FAQ

For someone who has never heard of psychedelics, let’s start with defining what they are. The term “psychedelic” is derived from the Greek words “psyche,” meaning mind, soul, or spirit, and “delos,” meaning to reveal or manifest.

Psychedelics are a class of substances that alter normal consciousness, mood, and various cognitive processes. They produce psychoactive effects that can change our thoughts and perceptions.

Psychedelics can be natural or synthetic. Some examples include psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), DMT (dimethyltryptamine), MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and others.

You might be curious about the various psychedelics and how they are categorized. Psychedelics can be grouped as follows based on what the chemical structure of their molecule looks like.

• Tryptamines such as psilocybin and DMT 
• Phenethylamines such as MDMA and 2C-B
• Lysergamides such as LSD

Research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction is still in its infancy and ongoing. The results of recent studies suggest that psychedelics may hold promise for the treatment of various mental health issues and substance use-related conditions. Here are some key areas where psychedelics are being explored.

Depression and Anxiety

Psilocybin has shown promising results in treating depression and anxiety in clinical trials. The potential mechanism involved is the influence of psychedelics on brain networks associated with mood regulation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Studies have shown that MDMA-assisted therapy has shown positive results in treating PTSD in clinical trials. It is suggested that MDMA may enhance the therapeutic process by reducing fear and defensiveness.

Addiction

Psilocybin and other psychedelics have been investigated for their potential to help individuals overcome addiction—for alcohol use disorders particularly. It is proposed that psychedelics may induce a profound shift in perspective and increase motivation for change.

End-of-Life Care

Psilocybin has been studied for its ability to ease anxiety and improve the quality of life in palliative care. It has also been studied to help individuals with life-threatening illnesses. The psychedelic experience may help individuals confront existential concerns.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Eating Disorders

The studies relating to these disorders are ongoing. However, some early research suggests that psychedelics may have the potential to treat conditions like OCD and certain eating disorders.

Ultimately, the field is still evolving—more rigorous clinical research is required to establish the long-term effects of these treatments. We need to wait before we can conclude psychedelics as mainstream treatments for mental health conditions.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy involves the use of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting, guided by trained professionals. This approach has gained attention for its potential in treating various mental health conditions.

The therapy session is typically accompanied by integration sessions and psychological support. These are to help individuals make sense of their experiences and apply insights to their daily lives. It’s important to note that psychedelic-assisted therapy is a rapidly evolving field—research is ongoing to understand its efficacy and safety.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can explore online psychotherapy training programs to earn psychedelic-assisted therapy certifications.

Microdosing has gained popularity in recent years. It is the practice of taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics. The goal of microdosing is not to induce a full psychedelic experience but to experience subtle benefits.

How Microdosing Works

Typically, this means ingesting between 5 and 10 percent of a standard dose a few times a week. Common psychedelic substances involved in microdosing include psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, MDMA, mescaline, and DMT. 

Psychedelics influence serotonin receptors. In microdosing, it’s hypothesized that these psychedelic substances may cause neural pathways to grow and change and reduce inflammation. These changes are without causing the hallucinogenic effects associated with higher doses. 

Reported Benefits of Microdosing

There are plenty of anecdotal reports on the potential benefits. This ranges from Reddit forums and celebrities sharing their stories on social media to entire podcasts dedicated to microdosing. 

Some of these include increased creativity, improved mood, enhanced focus, better sleep, improved anxiety and depression, and a general sense of well-being.

Evidence and Research

While anecdotal reports are abundant, rigorous evidence, such as clinical studies on microdosing, is still limited. Some small-scale studies have explored the cognitive effects and safety of microdosing, but more research is needed.

Because the effect of microdosing is sub-perceptual, those who report benefits could be influenced by the placebo effect. In addition, responses to microdosing can vary widely between individuals. Factors such as dosage, frequency, and individual neurochemistry may play a role.

While microdosing is generally considered safe, there’s still uncertainty about its long-term effects. Indeed, microdosing shows promise—particularly in anecdotal reports. However, the bottom line is that more research is needed to fully understand its potential risks, mechanisms, and efficacy

Set and setting” is a foundational concept in the context of psychedelic experiences. It emphasizes the importance of one’s mindset (set) and the physical and social environment (setting) in which psychedelic experiences occur. This concept was popularized by Timothy Leary, a Harvard researcher and key figure in the psychedelic movement.

Set (Mindset)

Set refers to the mental and emotional state of the individual before taking a psychedelic substance. Preparation of a positive and open mindset is often associated with more beneficial and meaningful experiences.

Setting intentions for a psychedelic experience can be helpful in creating a mindful journey. This might include seeking personal insights, healing, or spiritual exploration.

Setting (Environment)

The physical environment includes surroundings where the psychedelic experience takes place. Users find that a comfortable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment can contribute to more positive experiences.

The environment should take into consideration safety measures. Ensuring that the setting is free from potential hazards and disturbances. This includes considerations such as lighting, temperature, and access to basic needs.

The social presence and behavior of others can significantly influence the experience. Having an experienced trip sitter or a trusted and supportive guide can enhance feelings of safety.

In therapeutic settings, the set and setting are carefully curated to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Trained therapists guide individuals through the experience, and the physical environment is designed for safety, comfort, and conduciveness to introspection.

Understanding and respecting the principles of set and setting is considered essential for anyone engaging in psychedelic experiences. It contributes to a more positive, meaningful, and potentially transformative journey.

Users on harm-reduction threads note that changing the physical setting, playing calming music, or accepting the feelings rather than fighting them helps ease distress.

Communities heavily emphasize using reagent test kits (like Ehrlich for LSD) to confirm the chemical identity before ingestion.

Timelines vary widely by substance, ranging from 4 to 6 hours for psilocybin mushrooms to 8 to 12 hours for LSD.