‘Doing’ psychedelics is not about distracting from ‘reality’. It is about facing reality in a way that helps us engage and participate.
On this side of the hemisphere, we are facing the dark season. In the USA, we’re facing uncertainty that feels heavy and full of conflict, with no clear vision. As a Psychedelic Integration Therapist, I’m in awe that I have new clients willing to face, engage, and participate in ‘reality’ by exploring psychedelics.
Microdosing to face depression
I began microdosing psychedelics when the Me Too broke out on social media. October 2017, for me, was the Dark Ages. To address the sexual violations I experienced growing up in Texas with my therapist, I chose pychedelics to shed light on the dark basement of my buried memories. Since the presidential election, I’ve been having flashbacks of how much depression weighed on me. And yes, I am microdosing psychedelics right along with my Vitamin D supplements. I refer to microdosing psychedelics as a supplement that aids in building new neural pathways (neurogenesis). Neurogenesis is like a blast of sunlight on a heavy cloudy day, it’s like a gentle shake to soften my fascia, and it’s like children’s laughter to lighten my heart. The above image is of a bouquet of dandelion flowers that can appear fluffy-big and yet the bouquet is feather-light.
How to stay engaged and look up right now
What also helps me cope right now is keeping my world small, local, and intimate so that I can trust the feedback I’m receiving. I look for opportunities for eye contact and openings for small acts of kindness while driving in traffic. Anything I can do to feel of service on a personal level bolsters my tender innocence. My inner child feels betrayed by the current global climate and political upheaval. Psychedelics offer a bigger perspective. I track my inner dialogue with breathing room and more self-acceptance. New neural pathways offer different choices to respond to the same old narrative.
In other words, I’m not waiting for the world to change, or for me to change, to catch my breath and live fully. Shifting perspective is doable. Evolution is possible.
Who can microdose psychedelics?
“What if I’m in recovery and practicing being sober, can I take psychedelics and continue my sobriety?”
Absolutely. Psychedelics are not addicting. Some speculate that Bill W. used LSD during the writing of the Big Book of Alcoholics Annonymous. The medicinal and healing effects of psychedelic therapy show potential in ways Western pharmacology fails.
If you’re currently seeing a health professional, I encourage you to inquire how microdosing psychedelics can shed light on your self-care regimen. This is the season when stress increases. Our routines are disrupted. Family traditions and expectations can feel soul-crushing. Add current political and climate upheaval to even the most ‘functional holiday household’, and you’ve got anxiety skulking.
Psychedelic Scientific Research
Research on microdosing psychedelics is rapidly expanding, opening up pathways for incredible new insights and advancements that could revolutionize our understanding of mental health and cognitive enhancement. A recent study titled Global Trends in Psychedelic Microdosing: Demographics, Substance Testing Behavior, and Patterns of Use found data collected from a significant sample of 6,193 psychedelic consumers, among which 2,488 were identified as microdosers. This extensive data set provides a unique opportunity to explore the various motivations, experiences, and outcomes associated with microdosing, shedding light on its potential applications and benefits. As interest grows and more individuals seek out these novel approaches, researchers are poised to uncover valuable findings that may contribute to improved mental wellness and performance.
While psychedelics are gaining legal status in the USA, microdosing LSD and psilocybin are growing increasingly popular among various demographics, particularly within the wellness and entrepreneurial communities. This trend is often attributed to a rising interest in mental health, creativity enhancement, and overall well-being. Research suggests that microdosing may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, encouraging individuals to seek out these substances in controlled, small amounts. In 2019, over 5.5 million people in the U.S. used hallucinogens, an increase from 1.7 percent of individuals aged 12 and older in 2002 to 2.2 percent in 2019. This growth reflects a significant cultural shift, where the stigma around psychedelics is diminishing, and more people are recognizing their potential benefits in both therapeutic and recreational contexts. As the dialogue about responsible use continues to evolve, further research and public education about these substances may pave the way for wider acceptance and understanding.
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