Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

Modern people are looking for treatment alternatives for a range of maladies, including mental health diagnoses. Psychedelic-assisted therapies are getting results. That’s why a growing number of consumers and providers believe the FDA should consider exotic drugs a viable option for therapeutic use. But at present magic mushrooms, LSD, Ecstasy and others are classified Schedule 1 controlled substances. This means as far as the government is concerned these drugs have the potential for harm and no medical legitimacy. They are strictly illegal. Still, others want them viewed in a way that will regulate their use but recognize their value. Specifically in mental health treatments. Like any argument both sides make good and bad points.

While psychedelics remain taboo, researchers and advocates are pushing back with research and ongoing clinical trials. From one side of the issue, psychedelic-assisted-therapy has achieved remarkable results for mental health consumers. When for example, people suffering trauma, anxiety, and fear were treated with the mood-altering drug Ecstasy, major symptoms were dramatically reduced in a short amount of time. And symptoms remained low up to a year after the drug was employed.

Here’s the short version: Psychedelics work their magic by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin determines how we feel. So, psychedelics control the mood and mental state of the user. People feeling bad can be made to feel good, etc.

Nevertheless, though shown promising with participants in professionally guided environments, (holding the patient’s hand as they relax on a comfy couch while taking a small dose) there are still risks. Individuals are distinct. No two people will react exactly the same to the same stimuli. For instance, people with certain mental health conditions may have a skewed view of reality. If such consumers realize progress under professional guidance, they may conceive of achieving similar results on their own terms. Without supervision or controlled dosing. Likely, these people would abuse and experience negative reactions to experimental drugs outside of controlled environments.

The question then is would legalization of psychedelics lead to wide-spread recreational use, addiction, and mental delinquency? The federal government seems to think so. But some states have already decriminalized certain substances. Colorado and Oregon for example already have facilities guided by strict regulations legally treating people with magic mushrooms. People wrestling with substance abuse disorder, depression, trauma, and PTSD are getting on board. Outside the U.S., places like Mexico, the Netherlands and Jamaica have legal psilocybin clinics. These places also have expensive retreats where consumers stay for days consuming psychedelics.

Though momentum is slower in the U.S., people will catch up. Ideally, psychedelics will be used responsibly, safely and by informed consumers. If administered by providers in cases where a user’s mental health can be improved, regulations and social mechanisms should ensure equal access to necessary treatment for everyone in need despite their ability or inability to pay.

For the record, working alongside the person-centered philosophy of mental wellness, holistic approaches can lead to substantial psychological benefits as well. Practices like meditation, musical therapy, and yoga have already proven their mettle. And it’s been shown that person-centered and culturally competent approaches yield positive results when included in mental health treatment plans. In fact, it’s been demonstrated that most people with a mental health condition completely recover from their condition. Especially, when they have a strong support team of informed family, friends, and competent, open-minded providers who put the consumer first in all considerations.

Psychedelics is something else for mental health consumers and their supporters to consider. The possibilities of long-term changes in mood and behavior for chronic sufferers is knocking at the doors of our collective conscious. The key to this other side of mental wellness is strong supports in the form of people who care about us and responsible governments. And for all involved a willingness to explore two aspects of humanity already at the disposal of every human being whether they are conscious of it or not: courage and vision.

This post is an average citizen’s thoughts on psychedelics and mental health. It is neither an endorsement of psychedelic-assisted therapy nor an attack on the practice. My goal was to simply introduce the subject. For more information, please conduct your own thorough research, especially if you are a mental health consumer.

If you need someone to talk to, you can contact the Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. If you feel like a danger to yourself, call 988.