In the last several years, medical experts have been experimenting with psychedelic-assisted addiction treatments. In theory, these substances could alter addiction patterns through their direct impact on neurotransmitters.
However, given that we’re talking about chemicals such as ketamine, people are worried about the potential side effects. Regardless of possible positive effects, we can’t neglect the fact that these substances are mainly used as drugs. Ultimately, treating addiction with a potentially addictive chemical is counterintuitive.
In this article, we’ll talk about all the misconceptions revolving around psychedelic-assisted addiction rehab. After debunking these common myths, we’ll talk about a few treatment options at your disposal.
6 Most Common Myths
“When talking about psychedelic-assisted addiction treatments, we must stick with the facts,” warns Transcend Clinic, an ibogaine treatment center located in Cancun, Mexico. “Advocates for this type of therapy must create a platform that would allow for further research and education.”
Besides exploring the properties of all these chemicals, we must also consider potential side effects. Clinics should share their clinical data so that we can develop more effective treatments for addictions plaguing modern men and women.
1. These Substances are Dangerous
The primary concern about ketamine, ibogaine, and similar chemicals is that they can not only worsen the addiction but might also lead to a greater problem. Most of these substances can be dangerous if used by the wrong person, and it’s often hard to differentiate between their recreational and therapeutic features.
As long as these substances are administered in a supervised setting, a patient has nothing to worry about. The single dose of ibogaine, for example, will not cause permanent damage or addiction. Furthermore, limited data shows that most of these compounds aren’t that addictive in the first place.
2. This Is Just a Passing Fad
Many people believe that the therapeutic use of these substances is nothing more than a gimmick. Someone who’s into healthy living, natural medicine, and spirituality is more likely to try this kind of therapy than traditional addiction rehab.
Despite the fact that these treatments are relatively new and somewhat trendy, that doesn’t detract from their effectiveness. We have more than enough medical data that indicates the use of psychedelics can have a positive impact on our health.
Besides treating addiction, some of these plants and chemicals might have a positive impact on anxiety, depression, and various other mental conditions. As such, ibogaine, MDMA, and ketamine might revolutionize the medical field as we know it.
3. The Science Doesn’t Support Psychedelics
There are also those who claim that the benefits of psychedelic-assisted addiction treatment are based on nothing more than anecdotal evidence. Others say that the clinics have done their best to obscure their clinical findings and create marketing campaigns in their favor.
What if we told you this couldn’t be further from the truth? Some of the country’s leading medical institutions, such as Johns Hopkins University, have done limited studies in support of psychedelics in addiction recovery. On top of that, these chemicals might carry other health benefits that we’re still not aware of.
4. Psychedelics Are an Instant Fix
Many clinics that use psychedelics in their rehab claim that just one dose of ketamine is enough to turn your life around. Although these substances have a strong effect on our bodies and minds, they can’t address addictions within hours.
To get the most out of this therapy, a person must undergo a careful planning and preparation process. They must also find a clinic that has enough experience and a good enough reputation. After receiving the therapy, medical staff should monitor their recovery to prevent relapse and unwanted effects.
As with traditional addiction rehab, a person needs a support system that will help them out. A patient also needs to be committed to the recovery process.
5. The Therapy Has a Spiritual Background
These clinics often create marketing campaigns that focus on spiritually inclined patients. This somewhat makes sense given that plants such as iboga were used in spiritualistic rituals.
While some people will have a profound experience with these substances, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the therapy is exclusive to one group of people. The entire process includes a lot of introspection, facing past trauma, and emotional processing.
Similar to traditional methodology, a person needs to address emotional issues that led to the addiction. These substances go beyond simple recreational drugs, offering users a unique chance to transform their lives.
6. You Need a Continuous Use of Psychedelics
Another thing that the public gets wrong is the fact that you don’t need to rely on these drugs for an extended time. The best perk of psychedelic-assisted addiction treatment is that you can achieve a lot in just a few sessions.
A patient who takes these chemical compounds will boost their self-confidence, grow as a person, and find emotional balance. Addicts should make a giant leap in a short time, while also relying on medical staff to help them through the rough patches.
3 Main Types of Psychedelic Therapy
The three most common types of psychedelic addiction rehab are based on ketamine, MDMA, and ibogaine.
1. MDMA
MDMA stands for 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, and it represents a synthetic chemical that reduces anxiety and fear. By using this substance, addicts are able to connect with their emotions and process them on a deeper level. According to experts, MDMA helps facilitate a deeper sense of trust.
2. Ibogaine
Ibogaine is a substance derived from the iboga plant, a West-Central African species with strong psychoactive properties. The plant was used for centuries by the local tribes for spiritual ascension. Today, ibogaine therapy is conducted by administering a single high dose to a patient.
3. Ketamine
The thing that separates ketamine is the fact that it works as an NMDA receptor antagonist and a dissociative anesthetic. As such, it puts a person in a deep state of emotional processing, introspection, and neuroplasticity.
Last Thoughts
Despite all the scrutiny these treatments receive, they make a real difference for people struggling with addiction. Unlike traditional addiction rehab, they have much lower relapse rates and higher user satisfaction.