Thinking About Psychedelic Therapy? We Asked an Expert
Psychedelics like MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin are being used in mental health treatment in some states.
Psychedelics aren’t new. They were a popular drug in the counter-culture movements of the 60s. But, unlike before, people are now using them to treat mental health disorders.
“I’m never for or against. It’s whatever works for the client because everybody is different,” Dr. Holly Sawyer (PhD, MS, LPC, CAADC, NCC), says.
Research has found that psychedelic therapy has promise, especially in treating otherwise hard-to-manage disorders like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), racial trauma, or Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
“Some people who have PTSD may be turning to psychedelics. But then you do have people who have a SUD coupled with a mental health disorder that will use a ketamine or psilocybin to help them out. Depends on the type of substance and the mental health disorder,” says Dr. Holly.
While psychedelics are still illegal drugs, some psychedelics, like ketamine and psilocybin, can be medically prescribed in some states. “The states are taking it into their own hands to help out with people who are asking for them to help with their treatment,” Dr. Holly explains.
New research into these treatments is promising, and some people want to replace other medications with psychedelics. Books like Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind also highlight how people are using these drugs to self-medicate for mental health disorders or to improve their mental health.
Dr. Holly says it reminds her of the conversations around Marijuana legalization – how it was being talked about as a replacement for other drugs. But she warns that no drug is risk-free.
Many people have found relief from using these new treatments, but a recent study also found “bad trips” can lead to ongoing poor health outcomes.
“No drug comes without its side effects. And [psychedelics] also have properties that become habit-inducing.” So if you’re thinking about exploring psychedelic therapy, she recommends talking to a licensed professional and getting assessed. A qualified professional can look at other medications you’re taking and assess your genetic profile to make sure it’s safe to try a psychedelic treatment.
