Down The Rabbit Hole: A Look At The Therapeutic Healing Potentials

Abstract

The therapeutic application of psychedelics shows promise as a treatment for psychological struggles. When administered in a safe, supportive environment, psychedelics have the potential to induce transcendent experiences and facilitate a deep and dynamic exploration of the mind. By accessing and working through the roots of pain and suffering, individuals often emerge with a new, more balanced view of themselves and their place in the world. The clinical utility of psychedelics was researched in the middle of the 20th century before coming to an abrupt halt in the 1960's when the U.S. government as well as other governments internationally banned these substances. Recently, a resurrection in research has taken place, with small, privately funded studies exploring psychedelics' therapeutic potential. Inquiry into alternative modes of healing is vital given the vast number of people who struggle with mental health issues and do not find benefit from current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. This thesis will explore the history of psychedelic research in the West, and the methods and protocols that have been developed for obtaining optimal therapeutic benefit. The psychological and spiritual healing mechanisms facilitated by psychedelic states will be discussed, followed by a look at recent research exploring the efficacy and utility of psychedelic substances in the treatment of a variety of psychological struggles.