Psychedelic Integration & Safety
In the last decade, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics such as psilocybin (i.e., the active compound in “shrooms” or “magic mushrooms”), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). While these substances have been used for centuries in spiritual and cultural contexts, their potential for treating mental health conditions has only recently started to be explored again. I have expressed my views on current prohibition laws elsewhere (see Allen & Dodd, 2018) and the stance psychologist ought to adopt.
It is important to be up-front. A therapist helping you integrate your psychedelic experiences:
Cannot tell you where or how to purchase illegal substances (for various legal and ethical reasons; see Pilecki et al., 2021).
Does not formally recommend or suggest that you ingest illegal substances.
Psychedelic Integration vs. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic integration is distinct from psychedelic-assisted therapy. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a form of therapy that uses psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA to assist clients in working through mental health conditions. During psychedelic-assisted therapy, clients take a controlled dose of a psychedelic substance in a safe and supportive environment, while a trained therapist provides guidance and support. Psychedelic integration is often part of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, but is not defined by it.
What is Psychedelic Integration & Safety?
Psychedelic integration involves identifying ways to integrate the insights and experiences gained from psychedelic experiences into daily life in a healthy and meaningful way. A therapist may utilize a harm reduction framework and provide psychoeducation about the use of psychedelics in order to promote safety and minimize risks associated with their use (while maximizing gain). After the experience, the therapist may work with a client to integrate their insights and experiences gained from psychedelic use into daily life. For example, some people may experience a profound sense of gratitude or appreciation during their experience but do not know how to carry that forward in their daily life. A therapist might work with the client to find ways for the client to actively show appreciation or gratitude to loved ones in their life.
The therapeutic process can also involve the use of mindfulness and other practices that can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation. These practices can be helpful for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
The well-known snowfall ❄️ analogy suggests that just as a fresh blanket of snow can cover up well-trodden paths and create new routes, psychedelics can also help individuals break out of engrained patterns of thinking and behavior. The non-ordinary state of consciousness induced by psychedelics can create new neural pathways in the brain (de Vos et al., 2021), potentially leading to increased openness, flexibility, and creativity (Watts & Luoma, 2020). However, just as snow can also create hazards and obstacles, using psychedelics can also be unpredictable and potentially risky, which highlights the importance of responsible use and caution.
Risks & Limitations of Psychedelics
While psychedelics can be helpful for many people, there are risks and limitations to consider when using substances that alter your state of consciousness.
One of the most significant risks is the possibility of triggering difficult emotions or experiences during a psychedelic experience. If you decide to consume psychedelic substances, it is crucial to be in a place where you feel safe, have reasonable expectations and intentions, and be fully informed to minimize risk.
Psychedelics are not legal in all countries, and they can be costly to access. It is essential to research local laws and regulations. Some substances, such as ketamine, are often able to be accessed legally.
There is limited research on psychedelics and mental health. There are not many studies that compare how effective psychedelics are to other established frontline treatments such as prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive processing therapy (CPT).
Purity and interactions with other drugs or medical conditions. Some psychedelic substances may interact dangerously with certain prescribed medications or medical conditions, and it is recommended to consult with a medical provider before using psychedelics. Additionally, when drugs are obtained from unregulated (or inadequately regulated) sources, there may be uncertainty about purity. Drug-checking kits are available to the public to help minimize this risk.
Some people who use substances report experiencing symptoms of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Though, this is a controversial topic. Some researchers and mental health professionals question the validity of HPPD and whether it represents a distinct clinical entity or is simply a manifestation of other psychiatric conditions or drug abuse (Halpern et al., 2016). One of the main arguments for this position is that the age at which people use psychedelics for the first time tends to also occur at the typical age of onset for many psychiatric conditions.
Resources
Psychedelic.Support: A directory of therapists, integration coaches, and other professionals who specialize in supporting individuals in safely and responsibly using psychedelics.
Fantastic Fungi: A documentary film that explores the fascinating world of mushrooms and their potential for healing and transformation. The film highlights the role of mushrooms in various aspects of human life, including medicine, food, and environmental sustainability.
How To Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence: Michael Pollan explores the history, science, and potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic substances like LSD and psilocybin. The book includes personal experiences, scientific research, and interviews with experts in the field, offering a compelling argument for the reconsideration of psychedelics as a tool for personal growth and transformation.
If you’re in Oregon:
In April 2023, Oregon licensed its first psilocybin facilitators. For further information and resources, visit Oregon Psilocybin Services.
Portland Psychedelic Society (PPS). PPS is a non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, that aims to create a safe, inclusive, and educational community around the use of psychedelics. The organization hosts events, workshops, and discussions on topics related to psychedelics, including their therapeutic potential, cultural history, and responsible use.
Portland Psychotherapy Psychedelic Integration and Safety Services. They offer a Psychedelic Integration and Safety group, which is open to people who would like to talk about their psychedelic experiences in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Portland Psychotherapy also maintains many useful pages with updated information regarding an overview of relevant research, risks, information for mental health professionals, and legal issues, among other topics.
Trying To Find a Las Vegas or Online Therapist Near You?
There are risks and limitations of psychedelics. At the same time, I believe there is much potential for psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca) to be used as tools for personal growth. While I cannot facilitate access, in any way, to psychedelic substances due to their illegal nature, I can offer a harm-reduction approach for clients who are seeking psychedelic experiences by providing accurate information about risks and benefits and then supporting you to make an informed choice that is right for you.
I serve Las Vegas, NV, and Nevada statewide, Portland, OR, and all of Oregon statewide (in addition to 33+ PsyPACT states) via teletherapy. You may call me at (702) 530-6134, schedule an initial consultation, or use the contact form to take the first step.
You can learn more about my background and credentials on my About Me page.
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Allen, L. R., & Dodd, C. G. (2018). Psychologists’ responsibility to society: Public policy and the ethics of political action. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 38, 42–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/teo0000077
de Vos, C. M., Mason, N. L., & Kuypers, K. P. (2021). Psychedelics and neuroplasticity: a systematic review unraveling the biological underpinnings of psychedelics. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 724606. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606
Halpern, J. H., Lerner, A. G., & Passie, T. (2018). A review of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) and an exploratory study of subjects claiming symptoms of HPPD. Behavioral Neurobiology of Psychedelic Drugs, 333-360.
Pilecki, B., Luoma, J. B., Bathje, G. J., Rhea, J., & Narloch, V. F. (2021, December 1). Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy. Harm Reduction Journal, 18, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-021-00489-1
Watts, R., & Luoma, J. B. (2020). The use of the psychological flexibility model to support psychedelic assisted therapy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, 92–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2019.12.004
