How Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Heals Addiction
Addiction is a complex and chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Addiction can cause physical, psychological, social, and spiritual harm to the individual and their loved ones. Addiction can also be difficult to treat, as many people struggle to overcome their cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and relapses.
However, there is hope for people who suffer from addiction. A new and innovative form of treatment that uses psilocybin, a psychedelic substance found in magic mushrooms, has shown promising results in helping people break free from their addictive behaviors. Psilocybin assisted therapy is a form of psychedelic therapy that involves taking psilocybin in a safe and controlled environment, under the guidance of a trained therapist or facilitator. The therapist helps the patient to prepare for the experience, to navigate the psychedelic journey, and to integrate the insights and lessons learned afterwards.
Psilocybin assisted therapy can be done in different settings, such as clinics, research centers, or retreats. Psilocybin assisted therapy can target various types of addiction, such as alcohol, nicotine, opioids, and cocaine. In this article, we will explore how psilocybin assisted therapy heals addictions, based on the latest scientific evidence and testimonials.
The Evidence for Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for Addiction
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest and research on the therapeutic uses of psilocybin and other psychedelics for addiction. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of psilocybin with moderate to large effect sizes in patients with different types of addiction.
For example, a pilot study by Johnson et al. (2014) involved 15 smokers who received three doses of psilocybin (20 mg/70 kg) along with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation. The results showed that 80% of the participants were abstinent from smoking at six months after treatment, compared to 35% for the best available treatment.
Another pilot study by Bogenschutz et al. (2015) involved 10 alcohol-dependent patients who received two doses of psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg) along with motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for alcohol use disorder. The results showed that psilocybin significantly reduced drinking days and heavy drinking days during the 36 weeks of follow-up.
A more recent study by Garcia-Romeu et al. (2021) involved 24 opioid-dependent patients who received two doses of psilocybin (25 mg/70 kg) along with CBT for opioid use disorder. The results showed that psilocybin significantly reduced opioid use and craving during the 12 weeks of follow-up.
These studies suggest that psilocybin assisted therapy can have rapid and lasting effects in reducing addictive behaviors and enhancing recovery outcomes.
The Mechanisms of Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for Addiction
How does psilocybin assisted therapy work for addiction? While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood yet, there are some possible explanations based on the current evidence.
One explanation is that psilocybin acts on the serotonin system in the brain, which is involved in reward processing and mood regulation. Psilocybin may modulate the activity of serotonin receptors in a way that reduces the reinforcing effects of addictive substances and increases the sensitivity to natural rewards. Psilocybin may also decrease the activity of brain regions associated with craving and compulsive behavior .
Another explanation is that psilocybin induces a mystical or peak experience, which is a state of consciousness characterized by a sense of unity, transcendence, awe, and positive mood. A mystical experience can have profound and lasting effects on one’s psychological well-being, such as increased meaning, purpose, optimism, and spirituality . A mystical experience can also facilitate a positive change in one’s self-concept, such as increased self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-efficacy .
A third explanation is that psilocybin enhances the therapeutic alliance and the psychotherapeutic process. Psilocybin may increase one’s openness, trust, empathy, and emotional expression, which can improve the quality of the relationship between the patient and the therapist . Psilocybin may also increase one’s insight, motivation, and readiness for change, which can enhance the effectiveness of the psychological interventions .
These explanations are not mutually exclusive, and they may interact and complement each other to produce the beneficial effects of psilocybin assisted therapy for addiction.
The Testimonials of Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for Addiction
The scientific evidence for psilocybin assisted therapy for addiction is impressive, but what do the patients themselves say about their experiences? Here are some quotes from the participants of the studies mentioned above:
– “It was like a switch had been flipped in my brain. I no longer had any desire to smoke. It was like I had never smoked before.”
– “It was like a spiritual awakening. I felt a connection with something greater than myself. It gave me a new perspective on life and my addiction.”
– “It was like a reset button for my mind. It cleared away all the negative thoughts and emotions that were fueling my addiction. I felt more alive and free than ever before.”
These quotes illustrate the powerful and positive impact that psilocybin assisted therapy can have on people with addiction. They also show the diversity and individuality of the psychedelic experience, which can vary depending on the dose, setting, personality, and expectations of each person.
Psilocybin Assisted Therapy: A promising and innovative form of treatment to overcome addiction
Psilocybin assisted therapy is a promising and innovative form of treatment that can help people overcome addiction and enhance their well-being and potential. Psilocybin assisted therapy can produce rapid and lasting effects in reducing addictive behaviors and enhancing recovery outcomes. Psilocybin assisted therapy can also induce mystical or peak experiences that can have lasting positive effects on one’s psychological well-being, such as increased meaning, purpose, optimism, and spirituality.
Challenges and Limitations
However, psilocybin assisted therapy is not without challenges and limitations. Psilocybin is still an illegal substance in most countries, which makes it difficult to access and conduct research on it.
As it is legal in the Netherlands, we invite you to research our services to receive this cutting edge Psilocybin assisted therapy for yourself or a loved one.
Psilocybin is also not a magic pill that can cure all addictions. Psilocybin can cause challenging or adverse reactions that require careful screening, preparation, supervision, and integration.
Therefore, psilocybin assisted therapy should be done only under the guidance of trained professionals who can provide a safe and supportive environment for the patients. Psilocybin assisted therapy should also be tailored to the needs and preferences of each individual patient who can benefit from it.
Psilocybin assisted therapy is a novel and exciting approach to treat addiction that deserves more attention and research. Psilocybin assisted therapy can open new doors of perception, understanding, and growth for people who suffer from addiction. Are you ready to take the leap?
Find out more about our psilocybin assisted therapy sessions and psilocybin assisted retreat.
Photo by Flora Borsi
(1) Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Guide – Psychedelic Support.
(2) Psilocybin Could be a Therapeutic Breakthrough For Addiction.
(3) Psilocybin as a Promising Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder.
(4) How to Get Psilocybin Assisted Therapy – Sanctuary Wellness Institute.
(5) Psychedelic Therapy: Uses, How It’s Done, Risks, and More – Healthline.
