Psychedelic Integration 

Psychedelics and Mental Health

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For hundreds of years, psychedelics have served as a vehicle for

deep healing, connection, and ceremony,

and in more recent years, have become re-recognized by the medical and

mental health community as therapeutic and neurobiologically impactful. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serotonergic hallucinogens, like psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline, LSD, DMT, peyote,

and ayahuasca, are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception and mood, and

affect numerous cognitive processes. These drugs cause profound changes to the

prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain responsible for mood, cognition and perception.

 

Brain imaging studies have shown that these drugs have profound effects on neural activity.

Brain function is less constrained when taking psychedelics, which means one can more easily and completely emote. The networks in the brain are more connected, which allows for a higher state of consciousness and introspection. Psychedelic drugs work by allowing the brain to

process everything in an individual's environment, rather than filtering it out. Hallucinogens

cause positive changes in arousal and assist in re-regulating the stress and panic response.

 

It is important to note that these substances are considered to be

physiologically safe and do not lead to dependence or addiction.

 

Psychedelics help people feel more connected to themselves and their experience, while simultaneously creating a sense of oneness and interconnection with others, the universe,

and one’s greater purpose. Individuals under the influence of psychedelics can confront

painful past memories or self-destructive behaviors without shame or fear.

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Certain compounds found in psychedelics act by stimulating nerve cell regrowth in parts

of the brain responsible for emotion and memory, which is incredibly significant. It is

important to note that when neurons die as a result of injury or trauma, or as a biproduct

of specific medical and mental conditions, they cannot be regenerated naturally. 

 

Psychedelics also deeply stimulate the visual cortex and limbic system, which are

responsible for processing memory and emotion. These drugs are also responsible for

quieting and disrupting the brain’s default mode network. The default mode network is a

group of brain structures in regions responsible for remembering, thinking about oneself,

others, and the future, and mind wandering. You know the little voice in your head that

talks endlessly, processes incessantly, and cannot seem to quiet down even when you are

in the middle of something…yeah, that’s your default mode network. It can be pleasant, but

it can also be down-right soul sucking, critical, and destructive. By creating changes

in the default mode network, hallucinogens allow for greater ease and

consistent states of mindfulness, and enable self-improvement. 

 

In traditional psychedelic therapy, a licensed doctor or trained professional administers

the drug and helps guide the participant through their experience. In psychedelic integration therapy, a licensed clinician helps an individual integrate the life lessons and insights from a psychedelic experience into their life and daily practice. In the state of Maryland, certain

psychedelic therapies are only available in research settings or specific clinics.

 

Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research

has been studying the impact of various psychedelics since the 2000s and

was the country’s first research laboratory to resume this field of study

since it was banned during the War on Drugs Movement. 

 

If you are a Maryland resident who is interested in engaging with psychedelic

assisted therapy, you can sign up to be a participant in one of Hopkin’s studies.

It’s free and an incredible opportunity to heal yourself and pave the way for the future.

 

Additionally, you can explore mental health care at a Ketamine clinic or you can

meet with a qualified provider who is able to guide you through your journey.

 

For those who are choosing to take psychedelics privately, consider

using in a state where it is legal or decriminalized. Following your trip, 

you can work with a provider who is open and educated in how to help you

integrate your psychedelic experience into your routine living. 

 

 

 

Psychedelic Resources

 

Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research 

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Psychedelics Today Podcast 

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MAPS Podcast 

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‘How to Change Your Mind” and “This Is Your Mind on Plants” by Michael Pollan 

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Trip: Psychedelics, Alienation, and Change by Tao Lin 

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“Fungi Perfecti” by Paul Staments