Psychedelic Education
“Like in nature, growth doesn’t happen in a straight line, but in cycles that feel like we are going backwards half the time.”
-Dr. Rosalind Watt
Can Magic Mushrooms Unlock Depression?
Here it from Dr. Rosalind Watts herself about what the Psychedelic Research Renaissance is teaching us!
What to Know & Understand
Psychedelics & Plant/Earth Medicines are NOT a magic cure.
Some people have a misunderstanding of how psychedelics work. There is no evidence supporting that by taking a psychedelic, a rewiring of the brain will occur leading to an alleviation of symptoms. However, psychedelics can help people access non-ordinary states of consciousness to change or enhance sensory perceptions, thought processes and energy levels. What may be most important after having a moving psychedelic experience, is integrating what came up into the persons life. As Rosalind Watts, a lead Psilocybin Researcher and Educator from the Imperial College of London teaches that psychedelics can open the door to healing, but you are the one that has to walk through it. Integrating your psychedelic experiences is what can lead a person to a healing state.
What the science tells us
Psychedelics cause Neuroplasticity-the ability of the brains neural networks to change through growth and reorganization.
What does this mean? Psychedelics have an effect on the brain that stimulates brain growth, turning on areas of the brain that were previously not getting much blood flow, and shows communication between areas of the brain that usually do not or have not been communicating with each other.
How? Psychedelics have profound effects on neuroplasticity, the alteration of neuronal structure and function. On a molecular level, psychedelics cause rapid excitation of neurons, the generation of new synapses and changes in the dendritic arbor leading to a formation of new dendrites. Quite directly causing mind expansion.
The neuroimaging of human brains suffering from depression and PTSD to brains of people using psychedelics illuminates their effectiveness. Please click on the images below to learn more about what you are seeing.
This is a brain suffering from depression compared to a brain of a person without depression.
This is a brain on LSD compared to a brain not on LSD
This is a brain of a person suffering from PTSD compared to a brain of person without PTSD
This is a brain not on psilocybin compared to a brain on psilocybin
Preparation
These topics should be considered before embarking on a psychedelic journey.
Why are you wanting to use psychedelics?
What do you hope to gain from using psychedelics?
What date are you wanting to start?
What’s your intention?
If you are microdosing, what protocol do you plan to follow?
What will be your starting dose?
When is your scheduled time for self-reflection?
It’s encouraged to use a journal, create various forms of art, and to get immersed in nature often.
In some of the psychedelic clinical trials, the below audio is used to help people prepare for their psychedelic journey. You can listen to Rosalind Watt’s Pearl Dive Recording to prepare for your own journey here.
Set & Setting
“In what way, in what setting do you want to experience your consciousness?”
This is your journey. This is a choice you are making to experience your own consciousness. Set the Setting!
The ‘set’ refers to the mindset of the person using psychedelics/psychoactive substances that they bring to the experience including thoughts, mood and expectations.
The ‘setting’ is the physical location where the user will have the experience and what the location will include- whether the experience is planned to be in a therapeutic or recreational setting. Considering factors that could be disruptive to the experience is vital. Along with what you would like to have in the setting.
What type of music do you plan to listen to?
Have the playlist downloaded so WIFI or service does not interrupt the experience.
For bigger journey's, will you incorporate an eye mask? When?
What type of blankets would you like to have with you?
What comfortable clothing do you plan to wear?
Be sure to have a set of back up clothing just in case!
How will you remain safe?
Will you have a sitter, a guide or a therapist?
If not, who will know that you are embarking on this journey to check on you?
What will you avoid to stay safe?
Avoid going in water by yourself during a journey
Avoid using sharp objects
Avoid driving a vehicle, to name a few!
Integration
Integrating your psychedelic experience is incredibly important. So important that the information on this topic deserves it’s own page! Please click the button below to be directed to our Integration Page.
Who Should Avoid Psychedelics and Plant Medicines
If you have a history of Heart Disease
MDMA is contraindicated for people with heart disease because the drug increases heart rate and blood pressure.
If you have a history or family history of Psychosis
Those who have a history of psychosis related to mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder, or have a first degree relative with these conditions should exercise extreme caution when considering the use of psychedelics. Please seriously consult with a trusted physician before using.
If you are Immunocompromised
Immunocompromised individuals should consult with a doctor before using psychedelics because common side effects include a rise in blood pressure, nausea and vomiting which could be very concerning or even life threatening.
If you are a Recreational User
People that use Psychedelics recreationally are most at risk for long term side effects. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) can result after psychedelic use. In HPPD, psychedelic effects can last days, weeks or months after a trip. In rare cases, permanently. It’s more commonly seen with people taking psychedelics in the recreational space and strongly associated with LSD use.
If you are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding have been encouraged to avoid using psychedelics as there is little research on the safety of psychedelics to a growing fetus at this time. But we also know that many traditional cultures use psychedelics as an integral part of community life including the Santo Daime tradition of Midwifery, breastfeeding practices of Wixarika mothers, and ceremonial Ayahuasca use during pregnancy and breastfeeding in some Brazilian cultures. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and in need of guidance with psychedelics, please contact us so we can connect with a provider that can help!
If you have a history of Substance Abuse
While some studies have discovered that psychedelics may help with some addiction disorders and help people find recovery, this work is usually done in a therapeutic or clinical setting to minimize risks. MDMA and ketamine are more associated with misuse and toxicity with chronic use. If you are interested in using psychedelics to help an addition that you suffer from, please contact us. We’d love to help!
If you are taking an SSRI medication
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) medications negate the effects of psilocybin and MDMA. If you are taking an SSRI and considering using psychedelics, please consult with your doctor. SSRI’s should be weaned completely with the guidance of a trusted physician before taking a psychedelic.
If you have a Criminal History
Nearly all psychedelics are currently considered Schedule 1 substances, making them illegal to possess or use in most states. If you have a criminal history, please use extreme caution or avoid completely until the laws evolve as we hope and expect them to in the coming years.