Psychedelics have been a controversial topic for years, but recent studies have shown their potential for therapeutic use. As someone who has personally experienced the benefits, I can attest to their power.
It all started when I was a teenager and experimented with psychedelic substances. They opened my mind and allowed me to see the world from a different perspective. But it wasn’t until I was in prison that I truly saw their potential.
During my time in prison, I had the opportunity for introspection and to confront my anger and trauma. Psychedelics helped me channel that anger in a positive way, using it as a tool for discipline and self-improvement.
Through the use of psychedelics, I was able to see the big picture and plan for my future despite the daunting 25-year sentence for a non-violent offense. I knew I couldn’t let anger consume me and lead to self-destruction or harm to others. Instead, I used it as motivation to better myself and make a positive impact.
Now, as a 50-year-old, I look back on my experience and realize that it was the psychedelics that allowed me to step outside of myself and see the world from a different perspective. It allowed me to truly examine my thoughts and actions, and make positive changes for myself and those around me.
Psychedelics have long been considered taboo in Western medicine, but recent studies have shown promising results in their use for treating various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. They have even been shown to increase creativity and promote feelings of connectedness and spirituality. One study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in cancer patients. Another study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that a single dose of LSD can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening illnesses.
These results are groundbreaking and have led to an increase in research on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. In fact, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has been leading the way in this field, conducting clinical trials on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression.
In my own experience, and in the experiences of others, psychedelics have the potential to help those who have experienced trauma, even in the most challenging circumstances. For many, traditional therapies may not be enough, and psychedelics can offer an alternative path to healing.
As Hipster, an inmate at FCI Fairton, put it, “Psychedelics have given me the tools to dig deep into my psyche and see the root causes of my PTSD. They have helped me to release my anger and find peace with my past.”
Another inmate, Wisdom Spirit in FCI Sheridan, said, “Before I tried shrooms, I was addicted to [prison moon] shine. It was my escape from the harsh reality of being locked up. But then I tried psilocybin and it opened up my mind to the possibility of a different future. I saw the harm my alcohol addiction was causing, not just to myself, but to those around me. It helped me to break free from the cycle of addiction and gave me the strength to do my time with a more healthy mindset.”
The stigma surrounding psychedelics is slowly being lifted as more research is conducted and the medical community begins to recognize their therapeutic potential. It’s an exciting time for mental health treatment, and psychedelics may just be the missing piece in the puzzle of addressing and treating various mental health conditions.
As with any substance, it is important to approach psychedelics with caution and under the guidance of a trained professional. But for those who are open to the experience, the potential for positive growth and healing is vast.
So let’s not dismiss the power of psychedelics. Let’s continue to research and explore their potential for therapeutic use and embrace their benefits for those in need. The research is there, the results are there, and the potential benefits are huge. It’s time to start taking psychedelics seriously as a powerful tool in medicine and therapeutics. So let’s open our minds, and our hearts, to this incredible world of healing.