3 ms·

For someone with psychological trauma in his/her past, is it worth the risk of messing with one’s head? I’m thinking about something like visiting a resort-lik

by sedeki 7y ago

For someone with psychological trauma in his/her past, is it worth the risk of messing with one’s head? I’m thinking about something like visiting a resort-like place (recommended here; forgot its name) where they have experienced ”mediators” that help you, and actual doctors.

chiefgeek 7y ago
I definitely recommend finding somebody who will at least sit with you, better yet, find a guide. Also, in my experience, therapeutic MDMA was more useful at getting to and releasing past trauma than psilocybin. The guides are all underground in USA due to what were largely racist and fear-based laws that were enacted in the 70s and 80s.
- tenaciousDaniel 7y ago
  ^ this. MDMA is kind of like a psychedelic, but it's more of an emotional psychedelic. The first time I tried it, I thought "wow this would be an incredible tool for therapy". But with MDMA it's critical to go to a reputable source, do not buy it through an illicit trade (ecstasy). edit: some other advice for MDMA. Do it with someone you trust, preferably someone who has done it before, don't do it in public, and make sure you don't have access to phones or any other means to contact people.
  - chiefgeek 7y ago
    Right. And don't make any life changing decisions for at least six weeks afterward. In fact, in the early 70's, it WAS used successfully as a tool for couples therapy.
tenaciousDaniel 7y ago
There are conflicting reports about this. Some people with latent mental illnesses can have them triggered by psychedelics. But there are plenty of people who anecdotally report being able to deal with past trauma through them. It's impossible to predict how you'd react, but it sounds like you're looking in the right direction. Find a safe, professional place, and start small. You definitely don't want to start with a high dosage.
- samatman 7y ago
  This argument has never set well with me. It seems to be a case of affirming the consequent: if you have latent mental illness, then psychedelics can manifest it, therefore, if psychedelics trigger a mental health crisis, it must be because of latent mental illness. I think it's quite possible, likely even, that psychedelics occasionally trigger mental health crises, sometimes long-lasting ones, in individuals who would not otherwise have experienced them. They're also quite valuable, and that needs to be weighed against the risk. Having guidance and starting small, is good advice.
pmoriarty 7y ago
MDMA has been used successfully to treat severe, treatment-resistant PTSD.[1] This was done under the guidance of experienced, trained therapists, with therapy done before, during, and after the session. [1] - https://maps.org/research/mdma https://maps.org/research/mdma

by sedeki 7y ago

chiefgeek 7y ago

I definitely recommend finding somebody who will at least sit with you, better yet, find a guide. Also, in my experience, therapeutic MDMA was more useful at getting to and releasing past trauma than psilocybin. The guides are all underground in USA due to what were largely racist and fear-based laws that were enacted in the 70s and 80s.

tenaciousDaniel 7y ago
^ this. MDMA is kind of like a psychedelic, but it's more of an emotional psychedelic. The first time I tried it, I thought "wow this would be an incredible tool for therapy". But with MDMA it's critical to go to a reputable source, do not buy it through an illicit trade (ecstasy). edit: some other advice for MDMA. Do it with someone you trust, preferably someone who has done it before, don't do it in public, and make sure you don't have access to phones or any other means to contact people.
- chiefgeek 7y ago
  Right. And don't make any life changing decisions for at least six weeks afterward. In fact, in the early 70's, it WAS used successfully as a tool for couples therapy.

tenaciousDaniel 7y ago

There are conflicting reports about this. Some people with latent mental illnesses can have them triggered by psychedelics. But there are plenty of people who anecdotally report being able to deal with past trauma through them. It's impossible to predict how you'd react, but it sounds like you're looking in the right direction. Find a safe, professional place, and start small. You definitely don't want to start with a high dosage.

samatman 7y ago
This argument has never set well with me. It seems to be a case of affirming the consequent: if you have latent mental illness, then psychedelics can manifest it, therefore, if psychedelics trigger a mental health crisis, it must be because of latent mental illness. I think it's quite possible, likely even, that psychedelics occasionally trigger mental health crises, sometimes long-lasting ones, in individuals who would not otherwise have experienced them. They're also quite valuable, and that needs to be weighed against the risk. Having guidance and starting small, is good advice.

pmoriarty 7y ago

MDMA has been used successfully to treat severe, treatment-resistant PTSD.[1] This was done under the guidance of experienced, trained therapists, with therapy done before, during, and after the session. [1] - https://maps.org/research/mdma https://maps.org/research/mdma