Psychedelic Science
This week, June 19th-24th, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is hosting the psychedelic science conference in Denver. The use of psychedelics for medical and mental health treatment has been growing in the past decade. The research highlighted and next week's conference will note the potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy for healing and psychological well-being.
Much research has already been undertaken that demonstrates the efficacy and long term success of psychedelic-assisted treatments:
Clinical trials exploring ketamine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and MDMA for treatment of depression have shown promising long term results for reduction of symptoms.
Research exploring psychedelic medicine indicates that therapies incorporating it into treatment can help individuals process and heal from trauma.
Neuroimaging research has shown that psychedelic treatment promotes increased neural plasticity, allowing for new connections and reorganization within the brain.
Other studies exploring addiction and recovery suggest that the profound and transformative experiences induced by psychedelics can lead to increased motivation, self-reflection, and a greater sense of purpose, which can aid in the recovery process.
Many studies also report that participants exploring psychedelic use for questions of spirituality, personal purpose, and overall wellbeing is growing. Research suggests that the intense shifts in states of consciousness experienced through psychedelic treatment can lead to a greater sense of interconnectedness, purpose, and a shift in one's perspective on life and death. Many participants report experiencing sustained improvements in mental health and overall quality of life. Such studies note the long term, positive impact psychedelic use in therapeutic treatment yields for patients. Psychedelic use is also being explored in couples therapy. Many couples report being able to heal challenging relational stuck points through joint sessions of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Whether seeking to know oneself better, explore deeper meaning in one's life, or to heal from persistent anxiety and distress, the MAPS conference explores the latest research and science on psychedelic use and treatment. While many studies do show promising results it is important to note that the science is still emerging and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy, safety protocols, and long-term effects.
Please see the following links for more information on the conference, current research, and therapeutic treatment.
To learn more about the conference please go to https://psychedelicscience.org/
For links to cutting edge psychedelic research go to https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/
For more links about psychedelic treatment go to https://maps.org/
