Unveiling Hope & Caution: Psychedelic Treatment for Anxiety & Depression

Exploring Psychedelic Therapies for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and Depression: the promises and perils of psychedelic treatment

Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that often occur side by side, and one affects the other. Thus, those who feel a mix of both disorders struggle with uncontrollable fear and worry, and these feelings affect a patient's life with worsened low and sad moods.

What is worst is when that severe sadness turns into hopelessness.

Both may differ but have similar treatments. Treatments include therapy and medications. Researchers also see hope with studies revealing the possibility of psychedelics or hallucinogens treating anxiety and depression.

Below, we'll break down the promises and perils of magic mushrooms for anxiety and depression.

Alternative Treatment: Anxiety and Depression

A promise or peril?

Studies from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America show that anxiety is the most common mental illness in the US. It affects 40 million adults, 18.1% of the total population, in a year. Only 36.9% receive treatment.

Based on modern popular studies, certain types of mushrooms relieve anxiety and depression. Some of which are mixed in tea products, like shiitake, lion's mane, and chaga, to name a few. There are now open discussions where artists like Kristen Bell seek the help of magic mushrooms. These shrooms have hallucinogenic effects which trigger perception, mood, and thoughts. Although the effects are promising, certain communities consider a certain shroom species as psychedelic mushrooms Ohio illegal. Meanwhile, some states are neutral with shrooms. High-grade drugs like “coke” and “dope” are the ones that remain to be in strict policy with severe criminal charges appended to using it.

Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research vouched for the positive effects of psilocybin. That gives a streak of hope for severely depressed patients to find a suitable treatment.

It is a light peering through the tunnel of recovery. It can treat various medical conditions such as severe social anxiety and nicotine addiction.

Is Psilocybin Legal In The United States?

Magic mushrooms grow in the regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. In the United States, psilocybin belongs to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It makes psilocybin still illegal in 50 states.

On the other hand, certain federal laws punish the cultivation, possession, sale, and consumption of magic mushrooms. You can have seven years in prison for possessing these, and while supplying, someone could serve you years inside the prison.

Denver is the first city in the United States to pass an ordinance not to prosecute people for using and possessing magic mushrooms, but psilocybin is still illegal. The State of Oregon was the first state to legalize the use of magic mushrooms for supervised health treatment. The District of Columbia decriminalizes psilocybin drugs which include magic mushrooms.

Through extensive research on the medical and therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms, several states in the US are signing legislation to decriminalize magic mushrooms, this includes:

• Colorado
• California
• Michigan
• Florida

As more studies show a positive impact of magic mushrooms in treating mental health illnesses, it will eventually lead to the legal status of magic mushrooms in the USA. Anxiety and Depression psychedelic treatment

Effects Of Psilocybin or Magic Mushroom

The effects of magic mushrooms differ between people. It can depend on the user's mental health, environment, and personality. Here are some effects of magic mushrooms outlined by Medical News Today:

• euphoria
• peacefulness
• spiritual awakening
• feeling that surroundings are not real
• depersonalization
• distorted thinking
• visual alteration and distortion
• dilated pupils
• dizziness, drowsiness, and yawning
• impaired concentration
• muscle weakness
• lack of coordination
• unusual body sensations
• nausea and vomiting
• paranoia and confusion
• frightening hallucinations

Risks Of Psilocybin or Magic Mushroom

Magic mushroom, as a Schedule I drug, has a high potential for misuse. Here are some risks of psilocybin or magic mushrooms you need to know:

• It can alter your perception of reality
• Users can see, hear and feel different sensations that seem real but are not
• It causes fear, delirium, and agitation
• Confusion and paranoia
• Loss of boundaries
• Distorted senses
• Unreal visual flashbacks
• Potential abuse and addiction

Do Other Psychedelics Also Help In Anxiety And Depression?

There are a lot of studies about psychedelics and how they help cure anxiety and depression. Here are other common psychedelics that are worth noting:

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide is a potent hallucinogen. LSD is a white and odorless compound found in rye fungus. It is also called microdot, sugar cubes, tabs, or window panes. LSD is for treating addiction, anxiety, and depression.

Phencyclidine

It is also known as angel dust. It is a dissociative drug known as rocket fuel or love boat. PCP used to be a common anesthetic. You can see it in powder or liquid form that you can mix on your drink. Unlike other hallucinogens, phencyclidine usage can cause anxiety and depression.

Peyote

It is a small and spineless cactus containing a mescaline chemical. You can chew or mix it with tea. Peyote is native to Mexico and the southwest part of Texas. Peyote has a long history. Native tribes use it for religious and healing purposes. According to journals of ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, peyote appears to help cure depression and anxiety. Anxiety and Depression psychedelic treatment

Ketamine

Ketamine, a medication typically used as an anesthetic, has shown promise as a treatment for major depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, ketamine can produce rapid relief, often within hours of receiving an infusion treatment. However, ketamine is not without its side effects. It can cause temporary visual and sensory distortions, along with some memory loss and hallucinations. Higher doses can lead to even more serious side effects like delirium, trouble moving, and complete amnesia.

Anxiety and depression are real, and we need to address a pervasive mental health conditions. There are things you can do to disassociate with these conditions. Exploring possible ways can help. Though most psychedelics are still illegal this time, it is worth studying them now as they can be legal in the future.