When we talk about psychedelic drugs, the first things that pop to mind are rave parties and the hippie movement. Despite the enormous dangers these substances carry, many people love using them recreationally when going out.
Over time, psychedelics have developed quite a nasty reputation. Almost all parents consider drugs the biggest evil that can befall their children. While these chemicals can cause a massive negative impact on our bodies, there are ways to use them for good.
Recent studies indicate that psychedelics might be the ultimate cure against various addictions. Of course, this is only if you use them a certain way.
Explaining Psychedelics
Psychedelics are a type of drug that completely alters your way of thinking. Like all similar chemicals, it changes your mood and your perception of reality. Out of all these different substances, LSD, otherwise referred to as lysergic acid diethylamide, is the most popular one.
Many partygoers categorize psychedelics as “head drugs,” which separates them from other types of drugs that are known as “body drugs.” The main reason why someone would use head drugs is to they would experience a different reality. In contrast, body drugs are popular because of their impact on our bodies and moods.
While psychedelics are heavily scrutinized nowadays, they were used by numerous civilizations over the centuries. Ancient tribes saw them as substances that allow you to transcend into a spirit world and communicate with the dead.
In modern times, psychedelics are hated and banned because of their impact on individuals and families. Getting hooked on these chemicals can be disastrous for everyone around the user.
Nevertheless, psychedelic drugs might have something positive going for them. To be precise, these drugs might have a certain potential for treating common addictions.
Psychedelics and Addiction Treatment
While the frequent use of psychedelics is considered an addiction, these chemicals might also assist people suffering from other vices. Specifically, we might be able to utilize psychedelics to cure ourselves of cigarettes and alcohol (with proper dosage and use).
“Although we’re well aware of negative effects psychedelics have on our bodies, we have yet to scratch the surface of potential benefits,” warns Transcend Clinic, an ibogaine treatment center. According to these experts, psychedelics might have a soothing impact on our brains, reducing the physical and mental need for other substances.
It’s worth noting that nothing can truly “cure” an addiction. Even if you go cold turkey for a while, you might experience the need for a beer every once in a while. With the use of psychedelics, you won’t fully eliminate vices from your life. Nevertheless, you might have a much easier time controlling these unwanted substances.
Which Psychedelics to Use?
Before going any further, you have to understand that addictions are categorized as chronic mental ailments. Even if you manage to reduce the need for a certain chemical, that doesn’t mean you have completely eliminated the urge. This is precisely why there is AA and similar groups.
If you wish to get better, you’ll need professional help coupled with certain beneficial chemicals. By introducing psychedelics into your life, you’ll have much less need for the troublesome substance.
Keep in mind that psychedelic drugs won’t cure you from your addiction. Instead, they’re only used to stifle the symptoms’ effect on our bodies and minds. To get the most out of psychedelics, you’ll need an aggressive treatment plan led by your psychiatrist or addiction specialist.
Without further ado, here are some psychedelics that might assist you in reducing your addictive urges:
Ketamine
Hearing that ketamine is good for addictions might seem a bit ludicrous. Although this chemical doesn’t cause physical addiction, prolonged usage might cause mental dependence. This particular substance was initially used as an animal tranquilizer, but it eventually reached our homes and schools as a recreational drug.
Despite its harmful effects, scientists continued researching the substance. Eventually, they found out that ketamine might be great as a part of depression treatment. Of course, for ketamine to work as intended, it needs to be utilized in a safe, controlled environment.
Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, otherwise known as psilocybin, is another common rave drug that completely alters your perception of reality. As the name suggests, psilocybin can be found in certain fungi species.
Limited data has shown us that this substance might provide relief for smokers, drinkers, and people suffering from depression. The chemical works by stimulating serotonin production, which helps us balance sleep, mood, and appetite. However, using too many magic mushrooms might lead to unwanted consequences for your brain.
The biggest issue with magic mushrooms, like with other psychedelics on the list, is that you can’t fully control it. Through its chemical composition, psilocibin causes a mess in your body, potentially leading to anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. To get the most value out of magic mushrooms, they should be only used in addiction recovery centers.
Ibogaine
Ibogaine is a less common alkaloid that is synthesized in nature. It comes from a West African shrub’s root bark, and it has a strong effect on our brains. The chemical is extremely dangerous, which is why you won’t find it in recreational drug stores (even in countries that otherwise allow drug use).
Regardless of its drawbacks, ibogaine has shown incredible potential for treating certain types of addictions, such as alcoholism and smoking. Nevertheless, we need more data to better understand the long-term implications of such a treatment.
Ayahuasca
This particular drug is made from the Banisteriopsis caapi plant’s vine as well as the Psychotrai viridis plant’s leaves. The drug has a high concentration of DMT, which can completely change users’ perception of reality.
Conclusion
In the last several years, we’ve seen more and more studies revolving around the use of psychedelics for addiction recovery. Unfortunately, the testing hasn’t progressed further than small-size research.
If you wish to use some of these substances for your vices, you’ll have to do so under a doctor’s supervision. Ideally, these drugs should only be utilized within addiction recovery centers.
