Psilocybin for addictions

Why are psychedelics used to treat addictions?

Using psychedelics to treat addiction may seem counter-intuitive, as psychedelics such as magic mushrooms are regarded as drugs. However, psychedelics such as magic mushrooms and magic truffles are not physically addictive; on the contrary. With long-term use of psychedelics, a tolerance develops, meaning that taking more has no effect. The general effect of psychedelic use is that it can induce a sense of contentment. It is precisely this contentment that ensures there is no urge to seek more and more of an addictive substance or activity.

The ego wants more and more.

The ego is a mechanism of the brain designed to protect the individual, ensure their survival and enable them to reproduce. It creates a separation between the individual and the rest of the universe. Sometimes the ego is stimulated to such an extent that it becomes too strong. Personal interests must then continue to be nurtured. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a major role in this, as dopamine can be seen as a "personal feel-good" hormone. It provides a temporary sense of well-being, followed by a feeling of emptiness. However, the pursuit of personal gratification leads to isolation and loneliness, whilst loneliness is, in fact, a trigger for addictions. Loneliness can create a link with addiction. Naturally, our society and capitalism play a major role in shaping individualism by capitalising on ideas that boost one’s status.

The addictions that increase dopamine

Here are a few examples of addictions in which dopamine and/or social isolation play a major role.

• Alcoholism
• Drug addiction (cocaine, heroin, MDMA, etc.)
• Eating addiction
• Gaming addiction
• Gambling addiction
• Porn addiction
• Smoking addiction
• Social media

A treatment in combination with psychedelics

Here at TripTherapy, we use psychedelics, nutrition, supplements, exercise and other approaches to treat addictions. The combination of these different elements ensures the best results. A large part of our service is the psychedelic session. We use psychedelics to treat addictions because, in higher doses, psychedelics such as magic truffles can put the ego on the back burner. This restores the connection with one’s surroundings, can lead to greater contentment and reduces the urge to engage in addictive behaviour. It is, as it were, a kick-start to behavioural change. Its greatest strength lies in enabling individuals to respond to impulses towards addictive behaviour with healthy choices. In addition to these benefits, the insights gained during a psychedelic session can provide further support in the process of change.

Watch the following TEDx talk to find out more about how dopamine is involved in addictive behaviour.

The dopamine detox

When dealing with addiction issues, we often use dopamine detox. This involves a period of several days prior to the psychedelic session during which behaviours that may fuel addiction are avoided. We do this to achieve the correct neurotransmitter balance before the psychedelic session and to reduce dependence on dopamine.

Read more about the here dopamine detox