Psychedelics, Therapy, and Personal Growth Practices
Written By: Barbod Alghassi
Introduction
Over the years, psychedelics have been associated with counterculture and illegal use. However, recent research has shown that psychedelics could be beneficial for personal growth and improvement. Modern studies suggest that classic psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA can be beneficial in treating mental health problems including depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. As Thjis Roes, a smoker of many years, wrote in an article about his past, he said that “For 18 years [he] was a stubbornly addicted smoker, but [he] didn't break out of the bad habit until [he] took a tab of acid with [his] friend and realized how badly [he] wanted to leave cigarettes behind” (Roes, 2014). Moreover, Clinical psychologists Pål-Ørjan Johansen and his wife Teri S. Krebs have both been conducting studies for research at Harvard Medical School on the usage of psychedelics by individuals with alcohol addiction and they believe the reason why it could be a great tool is because “substances like LSD can provide a moment of clarity that can help you see your existence as a whole and get a long-term perspective into certain personal issues” (Roes, 2014). However, the research on the medical application of psychedelics is still in its early stages, and like any other powerful substance, potential risks are involved in using psychedelics, such as adverse psychological reactions, physical harm, and legal consequences. This essay will explore the potential benefits and risks of incorporating psychedelics into personal growth practices and ultimately argue whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Psychedelics and Their Effects on the Brain
Psychedelics are a type of substance that can affect a person’s mood, sense of time, emotions, and thinking processes. DMT, psilocybin, and LSD are classical psychedelics that disrupt neural activity by diffusing through the brain and activating the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor. These changes make neurons more excitable, and the blanket activation of psychedelics changes neural networks, affecting thoughts and emotions, and consciousness. Additionally, Manesh Girn, a Ph.D. student who studies psychedelics at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, states that psychedelics increase the number of connections between networks and lessen connectivity within networks. Basically, brain areas that normally operate in a network with a tightly circumscribed function become less connected, while those whose activity is weakly correlated become more connected. Therefore, identifying what is real and what is fake while taking psychedelics can be very challenging because of the reduced connectivity in the brain that used to be strong, which interferes with the brain's ability to integrate sensory information and create a sense of reality that is cohesive.
The use of psychedelics has a three-stage process. Initially, a short-term acute psychedelic state is induced after drug administration. During this phase, there is a significant alteration in consciousness, which can result in complete mystical experiences, also known as psychedelic peak experiences. According to Doctor James W.B. Elsey who works in the UVA Department of Psychology, A complete mystical experience consists of a sense of unity where users feel that they have merged with the universe, a sense that all things are one, "ineffability, a deep positive mood, a sense of sacredness or awe, transcendence of time and space, and a noetic quality" (Elsey, 2017). A 'psychedelic afterglow' may also occur following the acute drug phase, during which individuals who receive the drug may feel uplifted and less burdened by past worries. "This phase typically subsides after approximately 2–4 weeks" (Elsey, 2017). Finally, there can be long-term psychological changes precipitated either by the general drug effects or by the subjective psychedelic experience itself over time.
Potential Benefits of Psychedelics
In recent years, psychedelics have received increasing attention due to their potential therapeutic benefits. This was shown in a study done by Russ Curtis, a professor, and coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of Western Carolina, where patients with depression and anxiety used psilocybin and the results showed that “at the 6-month follow up approximately 80% of participants continued to experience significant decreases in depressed mood and anxiety and increased measures of quality of life, meaning in life, death acceptance, and optimism” (Curtis, 2020). Another similar study used psilocybin in controlled doses in two sessions over 12 weeks on patients who identified as alcohol dependent, and the results reported that “alcohol use and craving decreased significantly, particularly after the first psilocybin session at Week 4, and remained below baseline when measured again at 9 months” (Curtis, 2020). Moreover, Professor Curtis believes that one of the most powerful and beneficial effects of psychedelics is the reduction of suicidal thinking. These experiences often lead to people feeling a strong connection with their souls which leads to experiencing an inner sense of peace, understanding one's life purpose, and experiencing a deep empathy and compassion for others. Looking at this, we can see why many people benefit from their experience and go on to live more happily since as one of the Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus says, "Nowhere can a man find any retreat more quiet and more full of leisure than in his own soul" (Chrystal, 1902). This quote emphasizes the importance of inner reflection and introspection for personal growth and well-being, which can be enhanced with psychedelics. Many people have reported feeling a profound sense of connection to the universe, themselves, and others while experiencing psychedelics. As a result of this connection, users feel more purpose and meaning in their lives, as well as have greater empathy, compassion, and understanding of other people.
These same benefits were seen in a study done by Alan K. Davis, an assistant professor of social work at The Ohio State University and an adjunct assistant professor in the psychedelic research unit at Johns Hopkins University. In this study, adults aged from 21 to 75 with a major depressive disorder who were not currently using anti-depressant medications volunteered to be participants in this experiment. 27 of the participants were randomized into two groups of immediate treatment condition group and delayed treatment condition group. There were two psilocybin sessions administered, with one group taking them immediately and the other one taking them eight weeks later. A reliable depression rating scale, the GRID-HAMD, was used to assess depression severity after the experiment. Davis reported the results, stating a "50% or greater decrease" in depression symptoms and "symptom remission was defined as a score of 7 or lower" (Davis, 2020), which indicates that the participant’s symptoms have significantly decreased. Moreover, he stated that 71% of the participants “had a clinically significant response to the intervention” (Davis, 2020). Comparing it to other treatments for depression, Davis stated that “the effect sizes reported in this study were approximately 2.5 times greater than the effect sizes found in psychotherapy and more than 4 times greater than the effect sizes found in psychopharmacological depression treatment studies” (Davis, 2020), which shows the significant impact of psilocybin.
While researchers and clinicians are becoming increasingly convinced that psychedelic drugs may be useful for treating mental health issues, relatively little attention has been paid to the idea that healthy individuals can also benefit from psychedelic consumption. In a study called the Marsh Chapel Experiment, also known as the Good Friday Experiment, twenty volunteer students were divided into two groups of ten. Half of the students received psilocybin psychedelic, while the others received nicotinic acid, which produced psychological changes and is known as an active placebo. For most students, it was a profound experience. However, a follow-up took place 24 to 27 years after the experiment, and most of those who received psilocybin, “felt a continued benefit from their participation, with a deepened appreciation of life and nature, as well as enhanced joy and appreciation for unusual experiences and emotions” (Elsey, 2017). Similarly, a study was conducted on healthy individuals who had complained that their lives lacked purpose and meaning, and LSD was administered to them. Following a supervised intake of LSD, the participants reported “feeling a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, oneness with humanity, and decreased valuation of superficial pursuits such as material gains and social status. They also reported an increase in confidence and assertiveness, with many of these changes still apparent months later” (Elsey, 2017). The use of psychedelics can also spur creative pursuits, as scientists and artists who have experimented with them have proved. During a study done by Willis Harman, an American engineer and author, mescaline was administered to 27 male volunteers whose jobs usually required problem-solving and creativity. As part of this study, participants were assessed through psychometric tests as well as their real-life issues which they were trying to solve. Most participants “came up with genuine solutions to their problems under the influence of mescaline and reported an enduring impact on their creative process several weeks later” (Elsey, 2017). As indicated by these studies, psychedelic drugs can be beneficial for healthy individuals striving for growth and development, as well as for those who are dealing with mental health issues.
Risks and Challenges of Psychedelics
Psychoactive substances generally pose minimal risks, especially when used in clinical settings. In some cases, however, there could be side effects associated with it. For example, methylenedioxy-methamphetamine or MDMA and psilocybin could “cause short-term high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and elevated body temperature” (Ditzell, 2021), however, these effects generally go away after use. Moreover, it has been reported that Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), can cause hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which is when the individual gets intense flashbacks and hallucinations. Additionally, with the usage of ibogaine, there is a risk of potential cardiac arrhythmias, which is a problem with the rate of the heartbeat. Experts observe, however, that this appears to be more common when drugs are taken without medical supervision. The Good Friday experiment, which I discussed earlier also caused some participants to have negative experiences. According to Pahnke, two of the participants “found the experience to be extremely unpleasant, with one even needing to receive a tranquilizer” (Elsey, 2017).
Moreover, a challenge with psychedelics is determining whether the effects are caused solely by the drug or if other factors are involved. For example, those with pre-existing mental health conditions or those who use other drugs may have a different experience than those who are psychologically healthy and do not use any drugs. A paper written by Rafael Dos Santos who has a master’s degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology, describes this case perfectly through a young man who "experienced psychotic episodes on two separate occasions after having taken ayahuasca, one of which included causing superficial harm to himself" (Elsey, 2017). This man did not have any personal or family history of psychoticism. Nevertheless, he had regularly taken cannabis for six years and often combined cannabis and ayahuasca. Furthermore, Elsey discusses the case of a 15-year-old male who attempted suicide shortly after taking a synthetic psychedelic. Although he had never had any suicidal thoughts before, he had a family history of schizophrenia, as well as alcohol abuse and regular cannabis consumption. Accordingly, caution should be exercised when administering psychoactive substances to individuals with mental health conditions or substance abuse histories.
Ethical Consideration When Using Psychedelics
For psychedelics to be effectively used in therapy and personal growth practices, it is imperative to consider the ethical aspect of it and ensure that the user is provided with the best experience possible. However, the lack of a clear legal path increases the risk for people seeking to use psychedelics therapeutically. Even so, it is the ethical duty of therapists to minimize the risk of harm among clients who are interested in exploring or using psychedelics and to maximize the benefits of therapy. The most important thing is a harm reduction approach. In a paper written by Brian Pilecki, who is involved in research studies on psychedelics at Portland Psychotherapy, he believes a harm reduction approach is the best proposal for the ethical considerations since this approach refers “to a focus on reducing the negative consequences of drug use, rather than focusing on eliminating the use of the drug” (Pilecki, 2021). This approach informs clients about the potential risks, benefits, and alternative methods to reach their desired goal. Additionally, this approach also includes the clinician meeting with the patient consistently to check up on their experience and how they are processing it and trying to help them turn their experience into meaningful long-term change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when examining the benefits and risks of incorporating psychedelics into personal growth practices, I believe the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Despite dangers and challenges, such as a bad trip that could negatively affect mental health, I believe psychedelics have numerous and significant benefits for personal growth. Evidently, it has been found that psychedelics can enhance creativity, foster empathy and connectedness, promote spiritual experiences, and even alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, they can help individuals gain a deeper sense of self-awareness and a better understanding of the world around them, which can be very beneficial to their well-being. Though caution should always be exercised when using these types of substances, in the right hands, psychedelics could prove to be incredibly powerful tools for personal growth if properly researched, prepared, and guided.
Works Cited
Chrystal, George. “The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Book IV.” 1902.
Curtis, Russ, et al. "The Role of Psychedelics and Counseling in Mental Health Treatment." Journal of Mental Health Counseling, vol. 42, no. 4, 2020, pp. 323-338. ProQuest; eLibrary. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17744/mehc.42.4.03.
Davis, A. K. (2020, November 4). Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder A Randomized Clinical Trial. Jama Network. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2772630?resultClick=1
Ditzell, Jeffrey. “Psychedelic Therapy: Uses, How It's Done, Risks, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 26 May 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/psychedelic-therapy.
Elsey JWB. “Psychedelic drug use in healthy individuals: A review of benefits, costs, and implications for drug policy.” Drug Science, Policy and Law. 2017;3. doi:10.1177/2050324517723232
Pilecki, Brian. “Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy.” Harm Reduction Journal 18, 40 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-021-00489-1
Roes, T. (2014, October 8). An LSD trip helped me quit smoking. VICE. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.vice.com/en/article/5gkq4x/quit-smoking-with-lsd-876
