Psychedelics: Biggest Myths Surrounding Mind-Altering Substances
The truth is that psychedelics are now mainstream. If not in the mainstream, then, at least in the scientific world, psychedelic therapy has made a resurgence as a possibly more efficient and safe treatment for several major psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. As we follow the path of our ancestors of allying ourselves with the sacred medicine of psychedelic substances, we need to debunk a few myths about psychedelics and their use.
Today we are going to speak about the most popular misconceptions and myths about the most popular psychedelic substances (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, Mescaline). If you are preparing for your next psychedelic experience or need help with the integration stage, check our website and our preparation and integration program: cabbanis.com
Myths About LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide):
Myth: LSD can make you permanently insane or cause mental illness.
- Reality: LSD does not cause mental illness or permanent insanity. However, it can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions in individuals predisposed to them. Safe and responsible use is essential.
Myth: LSD stays in your body forever and can cause “flashbacks” years later.
- Reality: LSD is metabolized and eliminated from the body relatively quickly. Flashbacks, also known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), are rare and not caused by the presence of LSD in the body.
Myths About Psilocybin Mushrooms:
Myth: If eat too much you can get a lethal overdose.
- Reality: Psilocybin mushrooms are considered non-toxic, and it’s unreported for a lethal overdose to occur from consuming them. However, there are cases of people misidentifying the species of fungi in nature and getting intoxicated by it. Even though lethal overdose is unheard of, it should be approached with caution, as it can induce intense psychological effects.
Myth 2: Psilocybin mushrooms are physically addictive.
- Reality: Psilocybin mushrooms do not lead to physical dependence or addiction. However, psychological dependence can develop when individuals rely on them as a means of escape or avoidance. With this said, psychedelics are terrible tools of escape, as they are a door to your true self. During a psychedelic experience, it is usual for the participant to face challenges that could take years to fully sink in.
Myths About DMT:
Myth: DMT provides access to other dimensions or alternate realities.
- Reality: While DMT can induce profound visionary experiences, the interpretation of these experiences as contact with other dimensions or realities remains subjective and lacks scientific validation.
Myth: DMT is present in large amounts in the human brain and released during birth and death, causing near-death experiences (NDEs).
Reality: While DMT is found in trace amounts in the human body, there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that it plays a significant role in NDEs. The exact function of endogenous DMT remains speculative.
MDMA:
Myth: MDMA is always pure and safe when purchased in pill or powder form.
- Reality: Illicit MDMA products can be adulterated with other substances, such as other stimulants or substances with similar effects (commonly known as “bath salts”). It’s crucial to test substances using harm-reduction practices to ensure their purity and minimize potential risks.
Myth: MDMA is a completely safe and risk-free party drug.
- Reality: While MDMA can produce positive effects such as increased empathy and euphoria, it is not without risks. MDMA use can lead to potentially serious health consequences, including dehydration, overheating, serotonin syndrome, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, using MDMA in high doses or in combination with other substances can increase the risks further. Responsible use, proper dosage, and awareness of potential risks are essential to minimize harm.
Myths About Ayahuasca:
Myth: Ayahuasca is always a safe and pleasant experience.
- Reality: Ayahuasca ceremonies can be intense and challenging, both physically and emotionally. The experience can vary widely among individuals, and it’s important to approach it with proper preparation, guidance, and respect for the substance.
Myth: Ayahuasca can cure addiction with a single ceremony.
- Reality: While ayahuasca has shown potential in assisting with addiction treatment, it is not a guaranteed cure in a single ceremony. Addiction is a complex condition, and a comprehensive approach involving therapy and support is typically required.
Mescaline:
Myth: Mescaline is legal everywhere because it is used in religious ceremonies.
- Reality: While Mescaline has legal protections for religious use in certain countries, it is illegal in many others. Possession and use of peyote outside of specific religious contexts can result in legal consequences.
Myth: Mescaline provides a predictable and uniform psychedelic experience for everyone.
- Reality: The effects of mescaline can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as dosage, set (mental state), and setting (environment) can significantly influence the experience. Each person may have unique sensitivities and reactions to the substance, leading to a diverse range of subjective experiences.
The Biggest Myth About Psychedelics:
Myth: Psychedelics will cause instant enlightenment or spiritual awakening.
— Reality: While a psychedelic experience can produce profound and mystical experiences, long-lasting enlightenment or spiritual awakening is not guaranteed or instantaneous. Integration and ongoing personal growth are often necessary for lasting effects.
The trip really only starts after the effects of the psychedelic ceremony are over. After the effects fade away, the stage of integration starts, and this is when the participant is encouraged to reflect on the insights and lessons of the experience with the intention of applying the epiphanies in their normal everyday life in the form of positive changes and better habits.
If you need a support network planning your next transformative psychedelic experience or need help integrating the lessons from your last trip, visit our website and contact us about our preparation and integration programs: cabbanis.com
Thanks so much for reading and have a great journey!