top of page

Neuroplasticity and Psychedelic Therapies: Unlocking the Brain’s Potential Safely

  • Writer: Ravyn Ramos
    Ravyn Ramos
  • Nov 9, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 29

At Solshine Wellness Group, we’re always looking for ways to support mental health and healing in the safest and most effective ways possible. One of the more exciting developments in recent years has been the growing interest in psychedelic therapies, particularly substances like ketamine. These therapies are showing promising results for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD—especially when used in a controlled, supervised environment.



Neuroplasticity and Psychedelic Therapies


What Is Neuroplasticity, and How Does It Relate to Mental Health?


The so-called neuroplasticity is the process of reorganization of the brain due to the establishment of new neural connections. It simply means that our brain never stops being able to change, adapt, and heal itself in accordance to the experience, the learning, and even some therapeutic actions. In cases where people have chronic mental health problems, the brain gets arrested in the negative modes of thought and behavior. Psychedelic medications, such as ketamine, have the ability to kickstart neuroplasticity, possibly causing the brain to revert to a state where it is capable of normal functioning once more through the formation of new connections that are healthier and more appropriate.


An example of this is with Ketamine which has been demonstrated to induce rapid synaptogenesis (development or formation of new synapses or connections between the neurons) which may help in breaking the cycle of depression and anxiety. Certainly can have a better effect in ellevating symptoms in a clinical setting: where conventional antidepressants may take time to effect, it may have a more immediate as well as lasting effect.


The Safe and Supervised Use of Psychedelics


It should be noted that psychedelics therapies will have to be administered in appropriate conditions in safe and clinical settings. The possible positive effects of drugs such as ketamine could be best utilised under medical or therapeutic conditions when dose, observation and integration is attended to. This guarantees that the experience will be safe and supportive so that positive emotional breakthrough can be made without risk of misuse.


Use of any psychedelics which include ketamine, mushrooms and mescaline are highly discouraged even in the form of recreation or casual use. Their impacts on the mind are very unpredictable, particularly with people who already suffer from other mental health issues and may result in negative or uncomfortable experiences. When not trained and organized properly, the danger of psychological damage also goes too high.


Traditional Uses and the Need for More Research


The religious and medical use of many psychedelics, including psilocybin (mushrooms), mescaline (peyote and other cacti), was used by indigenous societies over many centuries. Such substances had been a long-standing tradition of sacred ceremonies that were conducted by so-called seasoned shamans, who sought to promote a profound spiritual understanding and self-enlightenment.


As much as an increasing number of people are interested in the therapeutic support capacity of these substances, it is paramount that we treat them with reverence and respect. It is necessary to study them further, and it is not known how safe they are, their efficiency, or their long-term effects on the mind. Before we are completely able to incorporate such substances into mainstream mental health treatment, clinical trials and evidence-based therapies are mandatory.


Conclusion: Safe, Supervised, and Promising


Psychedelic medicines, especially those that include drugs such as ketamine will make an interesting research into how the brain can heal and regenerate itself. They can facilitate neuroplasticity when taken in a stable, controlled, and monitored environment, allowing people to change its mental condition permanently.


But the recreational psychedelics use is not safe, and one cannot employ it lightly. In case you want to explore the psychedelic therapy as a form of mental health support, it is imperative to seek a trained professional who will help you have this experience in a safe way.


At Solshine Wellness Group, we’re committed to exploring all avenues of mental health treatment while prioritizing your safety and well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits of psychedelic therapies, or if you have questions about your mental health, we’re here to help.


With care,

Dr. Ravyn Burnett Ramos

Solshine Wellness Group

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page