Psychedelics for PTSD And Trauma
Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are topics that have been studied very closely over the last decade. Trauma comes in many forms: accidents, assaults, war, natural emergencies, loss, negligence, and repressed childhood memories. Mental health professionals have been researching what happens to the brain when it undergoes trauma. It has become clear that victims of trauma need to begin treatment as soon as possible to avoid long term repercussions. When trauma is not treated in an appropriate and timely manner, the trauma becomes ingrained in the victim’s subconscious and can lead to more serious conditions, namely PTSD.
While there are many ways to help victims of trauma cope and heal from their experiences, one method of treatment that has been heavily researched is the use of psychedelics. This method has been around since ancient times, but it has not been widespread in modern society until recent years.
Can Psychedelics Help with Trauma?
Psychedelics have always held spiritual significance because they allow individuals to transcend the ordinary state of consciousness and expand their awareness. These physiological and psychological changes are now scientifically recognized as a means to rewire the neurological network of the nervous system as well as enhance the endocrine system to optimize the output of serotonin and oxytocin.
Trauma survivors are often prescribed conventional therapy and/or antianxiety or antidepressant medication to ease their symptoms. This common approach to healing trauma has helped countless individuals heal, but there are also downfalls to this approach as well.
Access to this method of treatment is a major drawback. Finding a therapist that is a good fit is no simple task, and getting an appointment could take weeks or months. By this time, the trauma is long past and already causing subconscious turmoil and long term cognitive problems. Therapy can also be an expensive treatment option depending on insurance coverage. This same principle applies to the antianxiety or antidepressant medication method of treatment, which can turn into a habitual suppression of the symptoms rather than a true healing and relief from the pain experienced. The method of therapy and medication is often a long, drawn out healing process that requires commitment from the patient and the health care system. If the patient does not see helpful results, they may get discouraged and give up treatment, or worse, habitually taking the prescription medication to ease the pain. This means the patient is required to navigate their trauma and PTSD on a daily basis to try to get through each day.
Psychedelics offer a new approach to healing from trauma. This method can provide a quick respite for the patient and often helps in the long term healing from the painful experience. Psychedelics help the victim of trauma work through the pain, panic, and fears that have been absorbed in their mind and body through the natural biochemical response of ingesting these substances. Additionally, the altered headspace from psychedelics provides room for acceptance, and enables the individual to let go of the baggage they have been carrying.
In cases of PTSD, psychedelics can also be used, but it must be in a very controlled way. As the consumption of psychedelics is often considered a slippery slope, it is necessary to draw boundaries to avoid addiction. Psychedelics are intended to help people heal and move forward, not to cause problems with addiction.
Which Psychedelic is Best for PTSD?
Psychedelics have been used to treat mental, emotional, physical and spiritual ailments since ancient times in many cultures across the globe. There are many different types of psychedelics found in nature as well as synthetic psychedelics that are available for healing PTSD and trauma. and it is important that research is done prior to trying something new. Here are three psychedelics that could be great options for healing from trauma and PTSD.
Ayahuasca: This psychedelic is a red-brown liquid that is consumed by drinking. It has been used for healing from grief for the last 5000 years. Originated in the heart of Western Amazonia, this psychoactive substance has helped countless people heal from loss. Ayahuasca helps an individual experience euphoria, introspection, and a sense of connectivity with the spirit of the earth. In addition, it leads to vivid hallucinations that are either visual, auditory or both. When consumed in a relaxed, quiet setting, it can help the survivor experience a spiritual cleanse that removes all the negative energy from their being. The effects of Ayahuasca can last for anywhere from 4-6 hours. Based on current research, the likelihood of becoming dependent on this psychedelic is quite low.
San Pedro: This is another Native American psychedelic that is also known for its calming properties. Found in the form of Peyote shrubs, these cacti are dried to be chewed for consumption. San Pedro is a hallucinogenic treatment that can facilitate the patient by distorting their perception of reality. It can help boost the level of serotonin in the brain, which is known to boost a person’s mood. Regular consumption of San Pedro can potentially heal a patient with PTSD by lowering their recall of the event. The individual can peacefully explore and accept the painful event under the effects of the psychedelic. By coming to terms with the traumatic event, the victim can begin to release the hold that the trauma has on them. True healing is the best way to ensure that trauma will not continue to negatively affect day to day life.
Iboga: This is a ceremonial shrub used by Tribes in Western Africa. It initiates stimulation in the brain that can help an individual get rid of traumatic baggage. The word “Iboga” can be translated to “to heal”. In addition, it helps suppress pain and hunger and often works as an aphrodisiac as well. Historically, Iboga has been used to help women fight sterility in the condition of a hallucination. Over the centuries, the treatment has evolved and helped people recognize their pain. Recognition of pain is an important step in healing.
Psilocybin: This is a very effective antidepressant. When consumed, psilocybin interacts with the receptors in the body to produce an almost immediate euphoric effect. Psilocybin influences the production of serotonin, which leads to instant mood boosting. If used periodically over time, psilocybin can begin to rewire different areas of the brain. This can drastically relieve the pain caused by trauma and PTSD. On the other side of the spectrum, psilocybin can also break up wires in the brain that are causing the person mental harm.
Bufo Alvarius (5Meo-DMT): This potent, vaporized psychedelic is derived from the venom of the Bufo Alvarius toad. Bufo Alvarius takes effect in the body almost instantly, as it enters directly into the bloodstream. Because of its potency, it can sometimes bring repressed, and even forgotten, trauma up to the surface. This can be initially shocking, but as time passes, it can help the person find peace in what they have been through. There is often a breakthrough, and then the person finds a place of peace and forgiveness.
DMT (4Meo-DMT): DMT, also known as “the spirit molecule”, is a psychedelic that is known for facilitating spiritual encounters. DMT is made from plants from the Amazon called Ayahuasca. This is another very potent hallucinogenic. DMT has potential to lead to large, personal breakthroughs when consumed in reasonable amounts.
MDMA: This synthetic psychedelic acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogenic. MDMA has a strong effect on the brain, which can assist people working through PTSD and trauma. Research suggests that the use of MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy could be a very effective treatment. The MDMA relaxes the mind and allows the person to fully recall and work through their past, which is an essential part to healing and moving forward.
Ketamine: Ketamine is a psychedelic that is often associated with dissociation. Ketamine provides the user instant relief from whatever negative feelings they are experiencing, which can be beneficial for people who experience intense flashbacks of traumatic events. Ketamine can also be used prior to anticipated traumatic events, such as soldiers going to battle. The use of ketamine prior to the traumatic event could allow the person to dissociate during the event, which would lead to less trauma and PTSD in the long run.
LSD: LSD is possibly the best known synthetic psychedelic in this century. LSD is effective in very small doses. Like many of these psychedelics, LSD provides instant relief from negative feelings. Within minutes of entering the body, LSD facilitates boosted mood, reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, and reduction in mood disorders. LSD can be consumed in various amounts depending on the support that a person needs. The larger the amount, the more spiritual the experience will be.
These are just some examples of the many psychedelics that can help victims of trauma or PTSD. The scientific research behind these substances, as well as first hand experience of people who have tried them, speaks wonders to their ability to aid in healing.
How have psychedelics been used traditionally throughout the world?
Psychedelics have been used for centuries around the world. Throughout this time, they have served many purposes: religious ceremonies, medicinal healing, and ritualistic practices for many religions. Historians have found fossils dating back 10,000 years or more that indicate the use of psychedelics, such as mushrooms, in religious ceremonies. It is believed that in ancient cultures, psychedelics were used to facilitate spiritual experiences. Psychedelics are able to help people move past their rational thought and venture into a world of possibility, which would often lead to sacred experiences. As the 20th century began, doctors began to closely study the use of psychedelics for medicinal healing. Though this was also done in ancient times, the science and reason behind it was not clear. Doctors quickly found that psychedelics offered immediate relief from both physical and mental pain, and the use of them continued to gain popularity. Doctors also began to look at the components of naturally occurring psychedelics which helped them start to manufacture synthetic psychedelics, such as LSD.
Shamanic Healing and the Ceremony of Life
Shamanic healing is holistic; the healing is not just focused on one area of the person. Shamanic healing works to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Illness or imbalance is caused by a loss of life force in some capacity, whether it be power, energy, connections to others, or past trauma. The ceremony of life is the communion with the plant or animal spirit to expand consciousness to heal physical and mental disease. Everything done during the ceremony of life is intentional and done with healing in mind. The ceremony of life begins in a carefully designed space, and clear intentions are set before healing can begin. Throughout the ceremony, there is cleansing of the participant, and oftentimes, psychedelics are used. The type of psychedelic varies depending on the participant and the intention of the ceremony. The participant actively participates as the ceremony progresses, being sure to pay attention to the inspiration, healing, or realization facilitated by the psychedelic. As the ceremony concludes, the participant reflects on the experience and works to integrate their new found knowledge into their daily life.
Psycho-Spiritual Healing During Ceremony
Psycho-spiritual healing combines psychological and spiritual healing. This integrated approach has potential for intense holistic healing and inner growth. Psycho-spiritual healing takes place in an induced altered state of consciousness. This allows the ego to let go of controlling the mind. Oftentimes, the controlling mind holds a person back from true healing. When a person is able to let go of their controlling mind, they are able to fully recognize their past trauma and what is causing them pain. They can work through that event, and eventually get past it. This is called purging. The person is able to clean out their body and mind from all toxins. Toxins can be physical, mental thoughts, or emotions that are attached to the trauma or PTSD that the person is experiencing. Purging these toxins ultimately leads to true healing.
Why is Purging an Important Part of the Ceremony?
Shamans understand the purge as the healing. When a person is trying to heal from trauma or PTSD, they need to acknowledge and work through the root cause of their pain. After a person is able to make that acknowledgement, then they are able to purge the toxins from their mind, body, and spirit. Purging may look like screaming, speaking, spitting, or vomiting. When you get rid of what is eroding you, this is when healing can take place. Purging allows a person to transform their energy imbalance and find peace. If a person does not purge during the ceremony, they are still going to be buried with the same pain they came with due to the energy imbalance that is still plaguing their body and mind.
Where Can I Get Psychedelic Treatment?
There are many psychedelic therapy treatment centers around the world. These treatment centers are a great starting point. Each treatment center has professionals who are trained in psychedelics for mental health and healing. These treatment centers also allow patients to meet people in a similar situation which creates a support system that victims of trauma or PTSD might not have otherwise.
Alternatively, an Ayahuasca healing retreat is another great way to obtain psychedelic therapy. This provides you with great support as you navigate your trauma and learn to heal from it. This method is also highly recommended.
Psychedelics for healing from trauma and PTSD is a treatment that is going to continue to gain momentum in the coming years. It is proven to be an effective way for patients to address their past, process the events that have occurred, and move forward into a better future. If you feel that you could benefit from psychedelic therapy, I highly encourage you to reach out so we can get you the help you need.