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The use of psychedelics for enlightenment goes back centuries, being used by indigenous cultures for the induction of altered states of awareness. These cultures used plants with psychedelic properties like mushrooms and cacti, as well as dimethyltryptamine (DMT) extracted from several plants in which it is found naturally.
Stimulants like MDMA (ecstasy) were also historically used in controlled environments by psychiatrists and other practitioners to alleviate the symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental illnesses.
All of these substances have a rich history of peaking in popularity before being banned by governments worldwide. In recent years, however, healthcare practitioners are rediscovering their potential as valid forms of mental health treatment, particularly as adjuncts in psychotherapy.
For the first time in decades, the DEA and FDA are approving studies for psychedelic use in psychotherapy. These privately and publicly funded studies assess the ability for psychedelics to treat a myriad of mental illnesses from addiction and PTSD, to depression and anxiety.
A Long History
Psychedelic drugs, both natural and synthesized as well as synthetic stimulants like MDMA have a long history in both legal and illegal use.
LSD
In November of 1938, Swiss Scientist Albert Hoffman accidentally synthesized LSD while attempting to create a stimulant of another kind. It wasn’t until four years later in 1943 that he discovered the hallucinogenic effects of his newly-created drug. After Hopkins experienced the world’s first psychedelic trip by LSD and its effects became well known, the drug became globally popular in the rave and hippie scene.
As stated by Sage Pub Journals by Ericka Dyck, “In the popular mind, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) research in psychiatry has long been associated with the CIA-funded experiments conducted by Ewen Cameron at the Allen Memorial Institute in Montreal, Quebec. Despite this reputation, a host of medical researchers in the post–World War II era explored LSD for its potential therapeutic value.”
Today, people continue to explore LSD as a way to alter their perception of reality, achieve enlightenment and treat themselves from various mood disorders.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
MDMA was first synthesized by Merck, a German pharmaceutical company in 1914. By the 1920’s when its effects became known, multiple professionals in the treatment and science sectors began advocating its use for psychotherapy in a controlled setting. While it was briefly used professionally, it became illegal after rave-goers began to abuse it during the 80s and 90s.
The demand for MDMA’s powerfully pleasurable effects has not yet died down. In the brain, MDMA works by increasing activity in three important “happy” chemicals: dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. It produces effects like the distorted perception of time, fluctuating body temperature, increased energy, intense teeth clenching and depression as soon as the drug begins to wear off.
Because MDMA wears off the brain’s serotonin and dopamine stores, the withdrawal can be incredibly mentally draining, making it dangerous for recreational use. But this also brings up the question of whether or not it’s safe for professional use, as it’s difficult to produce a controlled, safe comedown. Until that day of approval comes, life transition therapy Vancouver remains an incredibly safe and effective form of treatment for anyone struggling.
Mushrooms
The Aztecs used to refer to psychedelic mushrooms as teonanácatl, meaning “flesh of the gods.” While indigenous cultures from around the world have used psilocybin mushrooms for centuries, it wasn’t until the late 1950s that Westerners began to eat them recreationally.
Cacti (Mescaline)
The cacti by the name of peyote contain a psychedelic substance called mescaline that when ingested, produces hallucinogenic effects. Since the dawn of time, mescaline was used by natives in Mexico and the United States for religious ceremonies and rituals.
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
DMT is known as one of the world’s most powerful natural hallucinogens. DMT is a compound found in many plants, as well as the pineal gland in our brains. It’s released in a large dose during birth, as well as during death, making it clear as to why it was so coveted by indigenous cultures. It was, much like mescaline, to aid in producing altered states of consciousness during ancient ceremonies and rituals. It wasn’t until the 1930’s that it was synthesized in a lab by chemist Richard Manske.
Psychedelics in the Medical World
Although psychedelics were declared illegal in 1971, their recreational use continued nonetheless. Before they were made illegal, psychedelics were used by medical practitioners to help patients diagnosed with various forms of depression and anxiety.
The Journal of Palliative Medicine states that “psychiatric research in the 1950s and 1960s showed potential for psychedelic medications to markedly alleviate depression and suffering associated with terminal illness.”
Now, decades after the use of LSD and Ecstasy, In September of 2019, John Hopkins Medicine announced the launch of its Centre for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research, being funded by private donors for $17 million.
While many researchers and healthcare professionals are advocates of psychedelic use for psychotherapy, others remain on the fence. This is largely due to their unpredictable nature in producing controlled trips and outcomes, making their legal use for something as delicate as the treatment of mental health, problematic.
The Question Still Remains
Can psychedelics complement therapy in helping sufferers of mental illness overcome their biggest challenges? With new studies constantly surfacing, it’s possible that within the next 10 years, we may find ourselves able to experience these altered states of awareness with the help of a professional.
Life Transition Therapy Vancouver
Until then, traditional forms of life transition therapy Vancouver are still incredibly transformational in helping patients navigate their life journeys. Whether experiencing life-altering levels of grief, depression or anxiety, grief and loss counselling, as well as life transition therapy Vancouver can produce profound transformations in the mental health of those struggling. For professional help, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to connect with you and coach you into a life where you are able to regain control.
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