Addiction Drug Addiction The Risks of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy By Julia Childs Heyl, MSW Julia Childs Heyl, MSW Julia Childs Heyl is a clinical social worker who focuses on mental health disparities, the healing of generational trauma, and depth psychotherapy. Learn about our editorial process Published on May 18, 2023 Print Joost van de Brake / 500px / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents How Psychedelics Are Used in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Are There Risks Associated With Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy? Recreational Psychedelic Use Is Not Recommended While many have heard of psychedelics being used solely for recreational purposes, they are now being explored for their mental health benefits. Despite mounting research exploring the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs, many wonder if they are dangerous. When psychedelic drugs are used in controlled environments, like a psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trial, they are typically considered low-risk. This article will explore potential dangers associated with psychedelic-assisted therapy, including its risks, considerations to keep in mind, and contraindications. The Effects of Ecstasy (MDMA) on the Brain How Psychedelics Are Used in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy treats depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorder. In a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy session, a clinician will administer a dose of a hallucinogenic drug. The drug utilized is dependent upon the treatment rendered. For example, some clinicians use MDMA or ketamine, while others rely on magic mushrooms. What Happens in a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Session? The drug is administered: Once the client has received their dose of the drug, they will be invited to simply relax. The patient can begin to speak when they're ready: The clinician is present for the duration of the session. Rather than immediately engaging the client in talk therapy, which often happens in traditional psychotherapy, the clinician will wait for the client to begin speaking freely. The client may remark on the thoughts and sensations they’re experiencing, connecting them to the issue they’re working to heal in session. Other times, the client may speak about unrelated topics. The clinician will help interpret the client's thoughts: The clinician is present to make meaning out of the client’s experience, leading the client to have deep therapeutic insights. Currently, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is only conducted in clinical trials. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Uses a Controlled and Safe Environment It is important to note that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy utilizes psychedelics in a controlled environment. This means that everything from the dosage of the drug to how the person ingesting the drug is being supported has been designed for safety. Utilizing these drugs in a controlled environment is considered to be safe. Are Psychedelics Addictive? Are There Risks Associated With Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy? When psychedelic drugs are used in controlled environments, like a psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trial, they are typically considered low-risk. This means that when administered under the supervision of a clinician, there is minimal risk of harm to self and others while under the influence. What Are Psychedelic Drugs? Recreational Psychedelic Use Is Not Recommended Psychedelics used recreationally can be very dangerous. While they are approved for clinical research at this time, that does not mean they can be used freely. Therefore, legal action can be taken against you for dabbling in these drugs illegally. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Plus, taking them recreationally comes with increased safety concerns, like the risk of taking too high of a dose or being in an unpredictable environment while under the influence. Supervised Use Is Strongly Recommended To receive the therapeutic effects of these drugs, they should be taken under the care of a trained mental health professional. When taken with a mental health professional, you will be supported in making meaning out of your psychedelic experience, thus providing therapeutic effects. Nearly Half of Americans Support Legalization of Psychedelics for Mental Health 2 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Schenberg EE. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a paradigm shift in psychiatric research and development. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:733. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00733 Orsolini L, Papanti GD, De Berardis D, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Schifano F. The “endless trip” among the nps users: psychopathology and psychopharmacology in the hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. A systematic review. Front Psychiatry. 2017;0. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00240 By Julia Childs Heyl, MSW Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a clinical social worker and writer. As a writer, she focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. In her clinical work, she specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Get Treatment for Addiction Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.