Psychedelic Drugs in the Treatment of Addiction and Mental Health Should be Approached with Caution

Psychedelic therapies have become quite popular in the past few years. These therapeutic approaches have been credited for helping with trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction. Many people are seeking these new therapies with the hope that they'll be find relief from long-held, mental health and substance abuse issues.

While some are quick to espouse the healing benefits of psychedelic therapy, others are not quite so sure. Hollywood actor Matthew Perry, who famously battled years of addiction, recently passed away due to the effects of high levels of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine in his system. He was reportedly going through ketamine treatment at the time, though it is said that the ketamine in his system was not related to his therapy.

Regardless of the circumstances, Perry's tragic passing makes us ask: are psychedelic and dissociative drug therapies as effective as many people would like to believe? And how can we cautiously and safely approach these therapies for maximum long-term benefit?

What are Psychedelic and Dissociative Drug Therapies?

Psychedelic drugs are mind-altering chemicals that create hallucinogenic experiences for those who use them. These drugs include ayahuasca, ibogaine, psilocybin, and more. Many of these drugs have long been used in cultures around the world for spiritual practices and rituals. In modern times, psychedelics are largely considered controlled substances and are illegal for recreational use in most countries.

Dissociative drugs distort perceptions of sight and sound and produce feelings of detachment from the environment and self. These mind-altering effects are not hallucinations. Ketamine is known as a "dissociative anesthetic." Dissociative drugs also include PCP and Dextromethorphan (DXM)

However, researchers are currently studying the impacts of psychedelics on mental health and substance abuse disorders. These drug therapy sessions often take 4-12 weeks and require highly controlled environments and well-trained practitioners to administer the drugs. The research is still in the early stages, and there's still a lot we don't know about the impacts of these drugs, both short-term and long-term. Additionally, because of their controlled nature, it's difficult to get a wealth of data on the effects of psychedelics on those who use them for therapeutic purposes.

Why Psychedelic and Dissociative Drug Therapies Should Be Treated with Caution

If the results look so promising, why should we be cautious about the future of psychedelic drug therapies? Though there is reason to be excited about the possibilities of psychedelic substances, it's not all good news. Here are just some of the main reasons to be careful.

The Effects Can Be Temporary

Many people who do ketamine or psychedelic therapies will tell you that they feel better—for a little while. Often, quick solutions to lifelong problems like addiction can give the individual a sense of excitement for the possibility of wholly changed behavior and a new lifestyle. However, the realities of life often come back after the therapy ends, and the person finds themselves reverting back to old behaviors and patterns.

In recovery, we talk extensively about recovery skill building. Skill building includes things like managing triggers, learning how to say "no," leaving old using places and friends behind, and creating a new life of wellness full of healthy people and activities that don't involve drugs and alcohol.

Psychedelic and dissociative therapies may provide temporary relief and benefits, but the drugs alone cannot build a set of skills and construct a life of wellness for the person in recovery. Treating psychedelics as a one-time cure can set people up for failure if they don't understand that recovery is an extended process.

The Possibility of Substance Abuse

Attempting to self-administer psychedelic or dissociative drug therapies can open people up to incredible abuse potential and cross-addiction (meaning replacing one addiction with another). If you struggle with addiction already, you may want to exercise caution when considering treating one mind altering substance with another.

Everyone Reacts Differently

While many people have plenty of good things to say about dissociative and psychedelic treatments, they are not "one size fits all" substances. Many people react to the same drug in different ways, with many having a potentially harmful or traumatic experience with the substance. This is, once again, another reason to only pursue any type of treatment under the supervision of trained medical staff.

Steps to Take Before Attempting Psychedelic Drug Therapy

Before you decide if psychedelic or dissociative drug therapies are right for you, do your research. Understand the risks and potential side effects. Talk to your medical team and let them know your medical history, medications, and any other pertinent information before even attempting psychedelic or dissociative drug therapy.

In addition, research the company or practitioner you plan to use for your course of therapy. Ensure they are accredited and fully licensed to practice this kind of intervention. A lot of people will go to another country with more relaxed regulations to receive therapy, which can pose issues of safety. It’s important to research any experimental treatments fully and carefully, especially when it comes to using illicit substances.

Lastly, psychedelic and dissociative therapies should not be the end of your road when it comes to receiving support for your mental health or substance abuse diagnosis. Recovery is an ongoing journey. Even if you do psychedelic therapy, make sure that you have a supportive recovery community, a wealth of healthy coping skills, and a recovery toolbox waiting for you after the fact.

Talk to a Substance Abuse Counselor Today

Psychedelic and dissociative therapies should be treated cautiously, as there is still so much unknown. If you would like support in discussing your treatment options alongside an empathetic and experienced substance abuse counselor and you live in the San Diego area, contact Confidential Recovery today.

About the Author

Scott H. Silverman is a high-profile expert on addiction and recovery, making frequent public and media appearances for the last 40 years.  He is the author of The Opioid Epidemic, and the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, a San Diego substance abuse treatment center specializing in helping Veterans and First Responders get and stay sober.