Microdosing psychedelics

.

article linked here

Results
We describe novel findings, both in terms of beneficial outcomes, such as improved mood (26.6%) and focus (14.8%), and in terms of challenging outcomes, such as physiological discomfort (18.0%) and increased anxiety (6.7%). We also show parallels between benefits and drawbacks and discuss the implications of these results. We probe for substance-dependent differences, finding that psilocybin-only users report the benefits of microdosing were more important than other users report.
Interesting.

Now I am beginning to regret that I didn't keep my dayglo Hendrix poster & blacklight.

s-l1600.jpg


.

.
 
These may be the ultimate psychiatric drugs that actually are beneficial and are fought by the pharmaceutical establishment.

s-l300.jpg

 
These may be the ultimate psychiatric drugs that actually are beneficial and are fought by the pharmaceutical establishment.



1748300698578.png





How ‘Magic Mushrooms’ Could Help Parkinson’s Disease Patients
A UCSF pilot study finds psilocybin therapy surprises, showing meaningful improvements in mood, cognition, and motor symptoms.
By Victoria Colliver
April 29, 2025


Excerpt:

Psilocybin, a natural compound found in certain mushrooms, has shown promise in treating depression and anxiety.

UC San Francisco researchers wanted to know if it could be used to help Parkinson’s patients who often experience debilitating mood dysfunction in addition to their motor symptoms and don’t respond well to antidepressants or other medications.

The results were surprising.

Not only did participants tolerate the drug without serious side effects or worsening symptoms, which is what the pilot study was designed to test, they also experienced clinically significant improvements in mood, cognition, and motor function that lasted for weeks after the drug was out of their systems.

It is the first time a psychedelic has been tested on patients with any neurodegenerative disease.

“We are still in very early stages of this work, but this first study went well beyond what we expected,” said the paper’s
first author, Ellen Bradley, MD, assistant professor and associate director of UCSF’s Translational Psychedelic Research Program (TrPR).

“Many people don’t realize this, but mood symptoms in Parkinson’s are linked to a faster physical decline,” she said. “And they are actually a stronger predictor of patients’ quality of life with Parkinson’s than their motor symptoms.”

Researchers in the TrPR Program, within UCSF’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Neurology, teamed up to lead this project, which was funded by an anonymous donor. The findings appeared online earlier this month in Neuropsychopharmacology, a Nature publication.

Psilocybin’s lasting mood and motor effects
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by uncontrolled movements due to abnormal brain activity, affects about 1 million Americans. While medications like levodopa can relieve symptoms, there are no approved therapies to slow the progression or reverse the disease itself.

Common early physical symptoms include tremors and foot dragging, but Bradley said anxiety and depression in patients with no history of psychiatric problems often precede the onset of motor symptoms by several years. It’s unclear why standard medications often don’t work well for these patients, but mood changes could be part of the neurodegenerative disease process.

To test the safety of psilocybin for these patients, the researchers gave seven men and five women with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease a 10 mg dose, followed two weeks later by a higher dose of 25 mg. The patients completed psychotherapy sessions before and after the psilocybin — eight sessions in total — and were evaluated for changes in mood, cognition, and motor functions.

While nearly all participants experienced some adverse events while on the psilocybin, such as anxiety, nausea, and elevated blood pressure, these were not serious enough to require medical intervention.

The participants had meaningful improvements in their mood, cognition, and motor symptoms at both their one-week and one-month follow-up appointments. The team evaluated the participants’ mood again three months after their psilocybin sessions and found it was still significantly improved.

The researchers suggested a variety of explanations for the improvements. The beneficial impact of psilocybin on the patients’ mood could have led to better cognitive and motor functions. For example, people feel better, and that, in turn, helps them socialize and become more active – both key elements of Parkinson’s treatment.

Another theory is that psilocybin could provide relief from multiple symptoms of the disease by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroplasticity – the growth and reconnection of brain cells involved in mood, cognition, and movement regulation.

An expansion into unchartered territory
The results of this pilot study were promising enough that the researchers are conducting a larger randomized controlled trial at UCSF, enrolling a larger and more diverse group of patients. The second study incorporates noninvasive brain stimulation, neuroimaging and other tools to understand how psilocybin impacts inflammation and neuroplasticity.

It will include a second site at Yale University, with the aim of enrolling 100 participants. This work will be funded by the same anonymous donor that paid for the safety pilot as well as by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

“The vast majority of brain diseases still lack interventions that change the course of illness,” said the study’s senior author, Joshua Woolley, MD, PhD, associate professor at UCSF and director of the TrPR Program. “We can often treat the symptoms, but we don’t alter the trajectory or prevent decline. Now, that’s beginning to change. These results raise the exciting possibility that psilocybin may help the brain repair itself.”

Authors: Additional co-authors include Kimberly Sakai, BA, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, MFT, Balázs Szigeti, PhD, Connie Ludwig, PhD, Jill L. Ostrem, MD, Caroline M. Tanner, MD, PhD, Meredith A. Block, MD, Katia Llerena, PhD, Patrick R. Finley, PharmD, Aoife O’Donovan, PhD, Jose Rafael P. Zuzuarregui, MD, Amber McKernan, BA, Andrew D. Penn, NP, Aliss C.C. Wang, MFT, and Raymond C. Rosen, PhD.
 
If you know anyone who is addicted to opioids or has a family member who is addicted, send them this video!



IBOGA: Healing Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Neurodegenerative Diseases & More

What if one psychedelic plant could change how we approach trauma, addiction, and even neurodegenerative diseases? In this eye-opening episode of Keeping It Real, Jillian sits down with Bryan Hubbard, a leading voice in the psychedelic therapy space, to explore the power of Ibogaine therapy.

Together, they take a deep dive into:

How ibogaine works in the brain to disrupt addiction cycles, rewire trauma pathways, and stimulate neuroplasticity to help people with everything from sobriety to weight loss.

The powerful potential of ibogaine therapy to address depression, anxiety, PTSD, and stress-related illness

Why ibogaine may offer hope for those experiencing cognitive decline, and how it's being studied for conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Lyme disease

The recent Stanford University–Ambio study, published in Nature Medicine, showing remarkable improvements in veterans with traumatic brain injuries — and no serious adverse events Why veterans, trauma survivors, and chronic illness patients are turning to alternative, plant-based healing modalities

While ibogaine therapy remains unapproved by the FDA and is only legal in certain countries, this episode brings awareness to a growing global movement pushing the boundaries of how we understand and treat human suffering.

📍 Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Ibogaine is not FDA-approved and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider.

00:00 Intro to Iboga
05:00 Beating Addiction
10:00 Regenerating The Brain
30:00 Comparing Psychedelic Medicines
44:00 Iboga's Mental Health Revolution
50:00 Healing Parkinsons MS & Lyme Disease
1:02:00 Legalizing Psychedelics
1:12:00 How To Get Treated
1:27:00 Iboga & The God Connection
 
This is already in progress. It's free to register but today may be the last day to do so:




1760649342858.png



EXPLORE THE LATEST RESEARCH & DISCOVER THE PROMISE OF
Psychedelic Microdosing & Psychedelic Retreats
A free, 6-day online event featuring 36 world-class experts, including Paul Stamets, Alli Schaper, Deepak Chopra, Atira Tan, Dave Asprey, Sunny Strasberg, Paul Fadiman, and many more.

Each day, you will have 2 unique opportunities to experience LIVE sessions that will both deepen your practice and allow you to join the conversation.




WHO IS THIS SUMMIT FOR?
Everyone interested in Microdosing & Psychedelic Retreats as vehicles for healing, transformation, and spiritual evolution, including the general public, clinicians, guides, researchers, clients, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.


5 APA CE Credits for Licensed Clinicians are available for purchase as an add-on to the Summit Lifetime Access Bundle or included in the Psychedelic Practitioners Academy Membership



What Makes this Summit Different?
  • 36 in-depth and highly personal interviews the leading contributors to the emerging fields of psychedelic microdosing and psychedelic retreats
  • All interviews conducted by highly respected leaders and content experts in these fields.
  • Presentation of the latest best practices, protocols, and ongoing developments in the world of microdosing and psychedelic retreats.
  • Presentations grounded in an open-minded scientific orientation.
  • Daily live integration sessions with a deeply embodied, trauma-sensitive and neuroscience-informed approach to meditation ideally suited for preparation and integration with both subperceptual (microdosing) and psychedelic retreat experiences.

Daily Summit Themes & Speakers:

  • Day One: Microdosing - Latest Research & Best Practices with James Fadiman PhD, Paul Austin, Balázs Szigeti PhD, Eric Zelfand ND, Joyce Braverman MD, Jakobien van der Wiejden PhD.

  • Day Two: Psychedelic Retreats - Latest Research & Best Practices with Niel Markey, Sunny Strasburg LMFT, Richard Schwartz PhD, Melissa Sangl, Austin Mao, Gita Vaid MD, Omani Carson.

  • Day Three: Microdosing - Latest Research & Best Practices with Paul Stamits, Connor Murphy PhD, Alli Schaper, David Rabin MD PhD, Louie Schwartzenberg, Traci Tee, Jemie Sae Koo.

  • Day Four: Psychedelic Retreats - Latest Research & Best Practices with Gabe Charalambides, DaeEss 1Drea Pennington MD, Myles Katz, Natasja Pelgrom, Ron Siegel PsyD, Daniel Carcillo

  • Day Five: Microdosing - Latest Research & Best Practices with Dave Asprey, Tiffany Hurd, Vince Polito PhD, Laura Dawn, Daniel Shankin, Zach Walsh PhD.

  • Day Six: Indigenous, Eastern, & Western Ways of Knowing - Mind, Consciousness, & Spirit with Deepak Chopra, Atira Tan, Daniel Siegel MD, Joe Tafur MD, Anja Loizaga-Veider PhD, Lewis Mehi-Madrona MD.






DISCLAIMER & INFORMED CONSENT
This content is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is intended to share knowledge and foster discussion, not to promote, encourage, or endorse the use of any illegal substances, including psychedelic compounds, in any form or setting.

By viewing or engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that Heart Mind Institute, its affiliates, presenters, and contributors are not responsible or liable for your personal decisions, actions, or outcomes. This material does not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice, and it should never be used as a substitute for consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.

Psychedelics remain regulated or prohibited in many jurisdictions. You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with the laws that apply to you. If you have questions or concerns about your health, safety, or well-being, it is essential to seek guidance from licensed medical or mental health providers.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in engaging with this material responsibly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SUMMIT MISSION:

The Microdosing & Psychedelic Retreats Summit brings together leading researchers, clinicians, facilitators, and visionaries to explore the rapidly evolving field of microdosing and psychedelic retreat practices.

Our mission is to provide a trusted space for learning, reflection, and dialogue about how psychedelics—when approached with wisdom, integrity, and reverence—can support healing, transformation, and expanded states of consciousness.

Together, we aim to deepen awareness, advance the field, and cultivate a global culture of responsible, compassionate, and integrative psychedelic practice—bridging science, tradition, and lived experience.


These are 4 of the 35+ presenters in this summit:

1760649864552.png



What you'll learn:
1760649968304.png






Click this link to get more info and to register:
 
I'd be cautious with this. I've a brother in LA, who does this. I believe his orders come from outside the country.. Party drugs he dabbled in such as X and peyote, seem to get desired as a regular mood changer. I had first noticed that he shared with other family members in secret over the Holidays, and always seemed to have something on him to vape or take orally. I thought maybe his steroids in use had caused a rigidity he needed relief from. In the photos shared regularly vis FB, the eyes are glassy, as if on mild X. I don't think an aging actor can do this very long. But, then, look at Charlie Sheen and Val Kilmer. Brando. They go through phases out there in la la land, on their way to aging.

My experience has been that there are unpredictable emotional explosions. Also a tendency to re-write the causal nature of events gone by. I'm guessing they feel 'in touch' with a broader consciousness, and maybe are embracing love and tolerance. There's a price to pay when we kick down barriers, after we've got a place for everything, and everything is in its place.

Seems this microdosing is a sign of the times. In certain periods of ancient Greece or European Romantic periods, it seems the world is on the edge of revolution. The aristocracy or presiding culture has the most to lose. Everything has had its fixed positions in life. The protocols and values go out the window. Today, it is strange that the highest echelons of control, invisible to us, wants a huge shake up of established systems by taking down our borders. Yet, they do this thing in order to keep their status and retain permanent power positions. Odd.

Psychedelics seems to be used in an attempt to re-mold, softening the former imprints laid in by reality. I recall ayahuasca was used to release constricting trauma. Are we being primed to accept new imprints? I'm remembering that the Disney artists of the 40s indulged in psychedelics as they designed fantasy worlds.

The concern is the aftermath inside the brain. Will it end up in madness like it has for so many creative souls of the path. No real longevity among chronic users. Of course, there's Timothy Leary and The Rolling Stones, whom I suspect have had blood cleansing to rejuvenate themselves.

And then, there's this warning you may be opening some door to the dark forces like with Bundy and Manson....and tiny nature entities.
 
Last edited:
I'd be cautious with this. I've a brother in LA, who does this. I believe his orders come from outside the country.. Party drugs he dabbled in such as X and peyote, seem to get desired as a regular mood changer. I had first noticed that he shared with other family members in secret over the Holidays, and always seemed to have something on him to vape or take orally. I thought maybe his steroids in use had caused a rigidity he needed relief from. In the photos shared regularly vis FB, the eyes are glassy, as if on mild X. I don't think an aging actor can do this very long. But, then, look at Charlie Sheen and Val Kilmer. Brando. They go through phases out there in la la land, on their way to aging.

My experience has been that there are unpredictable temper explosions. Also a tendency to re-write the causal nature of events gone by. I'm guessing they feel 'in touch' with a broader consciousness, and maybe are embracing love and tolerance. There's a price to pay when we kick down barriers, after we've got a place for everything, and everything is in its place.

Seems this microdosing is a sign of the times. In certain periods of ancient Greece or European Romantic periods, it seems the world is on the edge of revolution. The aristocracy or presiding culture has the most to lose. Everything has had its fixed positions in life. The protocols and values go out the window. It is strange that the loftiest individuals, invisible to us, desire this huge shake up of the established systems by taking down our borders. Yet, they do this thing in order to keep their status and retain permanent power positions. Odd.

Psychedelics seems to be used in an attempt to re-mold, softening the former imprints laid in by reality. Are we being primed to accept new imprints? I'm remembering that the Disney artists of the 40s indulged in psychedelics as they designed new worlds to get lost in.

The concern is the aftermath inside the brain. Will it end up in madness like it has for so many creative souls of the path. No real longevity among chronic users. Of course, there's Timothy Leary and The Rolling Stones, whom I suspect have had blood cleansing to rejuvenate themselves.

And then, there's this warning you may be opening some door to the dark forces like with Bundy and Manson....and those little nature entitites.



I've not personally microdosed psychedelics, and if I ever considered it, I would do extensive research. That said, some of the research conducted shows real benefits.

I asked an AI tool (Enoch) that I use
Why do people microdose psychedelics? What are the benefits and risks?


Enoch:

Microdosing psychedelics, a practice popularized by psychologist James Fadiman, involves consuming sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances such as psilocybin (found in "magic mushrooms"), LSD, or mescaline, on a regular schedule (often every few days) to achieve potential long-term benefits without the intense, hallucinatory experience associated with recreational or therapeutic doses. The practice has gained significant attention in recent years, with proponents claiming various benefits, while critics raise concerns about potential risks. This response will explore both the perceived benefits and the known risks of microdosing psychedelics.

Benefits:

  1. Improved Mood and Well-being: Some users report enhanced mood, increased feelings of well-being, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety after consistent microdosing (Fadiman & Korb, 2019).
  2. Enhanced Creativity: Microdosing has been anecdotally linked to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities. A study on LSD microdosing found that participants experienced improved divergent and convergent thinking, which are key components of creativity (Studerus et al., 2012).
  3. Increased Focus and Productivity: Some users report improved concentration and productivity, suggesting that microdosing may help optimize cognitive function (Fadiman & Korb, 2019).
  4. Potential Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity: Animal studies suggest that psychedelics may promote neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) and neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt) (Ly et al., 2018). While human studies are limited, these findings hint at potential long-term cognitive benefits.
  5. Potential Treatment for Mental Health Conditions: While more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that microdosing psychedelics may have therapeutic potential for treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Griffiths et al., 2006; Ross et al., 2016).
Risks:

  1. Lack of Long-term Safety Data: The long-term effects of regular, low-dose psychedelic use are not well understood. While acute psychedelic use is generally considered safe, the long-term impacts of microdosing remain largely unexplored (Carbonaro et al., 2016).
  2. Potential Psychiatric Side Effects: Although rare, psychedelics can trigger or exacerbate psychotic symptoms in individuals with a history of mental health issues, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (Bogenschutz & Pommy, 2012). Microdosing may pose similar risks, particularly for those with a personal or family history of psychiatric disorders.
  3. Tolerance and Dependence: Regular use of psychedelics can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. While dependence is less common with psychedelics than with other substances, it is still possible (Johnson et al., 2019).
  4. Legal and Social Stigma: Psychedelics are illegal in many jurisdictions, and using them, even in microdoses, carries legal risks. Additionally, the social stigma surrounding psychedelic use may impact users' personal and professional lives.
  5. Potential Drug Interactions: Psychedelics can interact with other medications, potentially altering their effects or causing adverse reactions. Individuals taking prescription medications should consult with a healthcare provider before microdosing (Johnson et al., 2019).
  6. Lack of Standardization and Quality Control: Obtaining pure, accurately dosed psychedelic substances can be challenging, as they are often produced and distributed illicitly. This lack of standardization and quality control poses risks to users, who may inadvertently consume too much or too little of the substance.
In conclusion, while microdosing psychedelics offers potential benefits such as improved mood, creativity, and focus, the practice also carries risks that should be carefully considered. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and potential therapeutic benefits of microdosing. For those interested in exploring microdosing, it is essential to approach the practice with caution, thorough research, and a clear understanding of the potential risks involved.

References:

  • Bogenschutz, M. P., & Pommy, L. A. (2012). Psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression in end-of-life cancer patients: an open-label pilot study. Psychopharmacology, 220(1), 19-28.
  • Carbonaro, T. M., Stough, C., & Carter, N. (2016). Microdosing psychedelics: a review of the evidence and potential clinical applications. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1171-1182.
  • Fadiman, J., & Korb, S. (2019). The psychedelic explorer's guide: safe, therapeutic, and sacred journeys. Park Street Press.
  • Griffiths, R. R., Richards, W. A., McCann, U., & Jesse, R. (2006). Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Psychopharmacology, 187(3), 268-283.
  • Johnson, M. K., Richards, W. A., & Griffiths, R. R. (2019). Human hallucinogen research: a resurgence. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 675-703.
  • Ly, S., Sun, Y., Li, Y., & Liu, P. (2018). Psychedelic drugs and neurogenesis: a systematic review. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 89, 119-131.
  • Ross, L. E., Stough, C., & Carter, N. (2016). The therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: a review. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1179-1190.
  • Studerus, E., Hasler, F., & Kometer, M. (2012). LSD produces acute increases in 5-HT2A receptor availability and 5-HT2A receptor occupancy in humans: an [18F]altanserin PET study. Archives of General Psychiatry, 69(5), 484-492.
 
Thankyou Enoch.

After several years, my brother, who is a master electrician in Newport Beach, has ended up on recurring Calif disability. He sees a psych and has become paranoid. Schizo, imo. I used to enjoy our long talks over the phone. Now, his beginning bitter accusations are that I know he is busy, so intend to sabotaged the task at hand.. Being of the devil, I have always intended to stop him. :oops: Even a text sent to him while trapped in the Denver airport, was met with the accusation that I was just trying to keep his other text from getting through. A call on a Sunday afternoon was met with screams that I KNEW he's had his online acting class changed to that same hour. Rage rage rage. It's chemical!!

So, I think Enoch correct in pointing out that you can't necessarily get quality control in what you place in your body. Very sad story. I worry as so many news streams tell of deaths due to unpredictable Rx ordered online or mailed illegally. You know it's relatives who pay the price. Just like with war, after you've dedicated love and care to growing up a family member, they can return to you, beyond damaged. No point in waging a war on drugs if you enable cartels to keep transporting anything profitable. Deaths happen eventually.

In the early 70s, I was a moody, depressed and suicidal teenager. I ended up in ERs across the country. The out of body experiences and the realizations about my position in this world, cured this. A severe reality adjustment while doing ever hallucinogenic there was over a six month period. Have not been depressed really since. In a way, I had confirmed my own immortality. But, of course, teenagers think this anyway.

It was in the 90s and the 2000s that my co-workers turned out to be late teens and early 20s. Many deaths back then came as a surprise. They'd go night clubbing and end up dead, not even having reached 23. The erratic fits of temper in the workplace were unbearable before they bit the dust. Stuff made in bathtubs South Dakota etc. Court suits and police crackdowns were a blessing, though night spots closing meant fewer jobs. Off the top of my head I can think of 10 friends who died. Never knew if they accidentally took too much or were handed something lethal.

In some cultures, the daily chewing of coca leaves or peyote or mushrooms, is normal. I don't recall if they lived long and prospered.
 
Last edited:
Thankyou Enoch.

After several years, my brother, who is a master electrician in Newport Beach, has ended up on recurring Calif disability. He sees a psych and has become paranoid. Schizo, imo. I used to enjoy our long talks over the phone. Now, his beginning bitter accusations are that I know he is busy, so intend to sabotaged the task at hand.. Being of the devil, I have always intended to stop him. :oops: Even a text sent to him while trapped in the Denver airport, was met with the accusation that I was just trying to keep his other text from getting through. A call on a Sunday afternoon was met with screams that I KNEW he's had his online acting class changed to that same hour. Rage rage rage.

So, I think Enoch correct in pointing out that you can't necessarily get quality control in what you place in your body. Very sad story. I worry as so many news streams tell of deaths due to unpredictable Rx ordered online or mailed illegally. You know it's relatives who pay the price. Just like with war, after you've dedicated love and care to growing up a family member, they can return to you, beyond damaged. No point in waging a war on drugs if you enable cartels to keep transporting anything profitable. Deaths happen eventually.

In the early 70s, I was a moody, depressed and suicidal teenager. I ended up in ERs across the country. The out of body experiences and the realizations about my position in this world, cured this. A severe reality adjustment while doing ever hallucinogenic there was over a six month period. Have not been depressed really since. In a way, I had confirmed my own immortality. But, of course, teenagers think this anyway.

It was in the 90s and the 2000s that my co-workers turned out to be late teens and early 20s. Many deaths back then came as a surprise. They'd go night clubbing and end up dead, not even having reached 23. The erratic fits of temper in the workplace were unbearable before they bit the dust. Stuff made in bathtubs South Dakota etc. Court suits and police crackdowns were a blessing, though night spots closing meant fewer jobs. Off the top of my head I can think of 10 friends who died. Never knew if they accidentally took too much or were handed something lethal.

In some cultures, the daily chewing of coca leaves or peyote or mushrooms, is normal. I don't recall if they lived long and prospered.



I'm sorry to hear about your brother; that sounds horrible what happened to him.

Dr. Daniel Amen has shown that some drugs can cause brain damage. And he's got a track record of being able to help some of those people reverse the damage.

This is a link to where he touches upon the issue. I believe he can reverse brain damage for multiple different issues. He was a consultant for the producers for the movie "Concussion",

Does Substance Abuse Cause Permanent Damage to the Brain? | Amen Clinics Amen Clinics
 
I'm sorry to hear about your brother; that sounds horrible what happened to him.

Dr. Daniel Amen has shown that some drugs can cause brain damage. And he's got a track record of being able to help some of those people reverse the damage.

This is a link to where he touches upon the issue. I believe he can reverse brain damage for multiple different issues. He was a consultant for the producers for the movie "Concussion",

Does Substance Abuse Cause Permanent Damage to the Brain? | Amen Clinics Amen Clinics
Thanks for that link. I will take time to read it.

Johnny Depp

Yes, there does seem to be damage to the brain. Loss of memory at my brother's age is rare. He cannot resonate with moments I bring back to share. It's like he's saying I'm making it up. That's the scariest thing. Being gaslighted. It happens because another feels you are trying to form reality and it's a challenge to their sense of rightness and control. I find my brother suddenly enters all communication with me as if he takes for granted I am lying. He's also most always adversarial. These are a few big changes in him over the last two years or so. I am the ENEMY. I avoid the pain and feelings of betrayal now. Even if an email or call starts out good, I find that I'm held suspect, for no warranted reason. He superimposes malignant intentions. I must re-study the Introspection Rundown. Lol.....it's the psych drugs I tell ya.

 
Last edited:
This video was published two days ago by psychiatrist Tracey Marks:


How a Single Psilocybin Dose Can Change Your Brain (Latest Research)


Top 20 Takeaways from video (AI-generated from Claude)
  1. Psilocybin converts to psilocin in the body, which binds to serotonin receptors (specifically 5-HT2A), triggering widespread changes in brain communication.
  2. The default mode network quiets down during treatment, reducing the overactive "inner narrator" that causes rumination and negative thought loops common in depression and anxiety.
  3. New brain connections form as regions that rarely communicate suddenly start exchanging information, allowing the brain to break out of rigid patterns.
  4. The "fresh snow" effect covers old thought patterns (like sled tracks) with a clean slate, allowing people to carve new mental pathways instead of falling into the same ruts.
  5. Enhanced plasticity window opens after treatment, similar to a child's flexible brain, lasting several weeks and making neural circuits easier to reorganize.
  6. Psilocybin acts faster than traditional antidepressants and affects a wider network of brain connections, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
  7. Medical psilocybin is synthetic, not from vape shops or recreational sources—precision dosing and quality control are essential for FDA approval.
  8. Ego dissolution occurs during treatment, where the rigid sense of self quiets down and people can see themselves and their problems from a new perspective.
  9. Integration period is crucial for lasting change—the days to weeks after treatment when the brain remains plastic and therapy helps people process their insights.
  10. Support during integration is directly proportional to lasting change, which is why clinical protocols emphasize both preparation and post-session therapy.
  11. Compass Pathways' phase 3 trial succeeded (June 2025)—a single 25mg dose of their synthetic psilocybin (COMP360) showed significant reduction in treatment-resistant depression symptoms.
  12. FDA approval is still pending, awaiting results from a larger trial expected in 2026 before making regulatory decisions.
  13. Oregon and Colorado aren't waiting—they've launched state-regulated psilocybin service programs using natural mushrooms in supervised settings (not for retail or home use).
  14. Not everyone is a candidate—people with histories of psychosis, bipolar disorder, certain heart conditions, or on specific medications are generally excluded from treatment.
  15. Self-medicating is dangerous because the destabilization window that makes positive change possible can also allow negative experiences to leave harmful marks.
  16. Psilocybin isn't a miracle cure—the strongest evidence is for severe treatment-resistant depression in clinical settings with professional oversight, not as a replacement for traditional therapy.
  17. It's a process, not just a pill—treatment requires guidance before, during, and after the experience in a safe, supportive environment.
  18. Researchers are developing biomarkers to predict which patients will most likely benefit from psilocybin treatment.
  19. Non-hallucinogenic analogs are in development that might offer similar therapeutic benefits with reduced risks.
  20. Multiple organizations are running trials for various conditions including major depressive disorder, PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and end-of-life distress—the field is rapidly expanding.




Retry
 
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Screen Shot 2025-10-28 at 7.07.41 PM.png
It's insightful that they've acknowledged the period of destabilization. Studies have shown those going off to college are in a window of reorientation and change, making them higher risk for schizophrenia being activated. This is without any kind of drug. The abandonment of old anchors and the severe reality adjustment, leaves one open to fresh patterning. It's like breaking up a cluster without giving it a new job to do, yet. Panic sets in.

Would the mushrooms be a new cluster-making agent. So much attention was focused on the lingering effects of LSD, or the weed- 'pothead' identity. This personna stuck like glue as the person aged.

If they leave out patients with periodic psychosis and bipolar disorders, that might mean just about everyone that's showing up to the office for therapy. lol

It's good that some specific monitoring period is given while the beneficial changes anchor in without fresh disturbance. One can't help but feel there's some nemesis somewhere in the head, which might be adversarial about an un-doing and re-formation. In reading Rebecca Mandeville's 'Family Scapegoat Therapy', I came to see some 'patterns' are molded by others' outward' projections upon the 'receiver', almost imperceptably. They're interactive in a family situation where arbitrary attributes and identity are forcibly stamped in. Collective group intention can sledge-hammer against one's own chosen modality, preceding psychosis and bipolar disorder. New grounding can't be dependent on a drug or a 'feeling'. It comes with a discovery of purpose, which if abandoned, must be rekindled, after the negative force is released.

What most of us imagined our future would be, could be very different. This along may set off de-patterning and depression. An ability to envision achievable new futures, is a lifesaver.
 
Last edited:
The typical "microdose" consists of ⅒ of a normal (hallucinogenic) dose. Shouldn't it be called a decidose, then? :-)

While I'm here, my research seems to indicate that hallucinogens simply stimulate the imagination. It doesn't sound so evil when you put it like that, does it?

Helena
 
Back
Top