The role of Psychedelics in Mental Health | Changa Institute
What is Psychedelic Therapy?
Psychedelic therapy is the use of plants and compounds to treat mental health problems. It actually induces hallucinations. Psychedelics are used to treat depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Major Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment:
Generally, practitioners use the following compounds in psychedelic therapy:
Psilocybin
Mushrooms
LSD ((lysergic acid diethylamide)
Mescaline (Peyote)
Psychedelic therapy is relatively new. And some research clearly supports that this therapy is effective for people. Especially for those who have tried all other methods.
A recent study published in Science Direct stated that LSD psychotherapy reduces anxiety by 77.8% and improves quality of life by 66.7%.
Use of Psychedelics in Mental Health:
We all know that traditional mental health medications take several weeks to become effective. And usually, they may only work as long as the person keeps taking them.
But psychedelic drugs have transformed the treatment for mental health. It has been observed that psychedelics can immediately improve symptoms, often with a single dose!
How Do Psychedelics in Mental Health Work?
Well, researchers don't know exactly how psychedelics work. More importantly, these drugs don't work for everyone. So, it's always better and wise to consult a doctor if you're planning to join a clinical trial for psychedelics.
Here are a few supposed ways psychedelics may work:
Psychedelic or Mystical Experience:
It's a very intense and meaningful experience under the influence of psychedelics. This actually shifts a person's mindset or belief system. Thus, they started to think and behave differently.
Increased Suggestibility:
Psychedelics make people more suggestible. As a result, they become more responsive to the positive advice of their therapists. Moreover, it also benefits them from their own hallucinations.
Neurotransmitter Changes:
You know neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain. Mostly, mental health drugs change mood by directly affecting neurotransmitters. It's therefore assumed that psychedelics may also act on neurotransmitters. Ultimately changing the brain's behavior and improving the mood!
Types of Psychedelic Drugs in Mental Health Therapy:
Psychedelic therapy includes the use of different psychedelic drugs. Though most research suggests psilocybin as a major drug.
The main psychedelics in mental health therapy are:
Psilocybin:
It's a psychedelic substance found in psychedelic mushrooms. It's a dissociative drug. It temporarily changes a person's mood, thoughts, and perception.
LSD:
LSD stands for lysergic acid diethylamide. It's a chemical found in many plants. It induces hallucinations and changes the perception of reality.
DMT:
DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is a strong psychedelic drug. It affects all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions.
MDMA:
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy (tablet form) and molly (crystal form). It's also used as a psychedelic drug.
Mescaline:,
Mescaline is a psychedelic substance. It's known for inducing altered states of consciousness, including vivid visual and auditory hallucinations. It's found in peyote cactus.
Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment are currently an “Experimental Treatment” only. It means if you want to access it, you need to join a clinical trial.
Types of Psychedelic Therapy in Mental Health:
Some types of psychedelics therapies usually used in mental health are as follows:
Drug Assisted Therapy:
In this type, the mental health expert often pairs a psychedelic with a traditional treatment. Such as psychotherapy with psychedelics.
Psychedelics Alone:
The healthcare provider may only prescribe a patient psychedelic drug only with no additional treatment. (Usually, in clinical trials only)
Guided Therapy:
Sometimes, to guide a person, the doctor gives psychedelics. It keeps the person calm for therapeutic suggestions.
Benefits of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment:
Here are some benefits of psychedelics in healthcare:
End Stage Illness:
Psychedelic drugs can ease the pain of suffering linked with end-stage illness. Similarly, it can also cure the anxiety and depression that come with chronic diseases.
Depression and Anxiety:
People suffering from depression and anxiety can also be treated with psychedelics.
PTSD:
Psychedelic drugs, especially MMDA, can help in easing the effects of trauma.
Eating Disorders:
The mystical or psychedelic experience caused by psychedelic drugs can help people suffering from eating disorders by changing perception.
Risk of Psychedelics Therapy:
As we have seen so far, psychedelic drugs can actually cause a strong change in consciousness. It can cause serious side effects. Such as:
Psychosis:
It refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind. This happens when the patient loses contact with reality, particularly after taking psychedelics. In psychosis, a person's perception is changed. They feel difficulty understanding what's real and what's not.
Fear:
Some people start hallucinating things that frighten them. Such as death, remembering trauma, or flashbacks, as a side effect of psychedelics.
Cardiovascular Diseases:
Psychedelics can potentially increase heart rate and blood pressure, worsening cardiovascular diseases.
Though these risks are associated with Psychedelics in Mental Health, many studies report few or no side effects of psychedelics.
Hence, it's always better to consult a specialist, so that they can thoroughly examine your situation, history, and design the treatment plan accordingly.
Lastly, it's not possible to get psychedelic therapy at any clinic because it's currently “Experimental Only”. It means if you want to join it, you need to assess any clinical trials for psychedelics.
If you or your dear ones are interested, Changa Institute can help you find the clinical trials for psychedelics near you.
Summary:
To conclude:
Psychedelics are the use of plants and compounds to treat PTSD, depression, and eating disorders, etc.
Major psychedelics in mental health treatment are psilocybin, mushrooms, and MMDA.
Psychedelics induce immediate and strong changes in brain psychology.
Psychedelics are an experimental treatment only, meaning you can't get them in your Doctor's office.
If you're interested in joining psychedelic therapy, you can join any clinical trials for Psychedelic therapy.
Why Choose Changa Institute for Mental Health Therapy?
When traditional treatments fall short, the emotional weight can feel unbearable. At Changa Institute, we understand that real healing often requires something deeper, something more connected to the mind, body, and inner self.
That’s where we can help. We offer safe, clinical environments for carefully guided experiences, with compassion at the center of everything we do.
If you feel like nothing else has worked, if you’re tired, stuck, or hurting in places you can’t explain. Don’t worry!
Changa Institute is here to meet you where you are.
Let’s see what healing can feel like when you’re truly supported.
Let’s walk this path together. Contact us now!
