Treatment for Addiction with Psilocybin
Most people don’t know much about psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic truffles) is only a recreational drug. This is probably because it’s banned in the U.S., like other psychedelics. Also, it’s considered a Schedule 1 substance, which implies a high potential for abuse. In addition, it’s yet to be fully accepted for use in medical treatment.
Despite that, different medical science research suggests more about psilocybin. This research shows that it has great potential for use in treating different health issues. A remarkable treatment option with psilocybin is for use in people with substance dependencies.
Studies reveal that more than 100,000 lost their lives to opioid overdose in the U.S. in 2021 alone. This further justifies the urgent need for effective substances for treating substance use disorder.
There is different research on psilocybin with promising results, and interest in the substance continues to increase. A recent study in Scientific Reports was able to associate psilocybin with reducing the risk of opioid use disorder.
This was only one of the numerous studies that show that psilocybin has promising use and needs further investigation. Another study is from Johns Hopkins University. In the study, up to 15 participants were able to quit smoking after receiving psilocybin for up to 16 months. Another study was also able to reveal an increase in abstinence among addicts after taking psilocybin.
There is much other research on psilocybin, with more being performed to further justify its use for many mental health issues. Our focus for this article will be on how psilocybin may be a therapeutic breakthrough for addiction. But before we continue with that, let’s have a brief recap of addiction and what you should know.
Everything to Know About Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease that causes changes in brain function and structure. This is a condition that currently affects up to 10% of adults within the U.S.
Basically, what addiction does is that it switches desires in the brain with a desire for the addicted substance. If you’re addicted to a substance, you’ll no longer enjoy what people enjoy normally. The only thing you’ll think of is how you can take the drug you’re addicted to.
In most cases, the change in the brain often begins with identifying pleasure. These changes then progress to a compulsive behavior to fulfill the drive and pleasure.
The influence of addiction on the brain is a powerful and intense one, and this can manifest in the following ways:
- Inability to control the use of the substance
- Craving for the substance
- Continuing to take the substance, despite its adverse effects
Addiction Rarely Acts Alone
Trauma, depression, trauma, anxiety, and stress also result from substance use disorders. All this can lead to mental health conditions.
Studies show that most people suffering from mental illnesses also struggle with addiction. Here are some of the common conditions that occur simultaneously with substance use disorder:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- PTSD
- ADHD
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia and many other psychotic disorders
Causes of Addiction
Addiction could be a result of different factors, among which include peer pressure, availability, trauma, life events, and childhood experiences. These are all the factors that can contribute to addiction and substance abuse.
How to Identify Someone Struggling with Addiction
People who are addicted to a substance suffer both psychological and physical dependence. In some cases, the signs may occur instantly, and in others, it may take a while.
Here are some of the physical signs of addiction:
- Poor physical coordination
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Seizures or tremors
- Changes in weight, appetite, and irregular eating habits
- Changes in eyes and skin
- Poor personal hygiene
- Extreme hyperactivity or lethargy
The psychological signs of addiction also include the following:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Changes in personality
- Hopelessness and depression
- Lost interest in activities
- Secretive and easily withdrawn.
Treating Addiction
Despite the effects of addiction, it remains a condition that can be treated effectively. There are different medications and therapy for substance use disorders. These options help to manage addictive behaviors and also prevent relapse.
Treating addiction often involves the use of family therapy, medications, dialectical behavior therapy, exposure, response prevention therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy. Group therapy approaches have also proven to be an effective option.
Also, it’s important to note that the treatment usually depends on the type and severity of the disorder. Among the different treatment options available, psilocybin is rapidly drawing the interest of many. This is because it has shown great potential for different mental health conditions. Continue reading to find out how psilocybin may help people with addiction.
Why Psilocybine Might Help Treat Addiction
As mentioned earlier, there are different clinal trials focusing on psilocybin and mental illnesses. Most of these trials show the potential for psilocybin to boost mood. However, the exact mechanism of action of these substances is yet to be fully verified. For now, research evidence shows that psilocybin increases the neuroplasticity of the brain.
Another study in Nature Medicine found that psilocybin can help the brain by reducing connection with areas associated with depression. Also, psilocybin use generally helps to reduce depressive symptoms, according to research using people and animals.
In addition to all of these studies, animal trials using psilocybin show a significant effect on mental well-being. This is especially in its ability to reduce inflammation and other stress inducers. All these are potential factors that can induce depression, and studies show that psilocybin is an effective treatment option.
Biological mechanisms and psychological experience are reasons to be excited about psilocybin and other psychedelic substances. The experience that people get from the substances is usually insightful, meaningful, and spiritual in nature. This is a common report from people who use psilocybin for behavioral changes.
The Unique Advantages of Psilocybine
While the research to further examines the use of psilocybin for different mental health conditions, there are interesting findings. Researchers have been able to show two features that make psilocybin an attractive treatment option for mental illnesses.
The first thing to note is that even though the substance has a few side effects, it’s not addictive. Psilocybin only gives these side effects when used in an uncontrolled environment. The second feature is that the effects of psilocybin can be long-lasting. Therefore, it’s advisable to only take the substance intermittently to reduce the risk of side effects.
These two facts are very vital, especially when it comes to safety, unlike other pills that people take. Other psychedelics tend to have many side effects that last for many years.
Research to fully understand the potential of psilocybin is still being explored, with different research centers taking the front lead. Before now, most of the psychedelic research in the U.S. came to an abrupt end. This was following the criminalization of the possession and manufacture of psilocybin and many other psychedelics.
However, scientists today are going back to past records to allow them to fully explore their potential. New research and clinical trials also show that it’s an effective treatment for substance use disorder. However, only a few participants were used in most of these trials.
There’s so much more to learn, and you can find different topics including microdosing we have covered in our blog section. We also have a Smart Shop, and you can get different types of magic truffles. You can buy magic truffles from us. From Tampanensis to Mexicana and Galindoi, you can get it all from Microdose Bros. We ship discreetly in Europe.
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