Tag: Psychedelics

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Is Acid Addictive? The Truth Behind LSD Use

The mind-bending and often mystical experiences induced by LSD have captivated and intrigued people for generations. But this strong psychedelic raises a crucial question: can it be addictive in the same way as other mind-altering drugs? 

While the science behind LSD’s effects is fascinating, understanding its true addictive potential requires a deeper dive. We peel back the layers of perception and explore the realities of how LSD works, and whether it truly carries the weight of addiction.

How LSD Works

As we dive into the science behind LSD, commonly known as acid, we confront some crucial questions: 

Can LSD lead to addiction like other substances? 

Is acid truly addictive? 

Let’s demystify the misconceptions surrounding LSD and its potential for addiction, and shed some light on the scientific truths behind its use.

The Science Behind LSD’s Effects on the Brain

Unlike many addictive substances, acid doesn’t directly interact with reward pathways in the brain. Instead, it LSD works by binding to a specific type of serotonin receptor1 called the 5-HT2A receptor. 

Serotonin plays a crucial role in mood, cognition, and perception, and this receptor is a key player in these functions. When LSD binds to this receptor, it disrupts normal communication along these pathways, leading to the cascade of sensory and psychological effects commonly known as an “acid trip.”

These effects include heightened awareness, altered perception of sights and sounds, changes in thought patterns, and intense emotions. People’s individual experiences on acid vary greatly. Your experience can be influenced by factors like dosage, individual brain chemistry, your emotional state, and your environment. While these effects can be intense, it’s important to remember that LSD doesn’t create new realities; it simply alters how your brain interprets and processes existing information.

Understanding LSD’s mechanism of action helps us understand why it affects people the way it does. But it’s only the first step in unpacking the complex relationship between this substance and its potential for addiction. 

So what factors influence the addictive potential of LSD, and what are the effects of long-term use?

The Debate on LSD Addiction

While the unique effects of LSD have captured imaginations for decades, the question of its addiction potential remains a hotly debated topic. Let’s take a look at the truth behind this enigmatic drug.

Physical vs. Psychological Addiction

Physical addiction means your body is reliant on a substance. If you’re physically addicted to something and try to stop doing it, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms. Unlike substances that cause physical dependency, LSD doesn’t trigger noticeable withdrawal symptoms, and the urge to use isn’t driven by a biological process. 

LSD interacts with your brain’s serotonin receptors, causing altered neural communication. Unlike substances that mainly affect your body’s physical functions, LSD’s impact is centered on perception, emotion, and cognition. People who struggle with LSD use are usually experiencing a psychological addiction.

There is at least one study documenting what researchers considered a physical dependence on LSD:2 

We describe a case where the person used LSD continuously for a period of two years as his primary drug. He developed a craving, and tolerance to LSD and contrary to known literature the tolerance did not disappear rapidly on discontinuation. Additionally, he developed both physical and psychological symptoms on discontinuing LSD – a factor responsible for continued use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of physical dependence to LSD.

While not entirely impossible, this study also describes how incredibly rare it is for people to develop a physical dependence on acid. 

It’s worth noting that while it’s not physically addictive, acid can be tolerance-building.3 “LSD is not considered an addictive drug–that is, it does not produce compulsive drug-seeking behavior as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine do,” says the U.S. National Drug Intelligence Center. “However, LSD users may develop tolerance to the drug, meaning that they must consume progressively larger doses of the drug in order to continue to experience the hallucinogenic effects that they seek.” 

Research Findings on LSD Dependency

The scientific community’s findings on the addiction potential of LSD are different from other addictive substances. Psychiatrists Annelie Hintzen and Torsten Passie, authors of The Pharmacology of LSD,4 note that “Interestingly, in contrast to many other dopamine-activating substances, it does not show any relevant dependence potential.”

Contrary to substances known for fostering addiction, people who use acid show less desire to consume it frequently. 

Because LSD abuse has not been at the forefront of popular concern since its heyday in the ‘60s (aside from a recent resurgence among high school students5 and millennials), not much research has been done on the long-term effects of LSD. This could also be because prior studies led to such conclusive evidence that acid was not physically addictive. According to researchers, 

While behavioural animal studies have examined the effect of chronic treatment with LSD, no research has been conducted yet to examine long-term behavioural changes in healthy individuals after repeated administration of LSD. This lack of long-term studies is likely due to the evidence that LSD is a drug taken occasionally by recreational users6 that does not produce addiction.

Perceptions of LSD in popular culture, and opinions on LSD use within the behavioral health community, evolve with the times. But at any given time, it can be said that LSD and other psychedelics challenge conventional notions of substance dependency.

Factors Contributing to LSD Misuse

That’s not to say that LSD use is always safe.

LSD’s intense psychological effects can create the potential for misuse. Psychologically, it produces profound alterations in perception, emotion, and cognition. This can make it an attractive tool for escapism, where users find solace or diversion from reality. People who repeatedly use LSD are drawn to its profound impact on their consciousness, rather than a typical drug craving for physical relief. 

Examining your motivations for using LSD can provide more valuable insight into whether your behavior is becoming a problem.

Risks of Frequent LSD Use

Frequent LSD use carries inherent risks, particularly for mental health. The unpredictable nature of LSD can result in “bad trips:” distressing experiences commonly known as marked by intense anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations. For some, these negative encounters have lasting psychological effects, such as persistent anxiety.

The risk of exacerbating existing mental health conditions, especially on the schizophrenia spectrum, is a major concern. 

There are cases of LSD triggering psychotic episodes, and people with (diagnosed or undiagnosed) schizophrenia may be at greater risk. However, it’s unclear whether LSD itself is responsible for the psychosis or if it plays a role in surfacing underlying conditions. According to one study on LSD psychosis and schizophrenia,7 it’s possible that “LSD psychosis as a drug-induced schizophreniform reaction in persons vulnerable to both substance abuse and psychosis.”

It should also be noted that while LSD and other psychedelics are increasingly used to treat addiction and mental health conditions, this is done in a therapeutic setting under professional supervision, and is different than recreational use. 

Addressing Misconceptions About LSD

Having accurate information is the first step toward effectively addressing concerns. Dispelling myths around LSD requires a more nuanced view of the drug, its safety, and its potential risks and benefits. Rather than relying on popular belief, it’s important to evaluate LSD and other substances based on evidence-based information to make informed decisions about their use.

Myth LSD Is Inherently Addictive

Reality: Scientific evidence consistently shows that LSD is not physically addictive. If users do develop habits around LSD use, it’s because of psychological addiction, unlike most narcotic substances which can cause dependence. 

Myth: LSD Induces Immediate and Irreversible Insanity

Reality: This myth oversimplifies the complex effects of LSD. While it can lead to intense and unpredictable experiences, describing it as an instant pathway to insanity lacks scientific support. Research indicates that adverse effects are usually temporary, emphasizing the importance of context and mindset during LSD use.

Myth: LSD Stays in the Body Forever

Reality: Acid trips last for a notoriously long time (up to 12 hours), but LSD typically leaves the body within a day. Claims of LSD residing in the spine indefinitely, contributing to “flashbacks,” lack scientific backing. There have been few cases of people developing hallucinogen perception disorder (HPPD),8 but this is a “rare disorder characterized by the presence of flashbacks of visual hallucinations as a result of previous hallucinogenic drug use.” Persistent effects are more likely linked to psychological factors than physical remnants of the substance.

Myth: LSD Use Results in Uncontrolled and Dangerous Behavior

This may be because of LSD’s association with high-profile cults9 in decades past. 

But in reality, while LSD alters perception, instances of uncontrollable violence or harm during trips are exceedingly rare. According to pharmacologist David E. Nichols, “LSD has rarely been associated with accidental deaths and suicide, LSD is known to be non-toxic10 and physiologically safe when used at moderate dosages, and forensic investigators should understand the true causes of LSD-related fatalities.” Most users experience a sense of wonder, introspection, and enhanced sensory perception rather than engaging in harmful activities.

Set and Setting: How Your Mindset and Environment Play a Role

The effects of LSD are profoundly shaped by what people who take psychedelics often refer to as “set and setting:” your mindset being the set, and your environment being the setting. Both of these factors play a significant role in shaping the psychedelic journey.

A positive mindset, marked by feelings of safety and openness, often leads to more pleasant experiences, which can include heightened creativity and self-reflection. A negative mindset, on the other hand, can contribute to challenging experiences marked by anxiety and discomfort. Some people refer to this as a “bad trip.” 

Likewise, a familiar, comfortable setting can support feelings of security and promote positive outcomes. But unfamiliar or unsettling surroundings may increase anxiety and, as a result, a heightened risk of negative experiences. Recognizing the importance of these factors can lead to a more controlled and positive psychedelic encounter.

Getting Help for Problematic LSD Use

Recognizing signs of problematic LSD use, and intervening when necessary, is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. If you experience persistent distress, impaired daily functioning, or escalating use while taking LSD, it’s a good idea to get outside guidance. Mental health and addiction treatment professionals can help you work through issues underlying your drug use, change unwanted behavioral patterns, and create the life you want for yourself.

See our list of addiction treatment centers to learn more about getting support for life change, and contact centers directly to get a professional opinion on treatment options.

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Healing Treatment-Resistant Depression With Psilocybin

Psilocybin is a chemical compound most often associated with “magic mushrooms.” Despite historical stigma, researchers have begun exploring its potential medical applications. This powerful medicine may be especially helpful for clients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

This can be an all-consuming diagnosis, and many clients struggle to find effective depression treatment. While some people benefit from tried-and-true medications, like SSRIs and mood stabilizers, these solutions don’t work for everyone. Fortunately, doctors and scientists are actively seeking new ways to treat these clients using experimental modalities. A few options, like ketamine therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS),1 are becoming increasingly popular. Psychedelics are also a promising option.

Psychedelic medicine is an increasingly popular treatment2 for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. And a growing body of research supports the theory that psilocybin can be extremely effective in treating TRD.

What Is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin3 is classified as a psychedelic. Substances of this kind “interact with the serotonin receptors (5-HT/5-hydroxytryptamine receptors) and their subtypes densely located within the brain. These receptors mediate emotions and moods such as anxiety and aggression, cognition, sex, learning memory, appetite along with other biological, neurological and neuropsychiatric processes.” The same receptors are also targeted by many pharmaceuticals, including antipsychotics and antidepressants.

Because of its effect on serotonin, scientists are researching psilocybin as a possible treatment for depression, anxiety,4 and a number of other mental health concerns. However, it faces a great deal of social stigma, since it can also be used recreationally. And any recreational substance can be misused. Despite this concern, psychedelics are comparatively safe;5 according to 2013 statistics, LSD and psilocybin combined “accounted for just 0.005 percent of US emergency room visits.”

Psilocybin has not always been legal in the U.S., even for purely scientific purposes. But this is starting to change. As we learn more about its medical applications, it will likely become more accessible to interested clients. As of December, 2021, it has been decriminalized in Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Detroit. California may soon take this a step further. Senate Bill 519, if passed, would decriminalize psilocybin,6 MDMA, and other psychedelics in the entire state.

Some experts believe this trend will continue. According to one article, despite once being “dismissed as the dangerous dalliances of the counterculture, these drugs are gaining mainstream acceptance. Several states and cities in the United States are in the process of legalizing or decriminalizing psilocybin for therapeutic or recreational purposes.”7

Psilocybin is not considered to be addictive.8 On the contrary, it may even help people recover from substance use disorders. If you think this treatment may be right for you, make sure to use it under medical supervision. Despite its apparent safety, any substance has the potential to be harmful, or to cause relapse.

The Experience of Psilocybin

The word “psychedelic,”3 first used in 1956, comes from the Greek roots “psyche (i.e., the mind or soul) and delos (i.e., to show).” This class of substances can cause visions that reveal a person’s deepest emotional experiences. Using them offers many clients valuable insight into their own mental health.

When taken in larger doses, psilocybin induces a psychedelic “trip,” in which users spend several hours going through an emotional or even spiritual journey. It’s important to undertake this type of experience in a safe and welcoming environment. Research suggests that psilocybin may be especially effective in a natural setting,9 where clients can spend time communing with the great outdoors.

It’s also possible to take psilocybin in smaller amounts, or microdoses. Research has “identified positive associations between microdosing and mental health,10 and…associations between microdosing and reduced severity of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among adults with reported mental health concerns.” These experiences can be more accessible, because they are shorter and/or less intense than larger doses. This is a good option for clients who want to improve their mental well-being, but don’t have the emotional capacity to spend several hours experiencing visions.

Mental Health Benefits of Psilocybin

Psychedelics in general, and psilocybin in particular, have a number of known mental health benefits. In one study, “the people who received psilocybin reported significantly more improvements in their general feelings and behavior11 than did the members of the control group. The findings were repeated in another follow-up survey, taken 14 months after the experiment.”

Specifically, research suggests that this medicine may alleviate symptoms of depression,12 suicidality, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and several types of substance misuse. Subjects have shown “increased ratings of positive attitudes, mood, social effects, and behavior,” even up to 14 months after receiving psilocybin.

For clients with treatment-resistant depression, this is a comparatively safe and low-impact treatment, especially because the controlled use of psilocybin can have such long-term effects. Unlike most medications—like SSRIs—it doesn’t need to be taken daily in order to be effective. This may also make it more accessible to clients who can’t easily afford a regular prescription.

What’s more, psilocybin may be just as effective as these more common treatments. More and more research supports this idea. One study “suggested that psilocybin might work as well as the common antidepressant13 escitalopram (Lexapro) at relieving moderate to severe depression.” Another found that microdoses of psilocybin may cause long-term changes to brain activity,14 causing “increased responses in reward-learning, attention, and decision-making circuits.”

Clients with TRD may also see benefits from this treatment that go beyond relieving their symptoms. For example, experts believe that psilocybin “increases cognitive and neural flexibility in patients with major depressive disorder.”15

Although the data is extremely promising, it’s important to remember that this is a relatively new field of study. Psilocybin is considered to be one of the safer substances available, but it is not entirely without risk.

Potential Risks of Psilocybin

This treatment has some well-known side effects. “About 90% of patients” in one clinical trial “experienced mild to moderate side effects from the psilocybin,16 including nausea, insomnia, fatigue and headache. These symptoms dissipated quickly.” It is most strongly associated with brief gastrointestinal issues. Clients usually experience these symptoms shortly after ingesting psilocybin, and find relief long before the substance wears off.

For certain clients, however, the treatment may cause more dangerous adverse effects. Because psilocybin raises blood pressure,17 “people with uncontrolled hypertension are advised to abstain.” Make sure you talk to your doctor before seeking this treatment, especially if you have a personal or family history of heart problems.

The associated psychological risks may be an even greater concern, especially for clients with certain mental health diagnoses. For example, those with “psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia (or a strong predisposition for them) are generally advised against taking the hallucinogen,” as it may have unpredictable effects, and can even worsen their condition.

And although psilocybin can be extremely helpful for treatment-resistant depression, it is absolutely imperative that these clients use it under medical supervision. This is because, in the wrong dosage, it may cause suicidality. In one clinical trial,13 some participants with TRD “experienced a ‘serious adverse event,’ such as suicidal behavior, intentional self-injury or suicidal ideation.” This may have been due to an incorrect dosage or inadequate medical supervision, either during or after the experience. Whatever the reason, this data illustrates that there is still much to learn about this treatment. If you decide to try it, a private rehab center that offers psilocybin treatment will ensure you do so under the supervision of an experienced clinical team and a clear plan for aftercare.

Unlike most, or possibly all, other pharmaceutical treatments, psychedelics are strongly influenced by the client’s intention. “Positive expectancy”18—or, the expectation that the treatment will help—has been shown to have an impact on psilocybin’s effectiveness. If you go into an experience with acute anxiety, trepidation, or a belief that it will go poorly, you’ll probably be proven right. On the other hand, if you’re in a positive or hopeful state, you may experience much greater benefits. It’s important to plan these experiences carefully, but also stay mindful of your own feelings in the moment as you approach treatment. If you’ve planned extremely well, and then you feel poorly when the day arrives, it’s best to postpone if at all possible.

Is Psilocybin Right for You?

Psilocybin, even more than other treatments, is an extremely personal experience. Not everyone is emotionally prepared to dive that deeply into their own subconscious. And even if it feels right for you, it may not be appropriate on any given day. The act of planning this treatment can be a powerful exercise in mindfulness, even before the substance is administered.

Under the right circumstances, though, clients find psilocybin to be immensely positive. And as we amass more data, doctors will likely find ways to make it even safer. If you decide to try this treatment, understand that there is still much to learn. In this early stage of research, it should absolutely not be your only form of treatment for any diagnosis. But with the right setting, dosage, and therapeutic team, it may be extremely helpful.

Discover Rehabs That Treat Depression

Latest studies show that psilocybin is a promising treatment for depression, however this form of therapy isn’t widely available yet. At the same time, there are several other forms of therapies and treatment programs for depression out there. To learn more about your options, browse our collection of rehabs that specialize in depression treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Treating Depression With Psilocybin

What is psilocybin and how does it work in depression treatment?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. It interacts with serotonin receptors and their subtypes in the brain, leading to altered states of consciousness. Because of its impact on serotonin, it has potential therapeutic effects in depression and anxiety treatment.

What are the potential benefits of psilocybin in treating depression?

Psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown promise in improving mood, reducing depressive symptoms, increasing emotional openness, and promoting long-term positive changes in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.

Is psilocybin treatment for depression safe and legal?

Psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, but it is being researched for therapeutic purposes. Psilocybin-assisted therapy is conducted in a controlled and supervised setting to ensure safety. Ongoing studies aim to assess its efficacy and safety profiles.

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Finding Help for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) has the same symptoms as depression, but with a more complex recovery process. Because of its effect on energy levels, depression can interfere with your capacity to seek help. This makes TRD especially daunting for many people. It takes a great deal of determination to try new treatments, with the knowledge that just finding the right modality may take some time. As difficult as this is, it’s important to stay focused on the goal of getting well. 

Whatever treatment you’re currently trying, you can always continue to learn about this condition. Knowledge is power. The more you know about treatment-resistant depression, the better equipped you’ll be to manage your symptoms and get the depression help you need. 

Lifestyle Changes and Behavioral Health Treatments for TRD

Treatment-resistant depression1 is defined as depression with symptoms that are not alleviated after trying two or more treatment options (medications) for at least six weeks each. Despite the myriad medical and behavioral options for treating depression, many people still struggle to find an effective treatment. One-third of people with major depression have TRD.2 

If you think you may have treatment-resistant depression, you’re likely already familiar with the symptoms of major depression.3 While these criteria are well understood, research is beginning to explore some of their underlying causes. 

Most people understand depression to be related to chemical factors in the brain. There are a number of environmental factors that may contribute to depression4—and it’s not just physical health. Depression has recently been associated with more frequent use of screens (cell phones, computers, etc.), and a lack of access to green space. High levels of air and noise pollution may also exacerbate symptoms. On the other hand, activities that guard against depression include confiding in other people, being part of a sports club or gym, and strangely enough, eating cereal. 

These protective factors paint a clear picture: eating cereal with friends at the gym might be a valid treatment for treatment-resistant depression. In all seriousness, though, most of the activities that diminish the chances of depression include social support. That support doesn’t have to come from friends; it can also come from a one-on-one therapist, a psychiatrist, or a support group. The simple act of reaching out for help can have an immensely positive impact on TRD.

tabula rasa depression rehab
Tabula Rasa Retreat in the Alentejo Region of Portugal uses ibogaine therapy to induce a profound psychedelic state that many clients find helps them to make breakthroughs in healing their depression.

Alternative Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Holistic and alternative modalities are an increasingly popular way to treat mental health conditions. People with treatment-resistant depression might be particularly interested in these types of therapy. If traditional interventions—like SSRIs, talk therapy, and exercise—haven’t worked, you may be ready to try a radically different strategy. 

Many of these depression treatments , like psychedelic-assisted therapies,5 are just starting to gain traction. However, they are not new. This class of medications was studied extensively from 1943-1970. The political shift of the 1970’s pushed researchers away from the subject, but now, public perception of psychedelics is starting to change. More effective treatments for TRD are very likely on the horizon. 

In this new era, the stigma once associated with alternative therapy is dissipating. It’s an exciting time for anyone who wants to find new ways of treating mental health. That’s true for both clinicians and people dealing with their own diagnoses. Living with treatment-resistant depression might not be straightforward, but the number of safe and readily available treatments is steadily growing.

Ketamine Therapy for Depression

Ketamine is a psychedelic dissociative that can be helpful in treating depression,6 including TRD, and PTSD. It is administered in a supervised setting, rather than being prescribed for daily use. Ketamine IV treatments may be conducted individually or with small groups, and are always closely monitored by a medical team. 

Ketamine therapy is intended to give you space to step back from your emotional experience, and to process your feelings from a more objective point of view. This perspective can be especially helpful in treating depression; simply taking space from your feelings can result in the immediate relief of some symptoms. Clients enter a trance state, during which they gain greater insight into their lives, often returning to full consciousness with renewed energy and a clear sense of how to move forward. The pharmaceutical aspect of ketamine therapy is often, but not always, combined with talk therapy either before or after the treatment itself. This invites clients to process the experience and set intentions for the future. 

Ibogaine Treatment for Depression and Addiction

Ibogaine is a psychedelic that can be used to treat depression and addiction. According to MAPS, it is “a psychoactive alkaloid naturally occurring in the West African shrub iboga. While ibogaine is a mild stimulant in small doses, in larger doses it induces a profound psychedelic state. Historically, it has been used in healing ceremonies and initiations by members of the Bwiti religion in various parts of West Africa.” Modern-day clinicians are finding that clients with treatment-resistant depression also benefit from ibogaine therapy.7

Like ketamine, ibogaine is administered in a protected, controlled environment. Although more research is needed into this form of therapy, ibogaine shows promising results in observational studies.8 Thanks to these positive outcomes, this treatment is becoming more readily available in a number of settings, including rehab facilities. 

For many clients, ibogaine therapy is a transcendent, even spiritual experience. By revisiting past experiences, they are able to reconnect with their higher selves. Álvaro de Ferranti, Founder of Tabula Rasa, explains that this treatment “heals the pain by helping the user deal with deep-seated traumas and emotional baggage. It helps them open themselves up to new possibilities, to let self-love back in, and to simply allow them to get back to self again.”

mountain springs recovery
Mountain Springs Recovery in Monument, Colorado treats depression using an evidence-based approach.

Combined Approaches to TRD Treatment

Pharmaceutical methods are just one way of treating resistant depression.9 Evidence supports the theory that a combined approach, including multiple modalities at once, is the most effective way to affect change. In order to achieve this, you may need to assemble a team of healthcare providers with different specialties. 

Treatment-resistant depression is a mental health condition, but it can also impact your physical health, your relationships, and every other area of your life. Because of this, you can likely benefit from working with not just a psychiatrist and talk therapist, but also a personal trainer, massage therapist, or even an acupuncturist. If you want to kickstart the healing process with intensive treatment, you may want to consider inpatient treatment, or an IOP. As you try various modalities, remember that there’s no one right or simple answer. You might need to experiment with a few different combinations before finding what works best for you.

How to Know When to Try a New Treatment

When you begin treating any condition, whether it’s mental or physical, it’s important to track your symptoms carefully. For TRD, you can do this by journaling, using a mood tracker, or even making a spreadsheet to track how different behaviors affect your emotional state. Working with healthcare providers can also be extremely helpful in this process. A therapist will be able to refer to their notes, and provide objective insight into your progress over time. 

If you decide to try pharmaceutical treatment for treatment-resistant depression,10 it’s absolutely essential that you follow your prescriber’s directions. Brain chemistry changes slowly, and it can be hard to know whether a new medication is working unless you give it adequate time to take effect. Research suggests that it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks on a new treatment before you start seeing results.  That being said, everyone’s brain chemistry is different, and your experience may be different from this. Make sure to work closely with your provider to manage any side effects, and get their advice before stopping a medication. 

When you’re working with an expert in any field, whether they’re a therapist or an interior decorator, it can take time to find the right person for you. If you’ve been seeing a therapist for some time without noticeable results, don’t be afraid to look for a new provider. That being said, don’t jump ship just because it doesn’t feel good. The work of therapy may not be easy or fun; the question is whether it’s helping you make positive, sustainable changes in the rest of your life. 

Because depression often has environmental causes, it can also be helpful to see how your mood changes based on external factors. For example, do you feel worse in rainy weather, or when you don’t have time to see friends? In some cases, you can make behavioral changes to manage these symptoms, such as investing in a sun lamp or rearranging your schedule. However, you’re unlikely to stop encountering common triggers. If these external circumstances have less of an effect on your mood as you continue treatment, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track. 

As Rowland Tweedie, Health and Fitness Manager of Paracelsus Recovery, sees it, “People are 360 degrees. All of us, we’ve got many aspects of our life: our health, our mental state, our physical state.” While the road to recovery may not be simple or straightforward, this process will undoubtedly teach you a great deal about yourself. 

Healing From TRD is an Opportunity

As painful as treatment-resistant depression can be, it can also be an opportunity. If you’re able to cultivate an attitude of curiosity about yourself and your healing journey, the process may be far less arduous. 

When you try several different types of therapy, you’ll learn about yourself from every angle. People are complex, powerful, and multifaceted. That includes you. As you get to know yourself better, you may find that recovery is a creative act. For people with TRD, it means more than finding the right pill. Instead, this is the process of building a better and more fulfilling life. 

To learn more about different TRD therapies, you can connect with an inpatient rehab facility that treats depression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment-Resistant Depression

How do I know when to try a new treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD)?

To determine when to try a new treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), you can use tools like journaling, mood trackers, or spreadsheets to track how you feel day to day. Working closely with your therapist and other treatment providers can provide valuable insights into your progress and guide decisions about trying new approaches.

What alternative therapies are available for treatment-resistant depression?

Alternative therapies, including psychedelic-assisted therapies, are emerging as potential treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). These therapies offer new possibilities for people whose depression hasn’t responded to traditional interventions.

How can combined approaches be effective in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD)?

Combining multiple therapies and working with a team of healthcare providers with different specialties can be the most effective approach in treating treatment-resistant depression. This comprehensive approach addresses the multifaceted impact of TRD and can lead to better outcomes.

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Treating Depression With Ketamine and Psychedelics

spiral staircase marble steps brass banister photo cred: ludde lorentz

Both ketamine and psychedelics have emerged as popular therapeutic methods in recent years for those who have been resistant to other forms of depression treatment. While many medical professionals and people who have undergone these treatments attest to their benefits, there are still legitimate concerns being expressed about the potential risks associated with their use.

]We take a look at some factors to consider, and the science behind this approach.

How Ketamine Is Used to Treat Depression

Ketamine’s most common medical use is as an anesthetic and a sedative. But it can also be used as a fast-acting antidepressant, usually in the form of a nasal mist or IV infusion performed under medical supervision. Studies have shown that, starting within 4 hours of receiving a dose, ketamine relieved the symptoms of depression for approximately one week at a time.1 Research further suggests that ketamine causes new connections to form in brain. Its fast-acting effectiveness and impacts on neuroplasticity have led clinicians like Gerard Sanacora, Psychiatry Specialist at Yale Medicine, to speculate on its increased use in medical research.

“It’s quite possible that we will see more medical institutions offering ketamine as a treatment,”2 says Sanacora. “And the FDA recently approved the use of esketamine, which is derived from ketamine. These are all very exciting prospects.”

Is Ketamine Safe?

Currently, ketamine is only approved by the FDA as an anesthetic and pain reliever,3 not as a depression treatment. This is largely due to the fact the long-term impacts of ketamine are mostly unknown. Since it’s also used recreationally for its narcotic properties, addiction risk is a major concern. Too much ketamine can have adverse effects like dissociation, hallucinations and paranoia (known as a “K-hole”).4 While ketamine administered in the proper doses under professional supervision is considered safe, these concerns prevent it from becoming more mainstream.

How Psychedelics Are Used to Treat Depression

Psychedelics have a different way of treating depression. Research shows that hallucinogens like psilocybin (found in psychedelic mushrooms), LSD and ayahuasca can potentially relieve the depression symptoms after just a single dose. Successful psychedelic treatments can help people gain clarity about problems they’re experiencing, giving them the opportunity to access their subconscious and process past traumas they had previously suppressed. According to recent studies, psychedelics enhance people’s feelings of connectedness with others,5 their spirituality and their sense of meaning. Some studies suggest that these substances open pathways in the brain—hence the notion that psychedelics expand your mind. While this sounds promising, the science on how these drugs work to treat depression is still being studied.

Watch this TED Talk by Mark Haden, Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health, to learn more about psychedelics:

Are Psychedelics Safe?

Psychedelics also pose their own set of risks. Although they’re not generally considered to carry high addiction risk, there can be unpredictable short-term effects of psychedelics.6 Not least of these is a “bad trip,” which can include symptoms like extreme paranoia, anxiety, and loss of psychological control. While these symptoms usually subside within a relatively short period of time, they can lead users to place themselves in dangerous situations. Generally speaking, however, when intentionally therapeutic doses of ketamine or psychedelics are administered by professionals in safe environments, the risks to your safety are quite low.

Finding the Right Rehab for Depression

If you’ve tried different treatment methods for depression and find yourself still struggling with this debilitating disorder, know that there is an abundance of treatment options out there, and some may work better for you than others. While ketamine or psychedelics may not be for you, a variety of other program offerings might be.

Visit our collection of rehabs specializing in depression treatment to explore some of the world’s best centers today. Additionally, learn more about RehabPath and get the most up-to-date company news.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can ketamine and psychedelics be used to treat depression?

Ketamine and psychedelics treat depression by influencing the brain’s chemical pathways, promoting new thought patterns and behavior. They can provide rapid relief for symptoms of depression, and may be particularly useful for people who haven’t found success with other treatments.

What is the difference between ketamine and traditional antidepressants?

Unlike traditional antidepressants which can take several weeks to start working, ketamine can provide relief from depression symptoms within hours. Ketamine targets different neurotransmitter systems in the brain compared to other antidepressants, making it a valuable treatment option for people who haven’t responded to other medications. Additionally, helps repair damaged neural pathways, leading to longer-lasting effects.

What’s the process for ketamine or psychedelic therapy for depression at a residential rehab center?

In residential rehab, you’ll undergo ketamine or psychedelic therapy under the guidance of qualified professionals. Patients are carefully screened to ensure that they’re appropriate candidates for these treatments. After an initial consultation, your care team will develop a personalized treatment plan, and you’ll receive the medication in a comfortable, private setting. The treatment is closely monitored to ensure safety and efficacy, and you may receive ongoing therapy and support to promote long-term recovery.