Written by Nina Izel, Healer, Teacher, and Author
Nina Izel is a well-known pioneer in the psychedelic healing field; she is the founder of Avatar Healing Arts, the author of the book Heart Medicine, Ayahuasca Assisted Therapy and the Integration Process, and the host of the podcast Ayahuhsca Avatars.
In recent years, we are witnessing a paradigm shift that few could have predicted: the resurgence of psychedelic substances as potential therapeutic tools. Once dismissed as dangerous and illegal drugs, compounds like psilocybin and MDMA are now at the forefront of cutting-edge research, offering new hope for millions suffering from mental health challenges.
The history of psychedelic research and therapy
It may be surprising but using psychedelic substances for therapy is not a new idea, and the research on psychedelics actually long began in the 1940s with the discovery of LSD by Albert Hofmann (1943 at Sandoz Laboratories).
Over 1000 clinical papers were published, several dozen books, and six international conferences on psychedelic drug therapy were held until the prohibition in 1971. It's estimated that LSD was given to more than 40,000 patients for various psychiatric disorders.
One of the most well-known project was conducted by Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) at Harvard University, the controversial Harvard Psilocybin Project, which sparked widespread interest in the field of psychedelics.
Some of the most promising research focused on treating alcoholism. Studies showed success rates of around 50% for LSD therapy in alcohol addiction. Psychedelics also showed potential in alleviating existential anxiety and depression.
Eventually and for various reasons in 1970, The Controlled Substances Act in the United States classified most psychedelics as Schedule I drugs, effectively ending most legitimate research for decades.
Despite its limitations, the research conducted in the 1960s laid important groundwork for our understanding of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic uses. Many of them are now being revisited and built upon in the current psychedelic renaissance.
The psychedelic renaissance
The story of psychedelics in mental health is one of hope and redemption. After decades of prohibition and stigma following the 1970s prohibition, these substances are experiencing a renaissance in application and clinical research.
One of the most exciting aspects of psychedelic therapy is its potential to help those who suffer from chronic conditions such as:
Depression: Psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms," has shown remarkable efficacy in treating major depressive disorder.
PTSD: MDMA-assisted therapy has demonstrated significant success in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, with some studies reporting remission rates as high as 67% among participants.
Addiction: Both psilocybin and ibogaine have shown promise in treating various forms of addiction, including alcoholism and opioid dependence.
Anxiety: Research shows both MDMA and psilocybin to be effective in reducing anxiety with effects lasting several months after treatment.
A new paradigm of treatment
Unlike traditional daily medications, psychedelic therapy often involves just one or a few supervised sessions, including preparatory and integration sessions. This approach not only offers the potential for rapid and lasting change in shorter time but also addresses concerns about long-term medication use and side effects.
Breakthrough results, faster recovery with less sessions
Long lasting effects, long term results (going to the root of the problem)
No side effects (with responsible use)
Non-addictive
Rewires the brain
Recent research suggests that psychedelics promote neuroplasticity in many ways. This means they can increase the brain's ability to adapt and change. As a result, individuals can break out of rigid thought patterns, facilitate the processing of traumatic memories, break addictive behavior, and increase cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.
More than that, psychedelics have minimal risk of any side effects when used in a controlled therapeutic setting. The infrequent dosing of psychedelics reduces the risk of potential addiction, and these substances are not addictive unlike a lot of FDA approved medication that is available.
To create lasting change psychedelic therapy has a psychological and holistic approach to go to the root of the problem rather than symptom management.
The psychedelic wellness movement
With global levels of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction on the rise, people are searching for alternative solutions. Many individuals are becoming dissatisfied with conventional treatments because of ineffectiveness, because of side effects, and seek holistic, transformative healing that addresses the root cause of suffering.
Psychedelic wellness tourism has emerged as a significant trend during the so-called "psychedelic renaissance," as increasing numbers of people seek out healing and transformative experiences through plant medicine retreats. These retreats typically feature traditional plant medicines like Ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, San Pedro (huachuma), Peyote and Iboga, often guided by experienced shamans in ceremonial contexts.
In addition to travelers going abroad, there has been an increase in shamans and indigenous healers traveling to the U.S. to lead plant medicine ceremonies thanks to the growing demand for psychedelic healing experiences within the United States.
Psychedelic wellness tourism is increasingly being recognized for its potential mental health benefits, especially as part of the broader psychedelic renaissance. These retreats offer an immersive experience, combining spiritual and therapeutic practices with the use of traditional plant medicines.
The mental health benefits of such experiences are being supported by emerging scientific research and anecdotal evidence such as:
Relief from depression, anxiety
Healing from chronic disease
Healing trauma and PTSD
Overcoming addiction
Finding meaning and purpose
Empathy and connection
Self discovery and personal growth
Being part of a community, connecting with like-minded people
Cognitive flexibility, increased awareness
Responsible plant medicine retreats offer a traditional, ceremonial setting, structured environment, preparation and integration sessions, individual attention and a break from everyday life and the usual environment for deep introspection and lasting transformation. Going on a plant medicine retreat allows people to temporarily disconnect from their regular lives and routines, focus on themselves and plant strong seeds for healing and mental well-being.
Psychedelic wellness tourism provides a powerful alternative to conventional mental health treatments by providing holistic and often life-changing experiences for those seeking deep healing, spiritual growth, and a new way to improve their mental health.
If psychedelics become more accepted within Western medicine and legislation continues to loosen restrictions, we will hopefully see a collaboration, where indigenous healing traditions and modern therapeutic practices converge in both retreat settings and mainstream medical environments for the benefit of all.
Looking to the future
Despite the promising results, the field of psychedelic therapy faces several challenges:
Regulatory hurdles and the need for rescheduling of these substances
Ensuring proper training for therapists and clinicians
Addressing concerns about potential misuse and abuse of psychedelics
The need for more scientific research for mainstream acceptance
The FDA has already granted "breakthrough therapy" designation to both psilocybin for depression and MDMA for PTSD, fast-tracking their path to potential approval.
As we stand on the brink of a new era in mental health treatment, the resurgence of psychedelics offers both hope and challenges. the journey forward requires a balance between embracing both ancient traditions and the gifts of western medicine. By integrating the wisdom of indigenous plant medicine practices with cutting-edge science, we may finally unlock the full potential of psychedelics to bring lasting healing and transformation around the world.
The revolution in mental health treatment is here, and it's mind-bending indeed.
Are you ready to embark on this new journey? Connect for a free consultation with me!
Read more from Nina Izel
Nina Izel, Healer, Teacher, and Author
Nina Izel helps people to heal and change their life with psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is passionate about self-discovery and self-empowerment and she believes that you are the healer and love is the medicine. Her mission is to support, educate and guide people regarding the safe, responsible and effective use of sacred plant medicines for healing and awakening.
