ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND PSYCHEDELICS: SCIENCE, MYSTERIES AND SPIRITUALITY

The psychedelic renaissance refers to the revival of interest in and research into psychedelic substances, such as LSD, psilocybe mushrooms and DMT, in the context of mental health, well-being, personal development and Spirituality.

The legality of psychedelics varies between countries and specific substances. In many places, notably Switzerland, they are classified as illegal drugs, but there is a growing movement to reconsider their status due to their therapeutic potential.

Although psychedelics have beneficial effects supported by research and the experience of countless individuals, they can also pose risks, including psychologically traumatic experiences, episodes of confusion or disorientation, and potentially dangerous interactions with other medications. These risks are considerably reduced if the use of psychedelics takes place in a safe environment, with well-trained support staff, following a rigorous selection and preparation process, and followed by integration work.

The perception of psychedelics is evolving, moving from stigma to growing recognition of their therapeutic and spiritual potential. However, there still remain biases and challenges to overcome for wider acceptance of their use.

Proven benefits of using psychedelics include reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, improving quality of life and psychological well-being, as well as spiritual and transformative experiences.

Psychedelics are legal or decriminalized in some countries and jurisdictions. For example, in the Netherlands, magic mushrooms are tolerated in certain quantities and contexts, while in Portugal, the possession and use of all drugs, including psychedelics, is decriminalized. In Brazil, the consumption of Ayahuasca as a sacrament in a religious context is legal. The difference between legal and decriminalized is that in a country where psychedelics are legal, their possession, sale and use are explicitly permitted by law, whereas in a country where they are decriminalized, the possession and use use are still illegal but may be subject to administrative rather than criminal sanctions.

Psychedelics are often used in therapeutic, shamanic, or spiritual contexts to facilitate deep introspective experiences, exploration of consciousness, and personal growth. This is also why we sometimes give them the name entheogens, that is to say substances which open one to the feeling of the divine, which generate in themselves an experience of the divine.

Research into psychedelics is experiencing renewed interest, with numerous studies showing their potential effectiveness in treating disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Research in this area is in its early stages, and additional research is needed to better understand their mechanisms of action and safe use. That said, the results that have already been obtained are solid and extremely promising.

Yes, some countries, including Switzerland, have established research programs and legal clinics where psychedelics are used in a therapeutic setting supervised by medical professionals.

Barriers to psychedelic research include legal restrictions, obtaining approvals, limited funding, institutional bias, and methodological challenges of studying substances still often considered illicit in a rigorous scientific context. However, these obstacles are falling one after the other in the current context of great interest in these substances and in the face of evidence of their therapeutic potential.

The set and setting, that is to say the state of mind and the environment in which a person consumes psychedelics, plays a crucial role in the lived experience and the reduction of potential risks. A safe, comfortable and caring setting, as well as an open, respectful and prepared mindset, can help minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of psychedelic sessions. Supervision by trained people you trust is absolutely essential, as is the integration work after the experience, which can last weeks or months to reap the full benefits.

Yes, in some places like the Netherlands it is possible to participate in shamanic retreats or ceremonies where psychedelics are consumed in a spiritual and personal growth setting. However, it is important to seek out safe and well-supervised environments, with experienced guides, to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of such experiences. You should also follow local laws and be aware of the potential risks associated with using psychedelics outside of a medical or therapeutic setting.