How do psychedelics promote healing?

 

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While each substance can have unique effects depending on the individual, psychedelics have been shown in brain imaging studies to decrease brain activity in the default mode network,1 a set of interconnected regions of the brain involved in the manifestation of sense of self (such as self-reflection), judgment, tolerance, and reality testing. These brain regions are typically more active during passive tasks – such as remembering or daydreaming – than during tasks that demand more focused attention.2,3 The default mode network has been shown to fuel negative thoughts and to be particularly overactive in certain mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.4 During psychedelic therapy, the default mode network becomes quiet and brain regions that normally don’t communicate can begin to talk to one another.5 These temporary changes in brain activity have the potential to alter negative thought patterns and lower levels of anxiety and depression in certain individuals, allowing for new insights and perspectives to emerge that can be useful in making meaningful life changes.6

Additionally, psychedelics have been shown to induce neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to change its structure, functions, and connections in response to stimuli.7 Neuroplasticity is critical to the human experience as it allows for changes in negative thought patterns and behaviors.8

Footnotes

1. Virdi, J. (n.d.). Psychedelics and the Default Mode Network. Psychedelics Today. https://psychedelicstoday.com/2020/02/04/psychedelics-and-the-default-mode-network/

2. Psychology Today Staff (n.d.). Default Mode Network. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/default-mode-network

3. Bruckner, R. (2013, September). The Brain’s Default Network:; Origins and Implications for the Study of Psychosis. National Institutes of Health – National Library of Science. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3811106/

4. Virdi, J. (n.d.). Psychedelics and the Default Mode Network. Psychedelics Today. https://psychedelicstoday.com/2020/02/04/psychedelics-and-the-default-mode-network/

5. VETS (n.d.). How Do Psychedelics Work? Modern Recovery: Veterans and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.https://resources.vetsolutions.org/modern-recovery-veterans-psychedelic-assisted-therapy/#/lessons/QUIY7eDRZeF-t6cgXOwcudHZos3mk2_g

6. Virdi, J. (n.d.). Psychedelics and the Default Mode Network. Psychedelics Today. https://psychedelicstoday.com/2020/02/04/psychedelics-and-the-default-mode-network/

7. Psychology Today Staff (n.d.). Neuroplasticity. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/neuroplasticity

8. Psychology Today Staff (n.d.). Neuroplasticity. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/neuroplasticity