Many are unaware of the fact that psychedelics have been used in spiritual and religious settings for thousands of years. We’re talking about well over a hundred thousand years, back to prehistoric times! The use of psychedelic drugs as tools for healing and exploring consciousness is nothing new, with cannabis being one of the oldest known psychedelic drugs. However, in recent decades there has been a resurgence in people seeking their own spiritual getaway with the use of these types of substances.
What Is a Psychedelic?
Psychedelic does not refer to the nature of the substance or to its effect on the mind, but rather to its pharmacological effect. The word “psychedelic” was coined by Albert Hofmann in 1958, who first synthesized and ingested LSD in 1943. In that same year, he reported having mystical experiences during his experimentation with LSD – his words describing the experience:
What are the benefits of psychedelic use in counseling settings?
For starters, there are no negative or harmful side effects. Psychedelics have a low toxicity level and do not cause brain damage. They do not interfere with existing medications. There is also no withdrawal syndrome associated with the use of psychedelics, so they are very easy to stop using without any ill effects at all.
That being said, psychedelic drugs can still have negative and potentially dangerous consequences, but as a general rule they are very safe and no more dangerous than alcohol.
A heavy user of cannabis may become dependent on the drug over time. However, the same is not true for psychedelics. When you are given a dose of LSD or other psychedelics, you can stop taking it at any time (provided you have no physical addiction to the substance in question).
Research has also indicated that psychedelics can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
Psychedelics are non-addictive and can be used safely with minimal to no side effects. There is a resurgence in the use of psychedelics by members of the general public, thanks to numerous reports of individuals having powerful and life-changing experiences while using these substances. Many people are beginning to understand how psychedelics may be the missing link in many of the mental health challenges they face on a daily basis.
Some people who have used psychedelics in tandem with therapy have gone on to describe the experience as being life-changing – and to a greater extent, life-saving. When you take psychedelics, it is not just about taking a drug, but rather about exploring your own mind and becoming fully conscious for the purposes of personal development and self-discovery.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Psychedelic Use?
There are a number of issues related to the use of psychedelics. The most important is that if you have a mental health condition, you should not take psychedelics on your own. However, there are ways to use them safely with psychiatric professionals by your side.
For people who do experience adverse reactions to the psychedelics – and it does happen – there are currently no treatments available for these side effects. If a person has a bad experience using these drugs, this can potentially cause them to have a negative view of the drugs for the rest of their life.
The most important thing to remember about psychedelics and drug use in general is that these substances are not for everyone. They should be used only with professional supervision and as part of an approved research project or program. If you’re thinking about using any type of psychedelic drug, be sure to discuss it with your doctor first.
The question remains as to whether or not psychedelic use is safe and a good option for those with mental health conditions. The fact that they are so non-toxic means they pose little risk to the individual being treated, but the risk of abuse is something else entirely.
They can also cause temporary bad trips, but long-term use is no more dangerous than many other substances, including tobacco and alcohol. In the end, what you can take into your body is up to you and your doctor. Decide what is most important to you: safety or self-discovery?
In conclusion, psychedelic drugs are non-addictive and are used safely with minimal to no side effects. There is a resurgence in the use of psychedelics by members of the general public and psychedelic use has been shown to be effective in treating many mental health conditions.