics can help improve people’s lives in various ways, with therapeutic effects such as helping long-term smokers quit and alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms in terminal cancer patients. These studies are paving the way for a future where psychedelics can offer potentially life-changing remedies for many diseases. (Check out what they have been up to HERE)

Rescheduling To A Class IV Drug

The potential rescheduling of psilocybin from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule IV is an exciting development from Johns Hopkins Medicine studies. Research into psilocybin research conducted by the university has revealed the relative safety of this ancient plant medicine, and further investigation is yielding groundbreaking evidence that psilocybin may have therapeutic benefits. Rescheduling psilocybin would recognize its usage as a beneficial compound and permit further scientific exploration into its frequent use in treating psychiatric disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. By making this change, the federal government would both acknowledge the many positive results of scientific inquiry while also increasing access to psilocybin-based treatments.

By downsizing the restrictions on the substance, it could pave the way for increased access to the psychedelic drug to patients that are in need of such treatments without fear and stigma associated with other drugs currently classified as a Schedule I. This reclassification would put psilocybin in the same category as common sleep aids, and over-the-counter medications. This possible step highlights how psychedelic research itself is changing our present understanding of substances derived from nature.

Microdosing Psilocybin

This would also open up the possibility of microdosing psilocybin. (Check out our article HERE where we go much deeper) It has been gaining traction amongst those looking for a holistic way to improve overall well-being. Studies have shown microdosing helps with empathy, creativity, and improved mood. It has been dubbed the future of wellness because it takes microdoses of psychedelics and microdosing guides are becoming increasingly popular online.

With microdosing, users can take small but effective doses of psilocybin to maintain balance without the noticeable side effects commonly associated with psychedelic substances. While microdosing is not a solution to any medical condition or mental health issue, it can provide the user with a lighter path toward self-improvement by enhancing mental clarity, focus and alertness from natural compounds.

Legalization of Psilocybin Therapy

States Who Have Legalized Psilocybin Therapy

Legalization of Psilocybin therapy has been a grueling battle, but the two pioneering states of Oregon and Colorado have ultimately gotten it done. Legalizing Psilocybin therapy on all levels, they’ve opened the door to new realms of healing possibilities with these regulated centers where patients can safely ingest psilocybin under the oversight and expertise of the licensed therapist and professional staff. The progress being made in these two states at present will likely be a blueprint for other states looking to legalize similar forms and doses of psilocybin-assisted therapy in the future.

Additionally, several other states have passed resolutions to create task forces and committees tasked with researching the science of psilocybin therapy. This allows for more scientific data growing evidence to be collected in order to make informed decisions about the use of this medicine. By involving a larger network of healthcare professionals that are familiar with the research being conducted, lawmakers can make decisions that are more in line with what the scientific evidence is suggesting.

The legalization of Psilocybin therapy represents a monumental shift in how we view substances derived from nature. It also can potentially be used to treat a wide variety of mental health treatment-resistant depression, cancer-related anxiety issues, and chronic diseases, offering an alternative to current treatments that may not be as effective. The potential for psilocybin therapy and its therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions are still being explored, but the progress made so far is worth noting. With more states gradually legalizing psilocybin therapy, we can hopefully soon look forward to a future of holistic healing options for mental illnesses, that don’t rely on prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals.

Next States On The List

The legalization of Psilocybin Therapy has recently gained attention, with several cities around the country decriminalizing the substance. Oakland, Santa Cruz, Washington DC, Somerville, Cambridge, Northampton, and Seattle have all passed laws that decriminalize its use. In January 2022 Washington State Senate has proposed a bill that would legalize the use of psilocybin in a more supportive method among adults 21 and over.

If approved and put into effect, this could serve as an important stepping stone for further research and understanding of how psilocybin mushrooms can be used to help heal the mind negative emotions, and body of those seeking medical assistance or counseling. It is an exciting opportunity for us to not just look forward to these potential changes at a practical level but also hopefully unlock even more doors in our exploration of psychedelic research in this subject area.

In Vermont, an exciting and potentially revolutionary bill is taking form. One that could have drastic positive implications for the state. Bill h.422 would decriminalize the possession and dispensing of a personal supply of regulated drugs, with psilocybin being one of them. With this new bill’s passing could come with it possibilities for newfound freedom for those struggling with psychiatric disorders, and people treated for severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Connecticut has begun to prepare for regulatory approval and the possibility that federal changes may allow select groups of patients access to psilocybin-assisted therapy as well. A glimmering light at the end of what can be a dark tunnel for many dealing with various mental health issues. Legalization of psilocybin therapy, in even some small capacity, could open doors to more serious research studies and validity in clinical trials for such treatments and move society closer to understanding how recreational users view its effects differently from clinical ones. (Find out more about Connecticut and Psilocybin therapy HERE)

Conclusion

Psilocybin therapy is at the early stages of being accepted in the medical community as a viable form of treatment for mental health issues. With states like Oregon and Colorado leading the charge in legalizing this psychedelic treatment, others may soon follow suit, bringing with it more options for those seeking relief from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While there are still some legal and safety concerns to consider when taking part in a dose of psilocybin-assisted therapy, with proper oversight and guidance from trained professionals, these treatments offer promising results that could help alleviate the suffering of thousands. As research continues to be conducted around this fascinating topic, we hope to uncover even more about how these treatments can improve our lives.

The evidence surrounding psilocybin therapy appears to be an overall positive for those that choose to try it. Research into this type of treatment will continue as significant leaders, such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, continue to do consciousness research and push for reclassification of psychedelic drugs. It is possible that we may see radical changes to how drugs like Psilocybin are viewed in our country in the near future. By continuing to study participants, educate, and advocate for this form of psychedelic therapy now, we can help provide much-needed relief to those who need it most.

Have you been thinking about psilocybin therapy to replace any current pharmaceutical medications prescribed to you for mental health issues? Share your thoughts and questions below and we will address them as soon as we can. Have you partaken in this type of psilocybin therapy session? If so, please share what you were thinking about before you did, and how your road to better wellness is going below. We here at Third Eye Wellness are very excited about this therapy, and its impact on mental health disorders, and those who suffer from various issues. We will keep on diving into it in order to provide you with the best information possible.