Call Today: (402) 235-9889 Spreading Molly Education and Safety Information.
Categories
Blog

MDMA & LSD Test Kits | Read Before Experimenting with Drugs

While there are many great reasons to experiment with drugs, staying safe during the experimentation phase is also very important. Below are a few tips to keep you safe while using drugs.

Why Do People Start Experimenting With Drugs?

While drug use begins as an exploratory activity, it can quickly become a habit. Many people only use drugs under certain circumstances, including with friends. For these individuals, drug use is usually a social matter and is a way to relax and have fun. They rarely experience cravings, but the anticipation of a social event can be a huge factor.

Drug experimentation takes place in four stages:

  • Exposure
  • Regular use
  • Tolerance
  • Full-blown dependency

Each stage has its distinct characteristics and symptoms, and it is crucial to understand these phases to avoid developing a dependency.

Social pressure

Research shows that many young people experiment with drugs because they feel pressured by peer groups. However, this pressure is detrimental to their health and can lead to unplanned pregnancies, rape and assault, and DUI/DWI arrests. It also can lead to psychological problems and even death.

Drugs are used to cope with stress, and many people find it difficult to open up to others. Some individuals use drugs for self-gratification, but this is only a temporary solution. This is especially important for young people who are conditioned to want things immediately. However, drug use can also be a way to prolong the feeling of gratification, making it an attractive option for many young people.

Peer pressure can be positive or negative. Teenagers often feel pressured by their peers to start experimenting with drugs like “molly”, also known as MDMA or psychedelics such as LSD to fit in. This peer pressure can be in the form of peer social norms or an external influence. For positive examples, people may be influenced by friends to participate in a sports team or improve their grades in school.

Pressure from peers may also negatively apply to social groups that use drugs. If a person says no to taking drugs, they might be labeled as “boring” by their friends or worry that they will be excluded from social activities. Peer pressure is one of the main reasons why young people experiment with drugs. Some teens try drugs to fit in with their peers and rebel against authority. Unfortunately, these young people do not understand how harmful their actions can be. They often feel that it’s a “now or never” situation and that they can’t avoid trying ecstasy at the next big rave.

Constant antagonization can also lead to self-destructive behavior. This can lead to social problems and a lack of friends for teenagers. Their peer pressure may also include the pressures of the media, bullies, and their families. For them, LSD could be a way to escape reality and feel better.

Instant gratification

It’s easy to see why people get addicted to drugs like cocaine and alcohol: these substances trigger the release of dopamine, the chemical responsible for pleasure. This chemical is released when we check our social media notifications, drink alcohol, snort cocaine, or engage in sex. These actions are all simple but provide immediate gratification. These quick, easy rewards cause us to succumb to temptation.

People want instant gratification for a wide variety of reasons. It’s important to note that this desire is fundamental in young people, who are conditioned to expect immediate gratification from every aspect of their lives. As a result, drugs are an excellent way to instantly deliver the type of gratification people seek.

The problem with instant gratification is that it leads to laziness. In other words, when someone wants something right now, they may not be willing to put in the hard work and patience needed to achieve the results they are after. Ultimately, however, they’re sacrificing long-term goals for immediate gratification. For example, they may sacrifice their weight and health because they want instant gratification through junk food. However, it’s essential to recognize that delayed gratification correlates with more tremendous success in life. People can learn to control their impulses through self-control and discipline.

In addition to reducing their daily dose of alcohol and drugs, individuals should also practice delayed gratification. Putting off a reward for a later time is almost always the better option. A Stanford University professor named Walter Mischel confirmed this in a study analyzing behavior in children between 3.5 and five years old.

There are many different reasons why people start experimenting with drugs. Many of these reasons include psychological or environmental factors. Those with mental illness or an addictive personality may struggle with delayed gratification. For example, people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be more likely to engage in addictive behavior.

Dopamine rush

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with addiction. When a person experiences something that gives them a rush of dopamine, the experience is known as a “dopamine rush.” This sensation is often associated with a new Amazon purchase, finding a $100 bill on the floor, or any other experience that gives them a sense of excitement. Dopamine has many functions but is believed to train the brain to seek pleasurable experiences.

Dopamine has a role in supporting the mesolimbic pathway, which connects the frontal lobes and nucleus accumbens. Depending on the specific receptors in the brain, dopamine has varying effects. Drugs that affect the D2 receptors are known to cause psychotic episodes.

In addition to its role in addiction, dopamine is involved in the brain’s natural reward system. When people experiment with drugs, dopamine stimulates the reward system, which involves the release of neurochemicals during the activity. While the relationship between dopamine and addiction is complex, it is clear that ongoing substance abuse affects the brain’s ability to function normally. Therefore, understanding how long dopamine receptors heal can help identify a broad spectrum of substance use disorders.

In the brain, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that sends signals from one neuron to another or across a synapse. Dopamine is produced by fewer than one hundred thousand nerve cells and is the chief neurotransmitter of the reward pathway. Its release occurs when electric commands travel from the cell body of the ventral tegmentum and leap along cable-like axons.

Drugs like cocaine interfere with this process by preventing neurons from shutting down the dopamine signal. This causes the brain to activate reward pathways abnormally. Cocaine increases dopamine levels by three times their average level. It is estimated that fourteen to twenty million people use the drug worldwide. In 2009, the cocaine trade was estimated to be worth $75 billion.

Boredom

Boredness is one of the biggest reasons why people start experimenting with drugs. The majority of people experience boredom at some point in their lives, but it can also be a cause for substance abuse. Boredom can be caused by several factors, including a lack of socialization, a lack of activities, or social isolation.

Boredom can lead to amphetamine and alcohol abuse, especially among teens. Teenagers spend much structured time in high school, making them susceptible to boredom, which can lead to substance abuse. Most addictions in adults can be traced to experimentation during their teenage years. It’s therefore vital to address boredom and its consequences at first occurrence.

One of the best ways to prevent substance abuse is to beat boredom. Without excitement and energy, people tend to feel bored and drained. It adds to their sense of helplessness and emptiness and can push them to relapse. Therefore, avoiding boredom during recovery is essential to avoid substance abuse.

In addition to being a severe health risk, boredom can lead to regrettable decisions, financial chaos, and legal trouble. Boredom can also lead to physical health issues and cause addiction.

Boredom is a common problem for recovering addicts. However, it’s not an irreversible condition. With the proper support, people can avoid relapse by building new interests. One common way of doing this is to learn a new hobby or sport. These activities can help prevent boredom and help you build new social circles. Once you’re sober, you will likely avoid substance abuse when boredom strikes.

Why Can Drug Experimentation Be Dangerous?

Although the use of drugs may seem like a harmless pastime, MDMA or LSD experimentation can lead to dangerous consequences. Without careful guidance, drug experimentation can lead to death. It is essential to talk to a professional if you are concerned that you might have a problem with drug addiction.

Teens are particularly at risk of drug experimentation. They may feel the need to rebel against authority figures or to impress their friends. They may also feel that drugs can help them deal with their mental health problems. Although the use of drugs can relieve anxiety, they can be dangerous if they are abused.

Drug experimentation is the voluntary use of a drug without the intent to use it regularly. It may be done once or several times for fun or to cope with a problem. However, it can become a problem if the drug is regularly used.

Addiction

Drug experimentation is trying a new drug without considering the consequences. This can occur once or many times and can be a way to satisfy a curiosity, deal with a problem, or simply have fun. However, experimentation can also lead to a substance use disorder, especially when repeated. The first step to preventing substance use disorder is to identify the reason for your experimentation and seek professional help immediately.

In the early stages of drug addiction, drug users may experience mood changes, priorities shifts, and the physical symptoms of addiction. Users may also feel a withdrawal from friends and family. They may also have difficulty limiting their drug use. They may be prone to psychological symptoms and become ashamed of their behavior.

If you suspect someone you know is abusing drugs, watch for signs of addiction. Early warning signs include shifts in mood and priorities and early physical symptoms of addiction. In addition, you should be aware of their lack of motivation and ability to limit their use of drugs. They may even withdraw from friends and family and experience difficulties with self-control. They may also develop personal problems and begin to feel shame for their actions.

Other risky behaviors

Drug experimentation is considered a precursor to addiction and is an everyday activity among young people. However, this activity is not always harmless and can lead to health risks and other dangerous behaviors. This article discusses the different risky behaviors associated with drug experimentation in depth. This article also outlines some main ways drug experimentation can develop into a substance use disorder.

One of the most significant risks of drug experimentation is the potential for addiction, especially if the drug is potent. For example, people who misuse meth are more likely to become addicted than those who misuse cocaine or heroin. But misusing any drug can lead to addiction. Numerous other risks are associated with drug experimentation, including the possibility of a fatal car crash due to driving under the influence.

Research has also shown a relationship between adolescent drug use and risky sexual behaviors. However, most of these studies were cross-sectional, did not allow for a temporal ordering of the risk behaviors, and were conducted in Western countries. In contrast, the testing data in Colombia, a country with high drug abuse rates, shows a strong association between illegal drug use and risky sexual behavior. However, the relationship between these behaviors was moderated by contextual analysis.

Regular Use

As drug use increases, individuals may experience increased risk-taking and self-destructive behaviors. The brain’s pleasure system overrides its fight-or-flight system, and users may put themselves, their relationships, careers, finances, and legal situations at risk.

The first stage involves experimenting with drugs. The person may begin using drugs in social settings or for pleasure. Over time, substance use becomes routine. While the substance is still fun and socially acceptable, its effects can negatively affect the person’s life. As a result, other people might notice changes in the person’s behavior.

For this reason, it is essential to understand the impact of increased use during drug experimentation.

Health risks

One of the most significant health risks of drug experimentation is addiction. While it is not illegal for anyone to try certain drugs, the effects of these substances can be very addictive. Therefore, anyone considering trying drugs must discuss their coping mechanisms with a health professional. This way, they can seek help before their behavior becomes more dangerous.

Drug experimentation can also increase the risk of chronic and acute diseases. For instance, it can increase the risk of HIV and hepatitis. Sharing needles is one of the main ways to spread these diseases. Even a tiny drop of blood in a shared needle can easily infect another person. As of 2016, one in every ten new cases of HIV were reported in people who were drug experimenters.

Drug experimentation is a risky behavior for children and teenagers. The dangers of overdose are serious, especially since teenagers often do not know what safe dosages are. This could lead to severe injury, even death. Some teens who experiment with drugs also develop an addiction.

The Most Popular Reagents Used For Substance Testing

Substance testing requires a range of reagents. These commonly used substances include opiates, LSD, Methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA, and MDE. Identifying the best reagent for a particular substance depends on the type of substance being tested. These reagents are cheap and easy to use. Here are some examples of the reagents that are commonly used to test for the presence of MDMA and LSD.

Marquis reagent

The Marquis reagent, first used in 1896, is a spot test for alkaloids. It has a signature of color change, which makes it ideal for detecting small amounts of these substances. The reagents are not as sensitive as the GC/MS technique but can detect trace amounts of substances.

The Marquis test is used to determine if a substance contains alkaloids, potentially harmful to humans. The Marquis reagent is one of the most widely used for substance testing. It comes in a convenient package that contains enough material for approximately 200 tests. The package also includes instructions and an online reaction guide. It has a shelf life of twelve months when stored correctly in a cold, dark location. After this time, it will show slow results and incorrect color changes, so it’s essential to use the kit as soon as possible. It’s also packaged in a durable glass bottle that minimizes degradation from light or harmful rubber and plastics.

Although most drugs produce a color change with reagents, not all do. Some drugs produce darker colors than others, and tiny amounts of the drug may not produce a color change at all. Regardless, a marquis reagent test is an excellent method for detecting the presence of specific drugs. The process requires a small quantity of the drug, about the size of a pinhead. To test, a participant can scrape a small portion of the substance from a pressed pill or place it on a white ceramic plate. This test is used for rapid and presumptive drug testing.

Ehrlich reagent

The Ehrlich reagent is a liquid that is used to test for the presence of certain drugs or chemicals. It can be flammable, corrosive, or toxic if inhaled. The materials contained in the Ehrlich reagent kit include ethanol, hydrochloric acid, and isopropanol.

This reagent can be used for psychedelic drugs and is the most widely used kit worldwide. It works by detecting the presence of indole groups in a substance. Drugs that contain these groups include LSD, DMT, and psilocybin. Several other reagent test kits, such as the Hofmann reagent, are also available for testing specific indoles.

Although this method of substance testing has become the most popular, there are still some limitations. For example, it is not entirely conclusive because many factors, such as lighting, impurities, and unwanted substances, can affect the reaction of the reagent. In addition, no drug is entirely safe. Therefore, most experts recommend abstaining from recreational drug use.

This test is fast and effective. A typical LSD tab on blotter paper is about one-quarter-inch (6.4 mm) long and contains 25 to 50 micrograms of the drug. To test it, simply cut off the corner of the paper and place it on a white surface. Then, add two drops of Ehrlich’s Reagent and observe the color change.

The Ehrlich reagent is an inexpensive test kit used to identify psychedelic substances, such as LSD, methylone, or “bath salts.” It can also detect other dangerous substances, such as 25i-NBOMe.

How to perform and analyze reagent test results

Reagent tests for MDMA and LSD are a simple way to identify the presence of psychedelic substances. They are inexpensive and can quickly identify the chemical makeup of methylone and LSD. Additionally, they can detect harmful substances, like 25i-NBOMe.

When performing the tests, make sure you perform them correctly. Many different reagents are available on the market, and they can help identify the presence of most substances. Make sure you work in a well-lit area and wear protective clothing and goggles. You should also thoroughly clean the testing surface after each test to ensure there is no contamination.

Limitations of Reagent Tests

Reagent tests have limitations and can produce false results. To overcome this, it is important to analyze test results using a control sample. It is also important to note that some reagents are less sensitive than others.

Limitations of reagent test results

During laboratory testing, variations in reagent chemistry can lead to inconsistent test results. This problem can be magnified in susceptible tests and instruments. To ensure consistency, labs perform regular quality control activities. These procedures include monitoring reagent batches for consistency and addressing the issue of lot-to-lot reagent consistency. Despite these efforts, vigilance is needed in the face of reagent lot differences. In this article, we share tips to help minimize the impact of these differences.

One of the most common causes of reagent inconsistency is reconstitution error. This can result from improper reagent storage. Keeping reagents in the wrong location can also compromise their stability. Similarly, reagents that have passed their expiration dates can also affect the controls.

Limitations of control samples

There are some limitations to using control samples when performing reagent tests. These samples must have a high level of stability and be homogeneous. In some cases, spiking the control sample may not be feasible. In these cases, a second-line internal control sample should be used.

Errors in specimen handling can cause incorrect results from quality control testing. It can also result from a repeat test with expired or out-of-date reagents. In either case, the test administrator must determine the clinical significance of the results before determining corrective action.

Ways To Avoid generating false-positives

When using MDMA & LSD test kits, there are some things you should keep in mind. It is imperative to keep your samples as pure as possible. This is because they will show more vivid colors if they are pure. You also need to remember to close the vial tightly after testing.

If you take any antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, you might see a false positive for amphetamine on the test. Also, some antidepressants, such as Zoloft, may appear as amphetamines. Antidepressants can also cause false positives for LSD, so you should take caution when taking these medications.

Where to buy quality reagents

There are various places to buy quality reagents for MDMA & LSD testing. You can find them at smoke shops, music festivals, and online. However, some festivals do not allow the sale of reagents, as they are purely for demonstration purposes. A few well-known vendors are Wim Scientific Laboratories, Bunk Police, and DanceSafe, but many other less reputable vendors exist.

The first step in identifying a psychedelic substance is to determine its composition. A simple test can identify methylone, commonly known as “bath salts,” and 25i-NBOMe.

How To Maintain Harm Reduction With Your Friends

If you plan to experiment with drugs, you should have a harm reduction plan. It is vital to make sure you and your friends are safe, drink lots of water before using substances, and learn how to use naloxone kits. These kits can reverse the effects of opioids. You can even go to a local training facility and get the necessary knowledge.

There are several simple steps that you can take to stay safe while using party drugs with your friends. For starters, you should drink lots of water. Drinking a pint of water is the minimum recommended fluid intake per hour. In addition, you should avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor areas. You should also avoid taking anti-anxiety medication recreationally like Xanax.

Avoiding crowds

Avoiding crowds is one of the most important things to remember when using party drugs with friends. Crowds are anxiety-inducing and can increase the risk of severe health issues. They can also make you feel lost and displaced, causing you to experience problems with finding your way or getting help. Stay in the back of the crowd at concerts and festivals to remedy this.

Avoiding poorly ventilated indoor spaces

If you’re planning on using party drugs, you should consider taking precautions before you hit the town. First, you should avoid being in indoor spaces without good ventilation. The air in those rooms is likely to be filled with aerosolized particles that can affect your health. To avoid this, open windows or turn on fans if at home.

Avoiding Xanax

Xanax is a powerful sedative prescribed by doctors for anxiety. However, it is also widely available illegally and is a typical party drug. It is highly addictive and dangerous to take in large doses.

Xanax abuse often starts with a party or with friends. Xanax abuse has increased in the past few years, especially among the younger generations. Though not every person who tries the drug becomes addicted, it is crucial to avoid excessive use. The dangers of Xanax use are more significant if you are a regular user.

Xanax pills are as addictive as opioids and more challenging to get off. They also increase a person’s risk of addiction later in life. A 2016 study by the U.S. Surgeon General found that 70 percent of adolescents who try illicit drugs before the age of 13 will develop an addiction within seven years and 27 percent by the time they reach adulthood.

The dangers of taking Xanax and alcohol when combined are significant. Both drugs depress the central nervous system and can cause a coma if taken simultaneously.

Avoiding Valium

If you are going out with your friends and are under the influence of alcohol or Xanax, there are several reasons to avoid adding this drug to the mix. The first reason is that it can lead to addiction, which previously stated is not suitable for your health. The second reason is that it can affect your vital functions. If you begin to abuse Valium, you may need to take more of the drug just to stave off withdrawal symptoms.

In addition, alcohol and Valium increase each other’s sedative effects. This combination can cause you to become unconscious and even cause you to overdose. It is essential to consult your doctor if you suspect that you have an alcohol and Valium problem. Regardless of the reason, alcohol and Valium should never be mixed. This could lead to severe consequences, including death.

Finally, Valium abuse can lead to a lifelong dependence problem. The National Alliance on Mental Illness warns that a person can become dependent on the drug after two weeks of continuous use and that the risk increases with the time a person continues to take the drug. In some cases, the user may not even know that they are addicted to the drug, but continued use can lead to problems with their brain and cardiovascular system.

It’s Time to Normalize Analytical Reagents

Fentanyl test strips are an important tool for the harm reduction community and others concerned about the use of prescription opioids. The drug is so potent that even small amounts can kill. In addition, it cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. As a result, fentanyl test strips have become a popular way to detect its presence in different substances.

In addition to helping users, FTS can help increase awareness among peers about the dangers of fentanyl. It’s a tool that can also be used to test a suspected drug user, whether or not they’ve recently taken it. This way, they can make informed decisions on whether to continue taking the drug. However, there are still barriers to accessing fentanyl test strips. Some states may prohibit them, while others may restrict them to certain medical conditions.

Some organizations, such as the A$AP Foundation (named after hip-hop artist A$AP Yams), are making fentanyl test strips available for free. These groups also distribute strips to venues, like bars and clubs. Some venues, like Viva Birria in Oakland, have begun offering them to patrons. They’re concerned about their own health and the health of their friends.

Testing kits are a relatively inexpensive, evidence-based way to detect the presence of the drug in any given batch. They can detect deadly adulterants in injectables, powders, and pills.

Categories
Blog

Latest Trials Confirm the Benefits of MDMA for Treating PTSD

A new study conducted by the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) confirms the benefits of MDMA for treating PTSD. Despite concerns about safety and efficacy, the trial results confirm the therapeutic effects of MDMA. The latest trial, the MAPP2 trial, enrolled 100 participants to confirm its efficacy and safety. It will continue for at least two years.

What is MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy?

What is MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy? It is a form of therapy in which patients take MDMA in prescribed doses as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Using MDMA in combination with psychotherapy may improve treatment effectiveness for PTSD and other mental health conditions. This article explores the benefits and limitations of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. For more information, please visit the MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy website.

In an MDMA-assisted psychotherapy session, the patient takes a pill containing 120 mg of MDMA. This drug is believed to create a heightened state of awareness that allows patients to revisit important events and emotions in their past. Following the MDMA session, patients have non-MDMA sessions to work through traumatic memories and develop coping strategies. During a 12-week treatment course, the patient is typically given two or three multi-hour sessions.

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is a method that combines MDMA with talk therapy. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy aims to catalyze the therapeutic process by increasing the patient’s trust and reducing their fear. This process encourages patients to discuss traumatic memories that may have caused them emotional injury. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have PTSD. 

While this method may benefit some patients, people with serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, should avoid participating in the study. It has been proven safe and effective in clinical settings, and patients are free of side effects. This treatment is not recommended for people at high risk of heart attacks or hypertension, as MDMA can cause unsafe blood pressure elevations. Patients cannot leave the premises during the sessions until the effects have worn off.

One study found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduced PTSD by six to fourteen points. In contrast, only 8% of patients with PTSD withdrew. The most common adverse effects were teeth grinding, jitteriness, and nausea. In addition, the effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy were not permanent, which suggests that MDMA is safe for both patients and the therapist.

The Effectiveness of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy

In a recent study, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. The study included 103 participants, and the primary objective was to compare the therapy with placebo treatment on a scale called the CAPS-5. This questionnaire rates the severity of the intrusion, avoidance, cognitive, and arousal symptoms. In addition, it assesses symptoms of dissociation and the duration and degree of distress.

The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of six phases 2 studies, assessing the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The trials involved a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, and patients with PTSD were randomized to receive either psychotherapy or MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Patients received active or placebo-control doses of MDMA during manualized psychotherapy sessions. Although no significant side effects were reported, the researchers noted that some participants reported experiencing nausea and jaw-clenching.

The effect of MDMA on PTSD was shown in mice, and it increased amygdalar expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may exert its therapeutic effects by affecting serotonergic functions in the brain, which regulates fear-based behaviors. Thus, MDMA may help treat PTSD by reopening the critical period of neuroplasticity.

While MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may help people deal with their traumatic memories, this therapy is not for everyone. Psychotherapy is not a quick fix and requires commitment from the patient and therapist. Furthermore, people with psychological trauma may find it challenging to access buried traumatic memories or deal with feelings of retrieval. In addition, traumatic events may affect their ability to build a meaningful therapeutic relationship with the therapist, which is essential for a successful therapeutic alliance.

Although not yet approved by the FDA, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may soon be available in the U.S. market. If the trial results are similar to the pilot studies, it will likely gain FDA approval in the next few years. This is a promising development for the treatment of PTSD. Many therapists and patients alike are hoping that this new approach will become commonplace in the future.

Looking Ahead

If you’re looking for a new treatment option for PTSD, MDMA may be the answer. Recent trials show that the drug is an effective treatment for PTSD, even among patients who have failed other forms of therapy. The drug’s unique chemical makeup, which resembles ecstasy, can help patients develop a more positive outlook. However, this type of treatment is still controversial and unavailable over the counter.

One of the biggest questions surrounding MDMA’s efficacy is how much it is safe to use. The FDA has approved MDMA for recreational use, but there are risks associated with recreational MDMA use. In a recent meta-analysis of clinical trials, MDMA proved effective in treating PTSD. It was found to be safe for most people. While there are some side effects of MDMA, the benefits outweigh potential risks, such as toxicity.

This study showed that MDMA significantly increased the quantity of topic initiation utterances in participants with treatment-resistant PTSD. The results also showed significant improvements in the CAPS scores, including increased entactic and empathic thinking. The researchers also found that MDMA reduced participants’ reliance on medications. Although the study results are promising, researchers caution that the treatment is still in its early stages.

The company behind the study, Numinus, has announced plans to provide MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to patients with treatment-resistant PTSD. The program will begin in the summer of 2021 and will be available to patients who’ve failed to respond to other treatments. Further research is needed to ensure that MDMA-assisted treatment is safe. This drug is safe compared to paroxetine.

The findings of the trials are not generalizable to the general PTSD population, as many of the participants were treatment-resistant and had a history of MDMA use. The age of participants was only 18 to 21 years; therefore, the results may not apply to other age groups. Finally, five studies included comorbid conditions, and the average age of participants was also not high.

Potential for Use in the Future

Although the current legal status of MDMA is still uncertain, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is actively working to remove obstacles that have impeded the drug’s development and potential therapeutic use in the future. In the 1990s, Charles Grob’s study proved that MDMA is safe for use in healthy people. The first MAPS-sponsored trial for PTSD was conducted in Spain but was halted due to political pressure.

MDMA has complex pharmacological effects involving the release of monoamines, reversing the activity of transporter proteins, and blocking reuptake. Its effects on dopamine release are species and dose-dependent, and its downstream targets include a2-adrenergic and serotonergic receptors. These receptors are the hallmarks of PTSD, and MDMA use may facilitate unpacking these memories.

While the use of MDMA in psychotherapy remains controversial, it may be an effective treatment for PTSD and anxiety. It can induce a sense of trust and calmness in sufferers and improve the prognosis of serious illnesses such as PTSD. In addition to its medical benefits, MDMA can improve sleep and cognitive insights, which may make it useful in treating other mental disorders. But it is unclear how MDMA will change society’s perception of the drug.

Merck Laboratories first recognized the benefits of MDMA-AT in 1912. In 1966, it was resynthesized by Alexander Shulgin, and two years later, he gave the drug a try. This compound’s popularity soon spread throughout academic and mental health circles, and it was designated a Schedule I substance because of its abuse potential. Despite the legal status of MDMA, scientific research is still ongoing today, as the effects of the drug are similar to those of other stimulants.

Categories
Blog

5 Best Ways to Consume Magic Mushrooms

When taking magic mushrooms, never take too much at once. Check the dosage and be ready to experience a few hours of alternated consciousness. The effects of the mushroom are temporary and can last anywhere from three to four hours. 

Set an intention: You create a framework for your journey by setting your intention. It will serve as a grounding force in the face of rough waters.

There are several ways to consume this magical plant. You can directly chew on a mushroom, prepare a mushroom tea, take mushrooms as capsules, or add them to food. Here are the best ways to consume magic mushrooms. Enjoy!

Straight Up Chew and Swallow 

While you can consume magic mushrooms in many ways, chewing them is the easiest way to get the most effects. This method will allow the psychoactive compound to come out of the mushroom. The resulting bloodstream will carry it to every cell in the body. It takes thirty to forty-five minutes for the effects to kick in, so you should avoid eating before taking them. 

It can be uncomfortable to chew on dried mushrooms, so many people make a tea with them to mask the taste. Some even use a tea bag to cover up the mushroom flavor. Some even enjoy the ritual of preparing the tea before they take the mushrooms, preparing the mind and setting the intention for their journey. So, why not give it a try? There are several benefits to taking mushrooms.

Prepare a Mushroom Tea

First, boil a pot of water. Add the mushrooms to the water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Stir the tea occasionally and then pour it into mugs. You can add some optional ingredients as well. Depending on how much you want to take, you can use as little as one gram per person. The amount of mushrooms should be varied according to preference.

The key to a successful mushroom trip is to be relaxed and open to the entire experience. The best way to do this is to sip the tea slowly and wait 20 to 30 minutes for it to take effect. This will prevent nausea and ensure a smoother experience. 

Depending on your preferences, you can add spices, honey, and other ingredients to your tea to enhance its flavor. However, if you’re a first-time user, you should only drink one cup at a time. Drink it within a few hours of making it. Otherwise, the flavor may be too strong for you. 

Magic Mushroom Capsules

Although the smell and taste may be attractive, there are some things you need to know before trying them. One of the most important things to consider is your mental state. Josh Richardson, a cannabis-culinary event entrepreneur, and activist says that you need to be aware of your mindset and follow a disciplined approach to getting the most out of the mushrooms.

Microdosing is another option for adjusting the dosage. If you keep the capsule amount under 0.5 grams, you can microdose to your preferred level. Micro-doses may work best for you if you take small daily doses. Micro-doses are the best way to increase the effects of magic mushrooms without overdosing. For best results, experiment with the dose and see what happens!

Add Magic Mushrooms to Food

Adding magic mushrooms to your food is a great way to enjoy new culinary experiences and eliminate nausea. You can add them to almost anything. Use a coffee grinder or grind them yourself with a mortar and pestle. 

There are several different ways to add magic mushrooms to your food. First, you should use a moderate dose. Once you’ve found the right amount, add the mushrooms to a small serving and wait for the magic to set. To avoid nausea, you can add lemon, ginger, or mint to the meal. Additionally, you should keep the heat to a minimum. As with any other type of mushroom, heat affects psilocybin. This effect dates back to the first uses of magic mushrooms.

Lemon Tek: to Intensify the Trip

One of the best ways to intensify the trip when eating magic mushrooms is by using a technique known as Lemon Tek. This technique involves soaking the mushrooms in lemon juice for 20-25 minutes and mixing them every five minutes. While this process may sound gross, it can help you get a stronger trip than you would otherwise. The mushrooms need soaking for at least 20 minutes to release the psilocybin, and mixing them every five minutes ensures that the acid is present. 

In the meantime, the use of Lemon Tek can enhance the experience. The tea contains psilocybin, and many people report experiencing more vivid visuals and a stronger peak than if they had just eaten the mushrooms by themselves. 

Categories
Blog

How Psilocybin May Rewire the Brain to Ease Depression, Anxiety, and More

Recent studies have revealed that a psychoactive drug called psilocybin may help rewire the brain. Neurons are thought to be connected by a mechanism known as ‘neuroplasticity.’ This process involves the growth of brain cells. The novel effects of psilocybin facilitate this process.

Your Brain on Mushrooms

Psychedelics, including mushrooms, have been shown to rewire the human brain. These compounds increase neuronal outgrowth, branching, synapses, and neuroplasticity. These compounds may ease depression, anxiety, or addiction. If you’re looking for a natural remedy to deal with your depression, anxiety, and other problems, mushrooms could be the answer.

Although psilocybin may help with symptoms of depression, it is essential to note that the drug does not work for everyone. If you’re suffering from mild depression, you might find that playing ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” on loop and watching squirrel videos on YouTube won’t help. But if your symptoms are more severe, you might want to consider a psychedelic supplement.

Psychoactive compounds aren’t likely to become common treatments for mental health problems. However, they may be valuable tools in treating depression and other mental health conditions. And the research surrounding psychedelics is backed by scientific evidence. Whether or not they can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life is still a work in progress. In the meantime, keep your eye on this growing field.

The Growth of Brain Cells

Neuroscientists in London believe that psilocybin may rewire our brains to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. They studied 43 people with severe depression and did not tell them which treatment they would receive. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to capture metabolic activity in the brain. They took two snapshots of the participants’ brain activity.

Researchers have found that psilocybin can improve the brain’s connections between neurons. Researchers have previously shown that ketamine, a psychoactive drug, can increase the density of dendritic spines in the brain. Dendritic spines are small protrusions on nerve cells that aid in transmitting information from one neuron to another. Chronic stress and depression decrease the number of these spines, which may explain the positive effects of psilocybin.

In animal studies, psilocybin treatment increased the connections between neurons and induced structural changes in the brain. These changes may help mitigate mood disorders. People may even be able to shorten the time it takes to experience the effects of psilocybin by taking small doses. However, the preliminary results suggest that psilocybin may be a treatment for eating disorders, anxiety, and more.

These findings are significant because psilocybin rewires the brain to improve mood and reduce depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions. In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, the results of the study are encouraging. It is thought that the compound may rewire the brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

What About Microdosing

Microdosing psilocybin can produce a variety of effects, including feelings of heightened awareness, euphoria, and general well-being. Because psychedelics are highly regulated, placebo-controlled trials are difficult to conduct. Therefore, researchers have turned to microdosing enthusiasts to perform their trials. Microdose enthusiasts mix the drugs with empty capsules and report various effects.

However, a microdose’s goal may be closer to a half-dose. This is because the effects of psilocybin depend on the level of expectations of the user. Several categories of effects were measured, and some commonalities were among them. Participants rated themselves more positively than negatively on the anxiety, mood, and self-efficacy scales. Moreover, those who reported increased creativity were less likely to experience an adverse reaction to microdosing. These results are promising for further research in microdosing for mood and anxiety disorders.

A Need for Caution

The most effective psilocybin therapies combine the use of this drug with other forms of therapy. In such a therapy, a therapist administers psilocybin and stays with the patient throughout the experience. These sessions typically last for several hours. Afterward, the patient will follow up with the therapist for non-psilocybin sessions. The goal of psilocybin therapy is to help patients step outside the narrative they are experiencing internally.

Various studies have been done to determine whether psilocybin can alleviate depression symptoms. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, for example, conducted a study involving 24 people who underwent two five-hour sessions of psilocybin therapy. The results showed that participants reduced their symptoms immediately and significantly. Some of these patients could even enter remission after just one treatment. However, the results are still premature.

While psilocybin is one of the safest drugs around, it is still essential to take precautions when using it to treat depression or anxiety. As with any drug, too much of the substance could have adverse effects.

Evidence Supports Psychedelic Treatments

Studies show that psychedelics can improve the brain’s functionality, leading to a more positive outlook and better performance in therapy. These drugs, which contain the active ingredient psilocybin, alter the brain’s state of plasticity, allowing it to make new connections and process information more quickly. The benefits of this therapy go beyond its potential as a cure for mental health disorders.

Researchers examined the effects of psychedelic drugs on a group of people with anxiety, depression, or both. The study found a significant connection between usage of these drugs and depression and overall well-being. The therapeutic effects were most significant within the first five to ten doses, with a statistically significant “s-shaped” pattern of diminishing benefit over time. Moreover, the positive effects lasted between ten and twenty-lifetime uses, and those without psychoactive substances had a more significant benefit.

Several factors have contributed to the recent gold rush in psychedelic research. These include increased awareness of psychedelics and their potential to improve many psychiatric conditions. Studies of psychedelics have also revealed promising results for cancer-related anxiety, alcohol use disorder, smoking cessation, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Psychedelic Treatments Could be Transformative

Psychedelics have shown promise in treating many mental illnesses, but some questions must be addressed first. Although psilocybin and LSD can help with addiction, they also have other benefits. In one study, psilocybin helped smokers quit for at least six months, and the effects lasted longer, even after the patients stopped taking them. The drugs also have the potential to reduce pain and improve overall mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression.

Despite the many benefits of psychedelics, some people may not be able to access them. Many clinical trials are highly selective, excluding those with mental illness. But some scientists believe that neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex can be used to treat mental illnesses. If these studies are successful, MDMA might be available to patients. However, these studies are still in their infancy.

Psychedelic use in the counterculture years did little for the reputation of these compounds. As a result, the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic compounds were quickly squashed by the social backlash. But now, psychedelics are making a comeback. Many are using them for treating addiction, mental health disorders, and end-of-life care, and these drugs have resurfaced in new clinical settings. Many patients have experienced a profound impact after using them.

Categories
Blog

MDMA and Marriage Counseling – Couples Using Psychedelics As a Way to Get Closer

Many couples use MDMA to help them get closer to their partners. While MDMA can’t “cure” a couple’s problems, it can temporarily alter their state of mind, making it easier to confront old traumas or work through relationship issues. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried using psychedelics to get closer to your partner, but you should definitely do your own research to ensure it’s right for you and your partner.

We Felt More Comfortable Sharing Our Secrets

We grew closer to God after taking psychedelics in 2007. We became more comfortable sharing our secrets and letting others in on our innermost thoughts. But, we still wanted to learn more about them. In order to do so, we needed to understand what made them work. We had to learn more about their effects on our bodies and mind.

While psychedelics were once viewed as a magical cure, the industry has realized that they are just another pump and dump scheme. It is not surprising that drug companies have adopted aggressive patents to lock out competitors and protect their exclusiveness for the foreseeable future. The problem is that the way drugs work is changing, and companies can develop new ways to make or use them.

We Felt Our Souls Intertwine

We felt our souls intertwine while using psychedelics as trance states, and the experience reaffirmed that spirituality need not be dogmatic. Instead, it can be a form of connection, aspiration, reflection, and states of consciousness. The evidence from psychedelic experiences demonstrates that this common heritage is a valid and valuable foundation for exploring the spiritual dimension of human experience.

Psychedelics are an increasingly popular treatment for mental health conditions. They can help treat PTSD and anxiety. Psilocybin mushrooms and other hallucinogens can help you change your perception of reality. Using psychedelics can help you bond with your partner and experience new things together. Take time out of your relationship to travel or spend quality time together.

We Felt Safe Around Each Other

Using psychedelics to strengthen your relationship is a way to deepen your connection. While it is not as simple as popping a pill and experiencing a profound feeling, couples experimenting with psychedelics report stronger connections. In addition to enhancing their closeness and intimacy, these drugs can help couples address the psychological barriers that hinder their relationships.

Research on psychedelics and couples therapy suggests that they can help people better understand their partners and themselves. The resulting empathy can help people learn to understand each other better and minimize hostility. In addition to this, the study suggests that psychedelics can strengthen a couple’s tolerance for differences. Psychedelic therapy is not a panacea, but it can be a valuable tool to help couples work through issues and bolster their relationship.

MDMA is a powerful psychoactive drug that induces a massive release of serotonin neurotransmitters. Serotonin is a significant mood regulator and acts on receptors on nearby neurons to improve emotional states. In addition to this, MDMA inhibits the activity of the amygdala, the part of the brain that regulates anger and fear. The drug may also help with depression and even PTSD.

We Opened Up to Each Other

Psychedelics are increasingly being used to treat mental health disorders. Some psychedelics, like psilocybin mushrooms, are approved for medical purposes, such as treating PTSD or anxiety. These hallucinogens alter the perception of reality and can open the doors to new insights and memories. The new book, Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story, is about a couple using psychedelics to get closer to each other, focusing on the benefits of these drugs and their effects on human relationships.

It’s a controversial topic, but a growing number of people are beginning to believe in the healing powers of these potent compounds. One of the pioneers in the field, Dr. Rick Doblin, first took acid while attending college and later dedicated his life to studying the healing properties of these mind-altering compounds. During that time, anti-drug campaigns aimed at making LSD, magic mushrooms, and Ecstasy illegal, driving most researchers out of the field. Despite this, Dr. Doblin continued his quixotic crusade and was even supported financially by his parents.

Tripping Together Was an Amazing Experience

The first time I went tripping with my partner, I had no idea what to expect. I was so excited that I did not realize how much I had grown apart from my partner. My partner was a tripping virgin, and the experience was great, but I wanted to get closer to my partner. After all, what’s so wonderful about a long-term relationship if it doesn’t include new experiences and iterations?

Categories
Blog

If You’re Going to Solo Trip on Psychedelics Bear This in Mind

If you’re new to the use of psychedelics, it’s best to try a small dose and observe your reactions. Also, avoid loud, discordant music or beats. Observing your reactions to the substance is essential for determining how much to take and how long to spend in a state of high. If the experience is too long, consider a lower dose or a shorter trip.

Global Drug Survey Suggests

Experts warn against going on a solo psychedelic trip. One such expert is Ben Sessa, a psychiatrist in the UK who has studied the therapeutic effects of psychedelics for 15 years. While he does not reject the possibility of a solo psychedelic trip, he does suggest that you keep this information in mind.

One of the fascinating aspects of psychedelic drugs is how they work in the brain. By increasing entropy, they allow communication between different neural regions. They also suppress the activity of the default-mode network, which is involved in self-conscious thought. Researchers suggest that psychedelics help people dissolve their ego and experience mystical, transcendental experiences.

Another benefit of solo trips is reconnecting with yourself and focusing on your own needs. Self-care is critical when you’re on psychedelics. You’ll be able to focus on what you need to do to live a happier, more fulfilling life. You’ll also get to spend some quality time with your sober partner, who can reassure you.

The first wave of psychedelic research failed due to over-exuberance about the potential of psychedelic drugs. People who embraced psychedelics thought they had the power to change the world, and they had trouble justifying confining them to a laboratory. They felt they should be used for the benefit of the sick. Even once respectable scientists grew frustrated with a scientific method that relied on objective measurements. Psychedelics were viewed as disruptive in the 1960s.

Using Psychedelics to Self Treat

Using psychedelics to self-treat when going on a solo trip sounds like an old-fashioned hobby relegated to your grandmother’s decorative pillows. But it’s not so bad if you’re willing to follow some basic guidelines. Psychedelics are powerful tools for healing, but they can also create unpleasant experiences. You need to make sure that you’ve given yourself time to recover before embarking on a trip.

If you’re interested in trying psychedelics for mental health, you should know there’s a high risk of developing a mental illness. While the potential benefits may be more significant than you think, it’s vital to seek the support of a professional if you have a history of mental illness or are at high risk of developing a mental disorder. It’s also important to note that the therapeutic use of psychedelics is much safer than trying them during a music show.

One of the best ways to cope with dramatic experiences is telling stories. Retelling these stories is an effective way to structure and understand the dramatic experience. Narrative work connected psychedelic users to a larger community and helped them make sense of a problematic experience. Ultimately, using psychedelics for self-treating can be an excellent way to explore the benefits of these drugs and make the most of your trip.

Potential Efficacy to Treat

Although taking drugs is generally considered a social activity, many people use illegal substances on their own. Heroin and ketamine are popular choices to self-medicate emotional pain and dissociate from boredom. According to the Global Drug Survey, increasing numbers of people are self-medicating with psychedelics to overcome depression, addiction, or end-of-life anxiety.

Early research indicated that LSD, Molly, or ecstasy, can help those recovering from substance use. However, recent research supports the notion that psychedelic therapy shows promise as a treatment for addiction. In an interview with Verywell Mind editor-in-chief Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, about the psychedelics’ potential to treat addiction, she talks with renowned psychedelic researcher Brian Pilecki about the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for PTSD and other mental conditions.

In a study of 300 alcohol-addiction sufferers, psychedelics reduced the use of alcohol in a study of three types of alcoholics. A large majority of participants in the study reported that their alcohol consumption had decreased after taking psychedelics, including LSD and DMT. Several reports from alcohol-abuse recovery centers further confirm this research.

Although the results of this study are preliminary, further studies are needed to determine whether or not these drugs help treat depression. As of 2017, the FDA and the Israeli Ministry of Health have approved MDMA for use in patients who have PTSD. MAPS is now working with VA hospitals to train more facilitators in the field, and Doblin plans to administer the drug to veterans who have PTSD.

Pick Your Set and Setting Wisely

The best psychedelic trips begin with the proper set and setting. Make sure you’re in a space where you can relax, connect with nature, and resolve your goals. Psychedelics are potent medicines that can help you get through emotional pain and trauma. To get the most out of your trip, pick a location that enables you to be alone.

The first trip should be the easiest to handle. Try to avoid high doses and high settings. You’ll be more comfortable with your dose if you’ve successfully managed the previous trip. Remember that a bad trip can be caused by many factors, including the wrong Set & Setting. Don’t overdose yourself. Start with a small dose if you’re not sure whether you can handle the high.

If you’re a first-time psychedelic user, it’s essential to seek out support from someone who has taken similar substances before. A former user or guide can offer support if you’re experiencing a difficult experience. A trusted friend or relative who doesn’t judge you can also be a great confidante. The Fireside Project even offers a peer support hotline and an app. If you do encounter a problem, contact emergency services.

Turn on, Tune in, and Don’t Freak Out

When you’re planning a psychedelic solo trip, it’s helpful to watch a documentary about the positive effects of psychedelics. If you’re going on a solo trip on psychedelics, you should have a buddy who can coach you back down from the high. It’s also helpful to bring an image-laden card to show yourself to a friend. Remember that psychedelics are highly unpredictable, and you should try to keep an open mind and not expect too much.

Integrate Your Psychedelic Experience into Your Life

The integration stage of your psychedelic experience is perhaps the most critical part of the experience. The growth and learning you’ll experience during the trip are not only psychological but also spiritual. While tripping outside of a clinical setting, it’s easy to fixate on your expectations before the trip begins, so it’s essential to keep an open mind. You can also prepare for the trip by making a set of intentions or by using an image-laden card to guide your journey.

Usually, psychedelics are paired with practices that confirm or extend the altered states. This spiritual connection is often missing in secular contexts, and without it, the experience may not be meaningful. Fortunately, shamanic traditions are available to help you process your psychedelic experience and make it more meaningful in your life.

The goal of PHRI is to help patients integrate a psychedelic experience into their lives. While this method does not involve the administration of psychedelics, therapists must understand the unique needs of patients and determine what they consider successful integration. Although integration sessions can be helpful, sometimes challenging experiences can occur even with adequate planning. These challenges can be overwhelming for both the patient and therapist. If the experience is challenging, the therapist can help them cope with the challenges that come along the way.

A trained therapist can guide the difficulties of integrating a psychedelic experience into your life. A therapist may also offer advice on which mushrooms to take. Some therapists specialize in psilocybin therapy, while others are familiar with the effects of psychedelics. Regardless of your intentions, always consult with a trained therapist before making life-changing decisions.

Categories
Blog

Wearable Psychedelics Could Soon Give Users Maximum Control Over Their Trip

Wearable psychedelics could be coming soon, giving users the ultimate level of control over their experience. The adjustable subcutaneous device from Bexson gives users the ability to tailor their trip, setting the intensity, depth, and duration of the experience. The device also allows users to change the settings and dosage on the device during a trip. The wearable psychedelics would be monitored by a healthcare provider and regulated by a medically-approved dosage.

There are a variety of companies developing wearable psychedelics. The company’s products will allow users to use psychedelics without a doctor. The company also expects to launch a clinical trial for its psychedelic-assisted therapy. The pharmaceutics isn’t available yet, but the team plans to continue working on the products and developing a pharmaceutical.

Bexson Biomedical Develops a Wearable Ketamine Pump

Bexson is working with medical packaging manufacturer Stevanato Group to manufacture its wearable ketamine pump. Its founders, Gregg Peterson and Jeffrey Becker believe that ketamine can offer an alternative to opioids and have partnered with a psychiatrist.

Bexson Biomedical is developing a wearable ketamine pump that works on the principles of an insulin pump. It is designed to be implanted into the body, delivering a dose of ketamine to the brain in the appropriate amounts to create the desired effect. The company claims that the wearable ketamine pump works by releasing 20 to 70 milligrams of ketamine in a slow drip. The dose is low enough to cause no hallucinations but high enough to create a psychoactive effect. The dosage of psychedelics is not standardized, so the ideal dosage varies from person to person. In addition, the length of the trip varies with the user’s metabolism and liver enzymes.

The device could be in human trials as early as 2022. The perfect psychedelic dose differs from person to person and lies somewhere between the “is it working?” And the “run! The moon is chasing us!” Stage. However, scientists are trying to develop better delivery systems.

Wearable Psychedelics Could Give Users The Maximum Control Over Their Trip

The new technology can revolutionize the way that psychedelics are administered. The subcutaneous Bexson pump allows users to fine-tune their psychedelic experience. They can pre-program how deep they want to go, how long they want to stay in the trance state, and how much to take. Once the device is appropriately tuned, users can increase their infusion rate to reach the desired level of experience. However, this requires careful monitoring by healthcare professionals to avoid overdose.

Wearable psychedelics could give users greater control over their trips. Researchers are working to develop a device that can deliver precise doses of psychedelics through the skin. This new technology could allow people to fine-tune the length and intensity of their psychedelic experience, and it might even allow them to pre-program their psychedelics. The adjustable subcutaneous device would be similar to an insulin pump and allow patients to program the duration and depth of their psy-trips themselves.

Wearable psychedelics could soon give users maximum control over their trip. The device works by allowing users to take the drug without leaving their homes. The pump is compatible with most electronic devices and is designed to deliver the drug to the body subcutaneously.

Bexson Biomedical Plans to Conduct Human Trials in 2020

Bexson Biomedical has partnered with medical device maker Stevanato Group to develop a wearable ketamine device. The company has already produced a ketamine microdosing device for clinical trials. It is only available in the Netherlands, but the company hopes to introduce it to the general public by 2022. The company has stated that it plans to conduct human trials in 2020 and aims for FDA approval in 2025 or 2026.

The company has partnered with the Lieber Institute for Brain Development and is advancing multiple unnamed drug candidates through the discovery stage. As long as these trials go well, the product could be available in the market as early as 2022. These companies have a long track record in developing psychedelic products and are now announcing a successful launch.

MINDCURE Working on Developing Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy

In the meantime, several other companies are aiming to develop wearable devices. MINDCURE is a biotechnology company that is working on developing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. It plans to develop these products in the future and expand its offerings into other psychedelic substances. The first product is a prototype that allows users to experience ketamine.

Improve The Way Ketamine is Administered to Provide Psychedelic-assisted Psychotherapy

One private company has launched a project that is working to provide psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy. The company aims to leverage genomic and biological information to improve the way ketamine is administered. It also plans to open its clinic in Jamaica, focusing on psilocybin-assisted therapy for eating disorders.

There is a Growing Psychedelic Industry

While these technologies are still in the early stages, there is a growing psychedelic industry. This sector is growing fast, and some companies are already making psychedelic products that are more accessible and affordable than current methods. Bexson Biomedical, for example, is working with three DEA-approved laboratories to develop a psilocybin-based drug.

The technology is mainly for medical use and should be safe for recreational use. It is not yet commercially available. Its use in the medical community is not limited to recreational purposes. It could even be used for therapeutic purposes in the future. It is also used to treat substance-related disorders, such as addiction. It will also be available in a wearable form for the general public.

Categories
Blog

New Zealand Researchers Study The Effects of MDMA For Tinnitus Treatment

Research has shown that MDMA may treat tinnitus. The drug has been used to treat other conditions such as migraines, epilepsy, and glaucoma. Although the treatment does not provide a permanent cure for tinnitus, it has been shown to alleviate its symptoms. It is important to note that the drug is illegal to obtain and is not recommended for anyone suffering from the condition.

New Zealand Researchers Study MDMA for Tinnitus

MDMA, the active compound in party drugs like ecstasy, was shown to effectively treat tinnitus. Previously, MDMA was used as a treatment for mental health disorders. It has been shown to reduce the ringing sensation in the ears, and the drug is a world-first for tinnitus treatment.

The study used MDMA, a recreational drug popular in the club scene, to treat patients suffering from tinnitus. The researchers reduced the severity of the patients’ tinnitus symptoms by 80 percent. While tinnitus is not a disease, the condition can be debilitating. Since it is not a common cause of hearing loss, it’s challenging to determine which cause of tinnitus is responsible. However, successful treatment can help relieve the ear noise and improve the patient’s quality of life. Regardless of the underlying cause, MDMA may be an effective tinnitus treatment.

The researchers used brain imaging to differentiate between placebos and MDMA. MRI images can help determine whether patients received the actual treatment or a placebo. This research could lead to a new class of drugs for tinnitus. In the meantime, tinnitus is an annoying and painful condition, but a placebo does not affect this.

Researchers at the University of Auckland are testing the effects of MDMA in treating tinnitus, the condition that causes a persistent, ringing sound that no one else can hear. These trials have taken place in the past two years and involved a small number of people. Participants were given a small dose of the drug or a placebo. The researchers did not want participants to feel ‘high,’ so they administered a small dose of MDMA without the ‘high’ effect. Researchers administered a single dose of 30 or 70 mg of the drug in the study. The researchers monitored them for four hours. After three hours, the participants with the MDMA-induced tinnitus reported a corresponding reduction in the amount of noise they could hear. Meanwhile, the placebo group reported a significant placebo effect. The researchers dispensed MDMA in varying doses, with a high dose causing euphoric effects.

Those who did experience the benefits reported them for a week or more. The study also employed pharmacists to dispense the medication to avoid possible issues.

MDMA Could Help Patients With Tinnitus

The study found that MDMA could help patients with tinnitus. However, the research is limited because only 0.5% of the population suffers from severe cases. There is a vast market for this drug, so it’s essential to consider the cost and the safety. It may be too early to tell if it will work, but it is a promising step in the right direction.

Another recent study aims to treat tinnitus using MDMA. Known as the “rave drug,” MDMA is the active ingredient in ecstasy. The drug is widely available and can relieve tinnitus in small groups. The drug may also be used to treat many other types of tinnitus. The study results are preliminary and should be repeated if the drug is effective.

In some studies, MDMA may have beneficial effects for tinnitus treatment. In a double-blind, randomized cross-over design, the study found that a small drug dose significantly reduced tinnitus sufferers’ symptoms. The drug has a positive effect on tinnitus and may be an effective alternative to conventional treatments for tinnitus.

More Research Needs to be Done

Several recent studies have suggested that MDMA may be effective in reducing tinnitus. The drug is similar to an antidepressant that works to relax the brain. The new research demonstrates that taking MDMA can significantly reduce tinnitus severity.

The study’s results show that MDMA users had a marked reduction in tinnitus symptoms than placebo users. However, it did not say how many people reported the complete disappearance or how many experienced an adverse reaction to MDMA. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that it would be too early to conclude this study. Moreover, it’s not clear if this drug is an effective treatment for tinnitus. They are confident that MDMA will be legalized soon, like psychedelic mushrooms. In the meantime, the drug is a promising step forward.

Categories
Blog

MDMA Medicine For PTSD Has Shown Promising Results

MDMA medicine for people with PTSD has been gaining popularity in recent years. Its effects include helping people develop greater trust and bringing repressed traumatic memories to the surface. These drugs can also help people reduce the fear associated with traumatic memories. However, the FDA has not yet approved the use of MDMA as medicine for people with PTSD. A Phase III trial is currently underway, but the preliminary results are promising. It is possible that the FDA could approve the drug as early as 2022.

Researchers conducted a randomized trial in which they compared the effects of MDMA on people with PTSD with a placebo group. The drug is thought to work by soothing the amygdala, the part of the brain that acts as a smoke alarm and warns the body to prepare for danger. In individuals with PTSD, the amygdala can become overactive and react to even the slightest events.

MDMA Medicine Can Reduce the Symptoms of PTSD

There are several reasons why MDMA medicine can reduce the symptoms of PTSD. The drug reverses how your brain works when a traumatic experience triggers you. It does this by increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates your emotions. This allows you to overcome feelings of fear and anger. It also improves your empathy and introspection. In addition, MDMA increases the production of two hormones in your brain associated with bonding and intimacy.

This substance is also a powerful mood enhancer. It helps you feel more relaxed and focused. Studies have shown that it reduces PTSD symptoms in up to 80% of people who took it. This means that if you have PTSD, this medicine may help you reduce your symptoms. It is important to note that this treatment has not been approved for medical use in the United States. You must have a prescription to take it.

Psychotherapy and Antidepressants Have Not Been Effective For people with PTSD

Fortunately, there are other treatments available. Psychotherapy and an antidepressant are the current gold standard treatments for PTSD. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anxiolytics, and sedatives. These methods have proven to be ineffective in treating PTSD. However, these therapies do have some benefits. In some cases, the drug can even help you overcome the symptoms of PTSD.

MDMA Could Significantly Lower Symptoms of PSTD

The effectiveness of MDMA medicine in reducing PTSD symptoms was also confirmed in a recent study. The drug reacts with the body so that it can induce empathy emotion. This emotion is critical in establishing more effective relationships with therapists and effectively sorting through trauma. Many studies have shown that these treatments improve PTSD symptoms in three to six sessions. The researchers concluded that this treatment could significantly lower the symptoms of PTSD.

MDMA medicine has shown promise in treating PTSD. Its effect on the brain causes it to change its alertness state. It releases helpful chemicals and allows the brain to let loose and work out its issues. This is beneficial for people who have PTSD. In addition, it also reduces symptoms of depression. Moreover, MDMA is a popular alternative medicine used to treat various medical conditions.

MDMA is an effective treatment for PTSD. It can help patients with symptoms of PTSD. It can also be used as an assistive aid for other medical conditions. It has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. The drug alters the brain’s alertness state and releases positive chemicals, which help patients work through their problems. Therefore, MDMA can reduce the symptoms of PTSD. There is no reason for this to be a promising treatment for PTSD.

MDMA Psychotherapy is a Promising Alternative

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is an experimental treatment for trauma and psychological suffering. However, this method has many challenges. It is not a “magic pill” and cannot heal all forms of trauma or psychological suffering. It may only facilitate a part of the process and may not answer all of your problems. Instead, it should be used in the context of psychotherapy. It is essential to understand that this therapy is not a cure-all but a stepping stone.

Research needs to be conducted on a large-scale sample size to determine whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is safe. The study will examine how patients respond to treatment and their outcomes. The primary outcome measure will be the change in the CAPS-5 score from Baseline to Primary Endpoint. The secondary outcome measure will be the number of suicidal thoughts reported after the treatment, measured by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. During the experimental session, MDMA is administered with therapy.

Clinical trials have shown that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can be effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. Researchers have received a breakthrough therapy designation in the United States and are now conducting Phase 3 trials to find if MDMA can help treat other disorders. Alcohol use disorder and PTSD share several similarities, making it possible for the drug to be used as an adjunct to psychotherapy. The drop-out rate is similar in both conditions, and recurrence of symptoms is common.

Although MDMA medicine for people with PTSD is still controversial, some studies show that it can help reduce PTSD symptoms. The drug stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that makes us feel safe at the moment. Moreover, the effects of MDMA treatment continue for months after the treatment is over. Therefore, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is a promising alternative to conventional therapy.

Categories
Blog

The First Trial to Study the Effects of Microdosing LSD

Microdosing LSD (or magic mushrooms or other psychedelic drugs) is the act of consuming very low doses that don’t have any significant effects on the entire body. Yet, they have a significantly limited impact. Defenders of this strategy say that microdosing LSD has pharmaceutical advantages with next to no drawbacks. In contrast, researchers are still questioning the effects of microdosing LSD since much more research needs to be done. 

The Research on Microdosing Psychedelics

Microdosing hallucinogenics have been growing in consideration lately, as it’s been said to enhance imagination, concentration and reduce the heaviness of sorrow. Now, researchers need to determine whether utilizing low quantities of these substances benefits the experiences users get. 

On Sept. 3, analysts from the Beckley Foundation and Imperial College of London became the first to study to explore the advantages of microdosing LSD. If the study works out positively, it could give us vital bits of knowledge into the domain of different hallucinogenic use.

Microdosers will generally use a little dose of LSD – just one-fifteenth of a tab – or psilocybin. The review selects only the individuals who use LSD since there is some trouble masking even ground-up mushrooms in a container.

However, it’s illicit. So the number of individuals that are microdosing is obscure, and there is not that much evidence of the impacts and drawbacks. In a request to find out more, the Beckley Foundation, which was set up to lead the examination into mind-altering substances, will be the first to study the effects of microdosing LSD on Monday, Sept. 3, 2018. 

Researchers need to know whether or not microdosing hallucinogenics produces evident, positive outcomes in people. When an individual microdoses hallucinogenics, they will, for the most part, take a small dose of LSD or magic mushrooms. The idea is that these minute dosages are too small to create an out-of-body hallucinogenic experience, however enormous enough to actuate and stimulate the cerebrum. Numerous users have found that microdosing LSD has profound changes in their everyday lives. Hence, the researchers are hoping to determine whether individuals who report positive outcomes from microdosing are experiencing benefits from the drugs.

Since it would be restrictively costly to complete a customary study with illegal drugs (also, it would be nearly difficult to get endorsement for it), Balázs Szigeti, the review chief, conducted a “self-blind” study — welcoming individuals to take a microdose. These individuals will complete surveys and tests. 

Individuals who currently microdose, however, may be biased. They are accomplishing something novel and energizing, and they have confidence in – and realize they are doing it. It is nothing unexpected that they are getting a constructive outcome. 

How the Study Works

The people who volunteer to participate will be sent a manual that illustrates how to take the little piece of smudging paper stacked with a portion of LSD. After making the dosages, the volunteers will have a unique QR code to follow on which days they took LSD or a placebo. Then, all of them will be fixed and rearranged up at that point. By then, the volunteers won’t know which envelopes contain hallucinogenic or placebos. This adequately randomizes the study and keeps the subjects unaware about taking a microdose. 

The Swiss researcher Albert Hofmann, who initially took LSD in 1936 and started taking it years after the fact, was said to have microdose in his advanced age. The people who do it discuss a feeling of euphoria and are able to concentrate with none of the super stimulating sensations related to the drug. “It has become famous in Silicon Valley as a method for expanding inventiveness and usefulness,” said Szigeti. “I was keen on this and checked out the analytical writing. To my extraordinary astonishment, I found there were zero examinations on microdosing. Assuming you go online, a significant number of individuals are expressing exceptional results.

Amanda Feilding, an overseer of the Beckley Foundation, has microdosed on LSD and supports the benefits hallucinogenic drugs provide. “Since I originally found out with regards to LSD in 1966, preceding it was made unlawful, I became mindful of the incredible benefits it gave to my well-being and intellectual improvement,” she said. She also said that she gets a great deal of correspondence on microdosing from San Francisco. “I think it is spreading, yet it is difficult to tell since most people still don’t know about the potential benefits LSD can give us all. There has been a ton of talk about it over the most recent couple of years.” She says she considers it “nearly as a psycho-nutrient” at low dosages.” People have announced that it has lifted their depression, while others say it causes them to have a more energized outlook on their work. “One can’t and doesn’t have any desire to urge individuals to microdose, yet it is fascinating to attempt to assemble information in a somewhat more logical manner from individuals who are doing it,” she said.

David Erritzoe, who is chipping away at the study with Szigeti, said it is “in all ways an uncommon task” steered with a bit of gathering these individuals. Microdosing on LSD has been proven to be beneficial to our well-being. He and Szigeti say assuming the outcomes are fascinating, more traditional studies on microdosing LSD need to be done.

Categories
Blog

How Magic Mushrooms Have Been Helping Life Long Addicts Stop Smoking For Good

Despite the many gums, patches, and other cessation products available, it remains challenging for longtime smokers to kick their cigarettes to the curb. This is particularly true of smokers unfortunate enough to take up the habit as teenagers; in addition to fighting the effects of nicotine, these individuals must escape the neural pathways established over several years or even decades. Even if cessation is accomplished for a brief period, the chances of relapse are incredibly high among lifelong cigarette addicts.

Researchers are beginning to acknowledge that the traditional cold turkey approach to smoking cessation is ineffective for the vast majority of smokers. New solutions, although often controversial, are gaining traction. Such is the case for magic mushrooms, the shocking new approach to smoking cessation that, according to a recent study, accomplishes the impossible: it allows smoking addicts to quit with minimal effort!

Magic Mushrooms and Smoking: The Study

Drug users have long claimed that substances such as marijuana and, yes, magic mushrooms can switch up lifelong smoking patterns. Until recently, however, these arguments were regarded as the ramblings of stoners. 

A report published in the Journal Of Psychopharmacology has changed all that, indicating that, perhaps, mushrooms can end hardcore cigarette addictions.

The landmark study took place not in a dingy backroom, as skeptics may suspect, but at the highly reputable cognitive behavioral therapy program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Fifteen participants, all lifelong smokers, were asked to supplement their cigarette cessation efforts with magic mushrooms. All had tried to quit cigarettes in the past and failed; the vast majority had never used mind-altering drugs before the study. Participants were asked to leave cigarettes cold turkey instead of taking three separate doses of the drug over several weeks.

To the surprise of researchers, the ensuing abstinence rate was far higher than initially predicted. Eighty percent of participants were still cigarette-free six months after the study ended. Compare this to a success rate of less than thirty percent for traditional nicotine therapies, and it’s easy to see why this study has the smoking cessation community so excited.

Study Implications and The Need For Future Research

Although proponents of mind-altering drug treatments point to the Johns Hopkins study as irrefutable proof of the efficacy of magic mushrooms, more research is needed before this potential treatment can go mainstream. 

The study only featured fifteen participants, so it is difficult to say whether the results would be as promising if a larger group of smoking addicts tried mushrooms. Even if further research proved the efficacy of mushrooms, it would be impossible to administer this treatment in standard hospitals and clinics without significant changes to current drug laws. 

However, in some countries where mushrooms are legal, this approach to smoking cessation may eventually achieve mainstream status.

Experts advise those interested in mushroom treatment to avoid partaking in yourself approaches; devastating legal consequences are likely, and what’s more, magic mushroom use has only proven effective when doses are taken very occasionally, under the supervision of medical professionals.

Categories
Blog

Shrooms or Magic Mushrooms: How Much is Safe, The Benefits, and Risks

Shrooms or Magic Mushrooms are a part of a mushroom family that contains psilocybin. Psilocybin is a compound found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. It is a natural psychedelic prodrug compound. These species are collectively called psilocybin mushrooms.

Psilocybin found in hallucinogenic mushrooms or shrooms is classified as a “Schedule I” drug. It currently has no accepted official use in medical treatment in the United States, United Kingdom, or other regions. The fear with magic mushrooms is that they have a high probability of misuse because of their mind-altering capabilities, and they might be addictive for some people.

Is It Safe to Eat Shrooms?

You can eat shrooms in a moderate amount, but not everyone has had a good experience with them. They can be mixed with food.

You can brew magic mushrooms like tea for drinking. These are not for everyone; if they do not suit you, you might experience unpleasant bad trips.

One can also mix them with tobacco or cannabis and smoke.

According to U.S. government statistics, shrooms have been used by over 22.8 million American citizens at least once.

Shrooms are constantly being a subject for many medical types of research such as to overcome stress, depression, addictions, anxiety disorder, eating disorders, and overall well-being of an individual.

Psilocybin might be a great help in reducing the pain resulting from social rejection.

How do Shrooms Work in Your Body

Researches have shown that psilocybin increases communication between areas of the brain that generally don’t communicate with each other.

Psilocybin is considered “classic psychedelics” because it can bring changes in perception, thought pattern, and mood swings by mimicking neurotransmitters in your brain similar to other addicting drugs, such as mescaline and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

Once psilocybin found in shrooms enters one’s body, it is broken down into psilocin, a compound known to activate a specific type of serotonin receptor in the brain that triggers its psychedelic effects.

What Can Magic Mushrooms do to a Person

Shroom’s hallucinatory effects can make a person:

  • See geometric shapes 
  • Hear sounds
  • Feel sensations that seem real to the person but are imaginary
  • They may feel like they can smell colors
  • You may feel euphoric and light as it induces mood swings
  • You may feel very relaxed
  • You may feel giggly
  • You might feel more open

Magic Mushrooms May Have Powerful Long-Term Benefits

Scientific American Griffiths coauthored an article with his fellow Heffter board member, Grob. 

According to the article:

  • Most of the participants experienced a greater sense of inner fulfillment
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Improved social confidence
  • An increase in overall well-being
  • An increased ability to tolerate problems and frustration
  • Decreased nervousness
  • Ratings of their behavior by friends, family members, and work colleagues uninformed about the drug experience were consistent with the participants’ self-ratings.

Recognizing Shrooms:

  • There are over 200 species of Mushrooms having psilocybin. 
  • Shrooms have long, grayish stems.
  • They have dark brown caps with light brown or white color in the center.
  • Dried mushrooms are rusty brown with isolated areas of off-white.

Potential Risks of Taking Shrooms, “Bad Trips”

A survey consisted of almost 2,000 people who said they had a past negative experience taking shrooms. More than 10 percent said they believed their worst “bad trip” had put themselves or others in bad situations.

Based on the research data that assessed each subject’s absolute worst bad trip:

  • 10.7% of the subjects reported that they put themselves or others at risk for physical harm during their bad trip
  • 2.6% reported they acted angrily, aggressively, or violently
  • 2.7% reported they sought medical help

If you are suffering from anxiety or bipolar disorder, magic mushrooms might worsen their symptoms.

You might experience a bad trip, which includes:

  • Negative physical symptoms such as chills, vomiting, nausea, or headaches
  • Unpleasant psychological phenomena such as paranoia or anxiety

Fresh Mushrooms Are Highly Popular in The USA

According to the report, the U.S. per capita consumption of fresh mushrooms (not magic mushrooms) amounted to approximately 3.95 pounds in 2018. White mushrooms made up 61.2 percent of U.S. mushroom sales in 2015.

Do They Have Any Withdrawal Symptoms

Shrooms usually do not have any physical symptoms of withdrawal after you stop using them. Some people might experience psychological effects, which may include anxiety and depression. You should consult a physician if you face any withdrawal symptoms.

Are Magic Mushrooms Addictive?

This question is still debatable that whether magic mushrooms or shrooms are addictive or not. Someone can become addicted to any substance or habit if they overdo or overuse it.

Some people may prefer to combine psilocybin mushrooms with another substance such as LSD to increase the effect. If this is the case, individuals have more chances to become psychologically addicted to magic mushrooms than physically addicted.

The severity of addiction to these things often depends on the number of mushrooms someone is taking. People may become addicted to it because of its mind-altering capabilities and power to make you feel relaxed, just like people can become addicted to alcohol or weed.

Categories
Blog

How Much Is A Microdose and Setting an Intention When Microdosing Magic Mushrooms

People all around the world are turning to a milder side of psychedelics to seek improvements in their lives. Microdosing psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, has become an exciting way to experience life better. Some people are using it to boost their creativity, some enhance their senses, and some are treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

What remains unclear in all this is; how much is a microdose exactly? Does it differ from one person to another, or is it one size fits all? In this article, this is precisely what we will delve into.

What Is an Average Microdose?

In a scientific study on several human subjects, different doses of psilocybin were tested to discover that a range of 0.5 to 2.0 mg is reasonable for most potential microdoses, depending on their tolerance to the substance.

Deciding Factors

Specifying the exact quantity of psilocybin required for an ideal microdose is not enough. How is 0.5 to 2.0 mg going to translate into the dried shrooms you have lying around in your fridge? How do you even know the amount of psilocybin contained in a particular batch of mushrooms?

Well, the answer depends on a variety of factors. First, what part of the mushroom are you going to be consuming. The cap and stem each contain a specific amount of psychedelic substance. Secondly, the soil and environmental conditions matter a lot. In fact, between two different batches of the same species of shrooms, the amount of psilocybin can significantly vary. However, some rough calculations can be made despite all these factors.

Some Mushroom Math

It is still not clear whether the entirety of psilocybin converts to psilocin in the human body. The research is ongoing, but we know that different bodies can metabolize substances in myriad other ways depending on their health, sex, body type, and the compound salt form. When calculating doses, these aspects are not kept in mind. So, we may not be able to tell how much psilocybin is being delivered to the brain!

Calculating Psilocybin

While difficult, it is still possible to calculate the approximate amount of psilocybin in any given batch of magic mushrooms, provided that you are aware of the species’ name.

In his book titled Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World, Paul Stamets estimated the amount of the substance in 12 different species of dried shrooms. He also mentioned that his numbers are inflated, and most people will collect mushrooms on the lower end.

To calculate yours, you can use the following formula:

  • Weight of dried mushrooms in grams x percentage of psilocybin in the particular species / 100

However, most people who microdose also factor in the amount of psilocybin contained in the mushroom, as it is considered an active compound and can increase the intensity of the dose.

Once you have calculated the right dose, test the mushrooms with an Ehrlich Reagent testing kit to make sure they are pure. 

Setting an Intention

Before you begin a task, you already have the result in mind. You know where you have to go and how you will get there—setting an intention when microdosing psilocybin is kind of like that—except that you don’t have the result in mind, just what you want to achieve.

You may have heard that psychedelics are the only drugs that do what you want them to do. If you are still confused about it, you have come to the right page. Let’s delve deeper into what an intention is and how it can help you better your microdosing experience.

Intention vs. Goal

First, let’s differentiate between an intention and a goal. They may be similar in theory, but a choice is more than just passively thinking about a plan. It adds meaning and breathes life into your goals, while a goal would be something specific, persistent, and mainstream.

For instance, your goal when microdosing psilocybin could be that you want to change your allopathic medication for a more natural alternative.

However, your intention when taking the drug would be completely different:

  • To nurture connections with your loved ones
  • To bring about positive change in your life
  • To let go of negative emotions that cause you pain
  • To get over your past traumas
  • To embrace change
  • To seek spiritual growth—or anything that you think is holding you back in life.

In other words, an intention is heart-driven and not an entirely reasonable goal.

Discovering Your Intention

Not everybody is aware of what they want in life. If you’re going to discover what would heal you spiritually or make your life more meaningful, you should make this your intention: I intend to figure out how to make my life more spiritual and meaningful.

You can also think about what matters most to you in life, what aspects of life you want growth in, and when you feel the happiest. You could also think about the things you are grateful for or the thoughts that keep you from growing. Answering all these questions could help pave your way into a happier and more fulfilling future than you could have had before.

Become Effective and Empowered

Setting an intention helps give your thoughts a specific direction once the psychedelic experience has begun. Be clear about your goals in life, and you will be able to achieve them better through the magic that is psilocybin.

Moreover, you could also take this opportunity to become more empowered and proud of yourself. You may often find yourself thinking that you aren’t good enough or worthy enough to achieve what you want in life. If this is the case, microdosing psilocybin can help you experience not only the world but yourself in a different light.

Right before you take your microdose, set a few minutes aside to think about what you want to accomplish that day. If you are passionate enough about your intention, your day is bound to be eye-opening and spiritually revealing.

Categories
Blog

Psilocybin, IQ, and The Stoned Ape Hypothesis

Does consuming psilocybin increase IQ scores? There are many reasons this is of particular interest. For one, we have been looking for an “IQ pill” for a long time now with no luck. The main choices are nootropics like modafinil, Adderall, etc. Unfortunately, these don’t seem to work too well. Second, there are obvious benefits to a higher IQ, particularly in the labor market (Gwern, 2016; Strenze, 2015; Salgado and Moscoso, 2019). Third, as I will discuss shortly, even a minimal but significant increase in intelligence due to psilocybin may have some exciting implications for the so-called Stoned Ape hypothesis.

Why might psilocybin increase IQ scores? Well, the main driver of these effects would be neurogenesis. Many studies have found that psychedelics play a significant role in improving cognitive functioning through depression, fixing minor debilitative disorders, and abolishing the conditioned fear response in the brain.

Study in Rats

Catlow et al. (2013) injected one group of mice with a low dose of psilocybin and another with saline. They found the psilocybin injected group gained new neurons in the hippocampus. Before the mice were given psilocybin, they were placed in a freeze monitor box where they were conditioned into a fear response. This conditioned fear response was significantly reduced in the psilocybin treated group. In rats, other tryptamines were associated with increased dendritic arbor complexity and dendritic spine growth and synapse formation (Ly et al., 2018).

Clinical Study

We can rationally expect these effects to translate to humans due to the success of treating depression with psilocybin. A clinical study gave 12 patients with treatment-resistant depression psilocybin. The participants received two total doses, each very low to moderate size and seven days apart. They found that there were significant reductions in depression (Carhart-Harris et al., 2016). Unfortunately, there was no control or placebo group, so proving the causality is difficult.

But, when the treatment group has a treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and faces substantial effects over a long time, it is unlikely this was due to a placebo effect or a random happening. Carhart-Harris et al. (2017) found similar results in strong effectiveness of treating depression with psychedelics and saw these were related to changes in the amygdala.

Griffiths et al. (2016) used a random, double-blind cross-over trial to find if psilocybin helped treat depression and anxiety in cancer patients. They found that after moderate-large doses of psilocybin, the treatment group faced significant decreases in death anxiety and depression and increases in quality of life, meaning, and optimism compared to the placebo group. Community observers also observed these changes in the participants.

So, from what we can tell, psilocybin can treat major disorders and probably causes neurogenesis in the brain. 

Anyways, what does this mean in the long run?

Stoned Ape Hypothesis

The following hypothesis has been heavily mocked or ignored by the scientific community. And it’s understandable why. It sounds crazy. But I ask the reader to suspend their disbelief for just a moment and consider the possibility. One central mystery in modern evolutionary biology is the doubling in brain size for some two million to two hundred thousand years. Thus far, little plausible explanation has been given for why this occurred. In 1994, Terence McKenna proposed the Stoned Ape hypothesis to argue that the size of the brain increase was due to epigenetic neurogenesis, which happened through the casual consumption of Psilocybe cubensis. 

Why does McKenna’s view even make sense? As our primate ancestors left the jungles and traveled the desert areas, they needed to look for food. When you look for food, you’re typically looking for things like footprints and dung as they tell where animals have been.

The most prevalent fleshy mushroom found within animal dung, like that in hippopotami, cows, etc., is Psilocybe cubensis. We now know that 22 primate species consume mushrooms, giving this theory some more credence.

Hence psilocybin inclusion in the diet shifted the parameters of human behavior in favor of patterns of activity that promoted increased language; acquisition of language led to more vocabulary and an expanded memory capacity. The psilocybin-using individuals evolved epigenetic rules or cultural forms to survive and reproduce better than other individuals. Eventually, the more successful epigenetically based styles of behavior spread through the populations along with the genes that reinforce them. In this fashion, the people would evolve genetically and culturally.

The issue is proving psilocybin usage is beneficial or that it even increased intelligence in some way. That is where the theory of psychedelics and IQ comes in.

Do Psychedelics Increase Intelligence?

Even then, the amount of studies is minimal. That said, most indicate a potential increase, albeit a probably small one. Here is a table summarizing the research I found:

I should note that any increase at all is potentially beneficial. When discussing the brain size increase, we are talking 200,000 years to 2 million years. If our primate ancestors were consuming these drugs every day, perhaps multiple times a day even, then the effects of one dose being minor are radically multiplied insignificance. Since psychedelics may increase intelligence, there is undoubtedly a stronger argument for the Stoned Ape Hypothesis.

Modern Implications

If the Stoned Ape hypothesis is correct, then other things must be true about psilocybin usage. We would have to show somehow that high doses of psilocybin are associated with language-making abilities. This latter is expected to be true because psychedelics are associated with a more significant tactile response and a greater love for your surroundings, finding beauty in more things and getting a more extensive response when touching, seeing, or listening to various things.

Once again, I ask the reader to suspend their disbelief for a moment. Say one of our ancient ancestors is looking through the desert for food and comes across Psilocybe cubensis. If it is responsible for extinguishing the conditioned fear response, we know he could certainly hunt better. The same goes for visual and audio perception. Additionally, the group may take these and experience greater empathy which is shown across many studies. This is of particular interest in the creation of civilization. Bravery and altruism are great things to have in coordinating a group.

And so, if this is true, perhaps we ought to change the way we view these drugs. We see their benefits, and if we could somehow give more credence to the Stoned Ape hypothesis, we would understand that we are forever indebted to them for allowing Homo sapiens to arise and create modern civilization. Indeed, it would almost cause mass participation in psilocybin usage.

A study done by Hendricks et al. (2017) found that psilocybin usage decreased criminal behavior by ~20 percent. Imagine the consequences if everyone took these drugs. A 20 percent drop in crime would be extraordinary.

But, maybe for more conservative readers, this is extreme, this is ludicrous, etc. Fine. Say psychedelics have some effect on intelligence. What could you do to make this beneficial to you? I can hardly advocate we treat these breathtaking experiences, which can be very anxiolytic for many people, as an automatic IQ increases.

But, more and more evidence is increasing towards the benefits of microdosing. This is essentially taking a very small dose of psilocybin or LSD, maybe five days a week. It can also be combined with Lion’s Mane, a legal, medical mushroom that encourages neurogenesis, and with niacin which spreads the effects around the brain, allowing more excellent coverage of regeneration of neurons.

Microdosing is known to be used by coders and business people in Silicon Valley. And if it is all that helpful for things like creativity and cognitive functioning in general, then it will automatically put these people at an advantage. A small dose will not bring about any visuals, at least after the first day of microdosing, and so it will not have the same anxiolytic effect large amounts of psilocybin might have.

Psychedelics May Have an Effect on Intelligence

In conclusion, I think the Stoned Ape hypothesis is certainly plausible, especially with some, however non-conclusive, evidence that psychedelics may increase intelligence. If this is true, we may consider rethinking how we view our relation to psilocybin and mushrooms in general, perhaps.

We still can’t prove the Stoned Ape hypothesis, but we could demonstrate that psychedelics affect intelligence. It requires a proper study, maybe two, which looks at the effects of one or more large doses in the first one and the effects of microdosing in the second one.

One may bring up the Algernon argument when discussing the lasting effects of psilocybin microdosing on IQ, but this is not all that important if one decides to continue dosing, especially with next to zero risks. Indeed, in a study using Lion’s Mane to help cognitively disabled people, there were substantial, positive effects on IQ, but if the user stopped dosing, then it went away. Overall, this whole thing needs more research, and I think it should be done in respect of free inquiry and the desire for scientific improvement.

Categories
Blog

5 Amazing Benefits of Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms or “Magic Mushrooms” have long had an infamous reputation among western society. This is mainly due to the Convention on Psychotropic Substances act passed in 1971 as a knee-jerk reaction to the increased drug use and counterculture of the ’60s. Psilocybin mushrooms were lumped in with opioids and amphetamines in the most highly controlled category. Thankfully, due to increased understanding and research in recent years, the tide of public opinion is turning. Psilocybin mushrooms are now inching their way towards widespread decriminalization.

Another stigma the Psilocybin mushroom has to contend with is the fear of the “bad trip.” This comes from anecdotal horror stories of experimenters trapped in nightmarish hallucinations or injuring themselves through panic. An experience such as this can be a consequence of misuse of psilocybin, particularly mixing with other drugs or alcohol.

In the right “set and setting,” psilocybin can be a truly fantastic tool for mind expansion, personal growth, and dealing with trauma.

‘SET’ – refers to the mindset a person brings to the experience. The mental state is critical as any thoughts, feelings, or preconceived notions may be amplified during the incident. A person should be relaxed, well-informed, and free from any other substances such as alcohol.

‘SETTING’ – refers to the physical and social environment in which the experience takes place. It should be somewhere safe and calm, with people you know and trust. Psychedelics often enhance emotions, so an uncontrollable hectic environment is likely to cause stress. It is also a good idea to turn off phones and get rid of any other distractions.

Here are five potentially life-changing benefits of a Psilocybin experience:

  1. Dissolution of ego
  2. Break negative thought patterns
  3. Able to deal with buried memories & trauma
  4. Increased compassion & empathy
  5. Increased connection with nature & the world

Dissolution of Ego

One fantastic effect of a Psilocybin trip is the unleashing of the mind to break away from the constraints of the ego. The ego can be thought of as the conscious decision-making aspect of our minds – the concept of ‘self’ built up by years of learned behavior.

The ego is inherently self-interested, which is a valuable quality for survival and self-propagation. The problem comes with being unable to step outside the ego’s perspective, which is often clouded by subconscious emotions and reactions. Psilocybin dissolves the ego, allowing us to see the issues and emotions covering our thought processes with extreme clarity. It also allows us to step outside of our perspective and see the bigger picture and the view of other people. If focused properly, it allows for a deep exploration of the subconscious.

Breaking Negative Thought Patterns

We all follow specific thought patterns or habits of thinking. These are like pathways engrained in our minds through learned responses to familiar stimuli. They’re formed much in the same way as a physical habit, by repetition, but can be much harder to break as they’re less visible.

Positive thought patterns can often be beneficial. The problem arises when we develop negative or faulty thought patterns, which lead us to a downward spiral. Such prolonged negative patterns can often lead to depression. There may have been an event or trauma to initiate negative thoughts, then the pattern of negative thinking becomes ingrained and very hard to break.

Psilocybin can be a fantastic tool for breaking negative thought patterns and allowing for a clean slate.

The best analogy I have heard describes our minds as a ski slope with deep paths ingrained by constant skiing.

Psilocybin is like a snowplow flattening the piste, allowing skiers to move around in whichever direction they please.

In recent years research groups such as Johns Hopkins and Kings College of London have begun trials to support their hypothesis that psilocybin may help treat treatment-resistant depression, addiction, and PTSD, after some promising research.

Even for the relatively healthy mind, the breaking and re-examining of thought patterns can be highly beneficial.

Dealing With Buried Memories & Trauma

Our minds have ways of protecting us from emotional trauma, often burying traumatic experiences deep down in our subconscious. This allows us to go about our daily life with normality but usually has negative consequences. Buried trauma can fester away in the depths of our minds like a rotten apple at the bottom of a barrel. Eventually, the effects will begin to show themselves in our behavior and emotions, sometimes manifesting in depression or addiction.

Much in the same way, psilocybin allows us to dissolve the ego and change our thought patterns. It will enable us to break through our mind’s defensive barriers and confront these negative memories. This can often be a painful and scary experience, as any confrontation is. The lasting effects of dealing with these issues head-on, however, can be life-changing.

Psilocybin and other psychedelic therapy have been described as having as much beneficial impact as five years of regular treatment. Between 70 and 100% of participants in some studies have described psilocybin-assisted therapy as among the most

Personally meaningful and spiritually significant experiences of their lives.

An excellent documentary that highlights this potential use for psilocybin and other psychedelics is ‘Dosed.’ It follows the journey of a long-time addict as she seeks to find the route of her problems and overcome her addiction.

Increased Compassion & Empathy

Those who take psilocybin often become aware of significantly increased compassion and the ability to empathize. This is linked to the ability to step outside our egos and see things through the eyes of others. The increased empathy can have on relationships with others and conflict resolution is invaluable. If a person can empathize well, they are likely to have more friends and healthier relationships.

Studies have shown psilocybin to increase empathy while leaving our moral decision-making ability unchanged considerably. This suggests it doesn’t cloud our judgment but shows us other perspectives, resulting in better reactions & decision making.

Lack of empathy is linked with various mental disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder, psychopathy, and borderline personality disorder. It is yet to be seen what effects psilocybin can have on treating disorders such as these. Studies such as this one have had success in showing increased empathy in participants and increased well-being seven days after a psilocybin experience. This hints at the potential for treatment for a wide range of conditions.

Increased Connectivity With Nature and The World

Another effect of breaking down of “the self” is a feeling of connectivity to nature and the rest of creation.

In our 21st Century lives, we’ve become so disconnected from nature it becomes easy to pretend we’re somehow separate from the world, the plants, and the animals. We rule over other animals and take the world’s resources for granted, treating them like our personal supermarket.

When barriers put up by the ego are broken, the individual becomes aware of the oh-so-obvious fact that we are the world, we are nature. We are nothing but intelligent apes with godlike technological power.

One trick of the collective human ego is to convince us we’re special, that nature exists only to please us. One hero’s journey with some suitably potent Psilocybin mushrooms is enough to lay bare the absurdity of this illusion. All that then remains is the glaring truth that we as a species have been abusing and destroying our only home and our brothers and sisters.

I am convinced if each of the world leaders were to commit to a triannual dose of psilocybin, we would see the tide turn on the climate crisis we find ourselves in. Priorities would surely be better aligned with our planet, its inhabitants, and the long-term wellbeing of our species. One can only dream.