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Research on Psychedelics

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New Study Suggests Psilocybin May Promote Longevity

23 October 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A new study reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, may extend cellular lifespan and improve survival in aged mice. The findings suggest exciting potential for psilocybin as a geroprotective therapy targeting biological ageing.

How Psychedelic Coaching Helps High Performers Break Through Mental Blocks

13 October 2025 posted by Simon

A large-scale study of over 2,500 adults finds that psychedelic use, especially microdosing, is strongly associated with improved health behaviours such as better diet, reduced substance use, and decreased impulsivity. These findings suggest psychedelics could catalyse meaningful lifestyle changes that enhance individual and public well-being.

How Psilocybin Therapy Enhances the Emotional Power of Music

10 October 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy not only reduces anhedonia in depression but also heightens emotional responses to music. The brain’s reward network becomes more receptive, suggesting a powerful synergy between psychedelics and music for healing.

Can Psychedelics Spark Healthy Habits?

28 September 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A large-scale study of over 2,500 adults finds that psychedelic use, especially microdosing, is strongly associated with improved health behaviours such as better diet, reduced substance use, and decreased impulsivity. These findings suggest psychedelics could catalyse meaningful lifestyle changes that enhance individual and public well-being.

What Is Psychedelic Coaching? How It Complements Psilocybin Therapy

15 September 2025 posted by Simon

A large-scale study of over 2,500 adults finds that psychedelic use, especially microdosing, is strongly associated with improved health behaviours such as better diet, reduced substance use, and decreased impulsivity. These findings suggest psychedelics could catalyse meaningful lifestyle changes that enhance individual and public well-being.

The Joy of Tripping

12 September 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Psychedelic research can overlook the joyful, life-enhancing aspects of recreational use. This paper explores how LSD and mushrooms evoke profound pleasure, connection, and emotional transformation, urging us to reconsider the value of these experiences beyond therapy.

Psilocybin Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder and Depression

16 August 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A recent French clinical trial explored the use of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in people with severe alcohol use disorder and depression. The study found psilocybin to be feasible, safe and potentially effective as an add-on to standard care, with promising results for abstinence and mood improvement.

Finding Meaning Through Psychedelics

1 August 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A new study found that psychedelics like psilocybin can profoundly enhance our sense of meaning in life. Research spanning retreat, laboratory, and clinical settings found that psychedelic experiences consistently increase feelings of purpose and fulfilment, with benefits lasting up to six months. These gains were strongly tied to improvements in well-being and reductions in depression.…

Beyond the Trip: Why Psychedelic Therapy Without Coaching May Leave You Stuck

21 July 2025 posted by Simon

A large-scale study of over 2,500 adults finds that psychedelic use, especially microdosing, is strongly associated with improved health behaviours such as better diet, reduced substance use, and decreased impulsivity. These findings suggest psychedelics could catalyse meaningful lifestyle changes that enhance individual and public well-being.

The Healing Power of Mystical Experiences

18 July 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Can mystical experiences predict the success of psilocybin therapy for depression? A new clinical study reveals that the intensity of mystical experiences during the first psychedelic session may strongly influence therapeutic outcomes. This research offers insights into the power of altered consciousness in healing treatment-resistant depression, suggesting a pivotal role for spiritual-type experiences in psychedelic…

Can LSD Help Treat Depression?

7 July 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A new randomised clinical trial explored how LSD-assisted therapy could treat major depression. Researchers compared high and low doses of LSD in a supportive psychotherapeutic setting. High doses led to stronger, longer-lasting symptom improvements, with manageable side effects. These findings point to LSD’s potential as a fast-acting, durable treatment for depression.

Sacred Encounters: How Psilocybin Transformed Clergy from Major World Religions

13 June 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This landmark study explored the effects of psilocybin on clergy from major world religions, revealing transformative spiritual experiences and lasting positive changes in religious practices, attitudes, and well-being.

How MDMA-Assisted Therapy Boosts Self-Compassion and Eases PTSD

27 May 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A new study reveals that MDMA-assisted therapy eases PTSD and depression by boosting self-compassion. Participants who became less self-critical and more self-kind saw the greatest healing, suggesting that self-compassion may be a key mechanism behind the therapy’s success. This research highlights the potential of combining psychedelics with compassion-focused practices to deepen emotional healing.

Facing the Past to Heal for the Future

9 May 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A new study reveals that reliving past trauma is a common and often healing part of ayahuasca retreats. Drawing on data from over 300 participants, the research shows that these intense memory experiences are not only widespread, especially among veterans and trauma survivors, but may also lead to lasting emotional growth.

Can Psychedelics Influence Menstrual Cycles?

2 May 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Psilocybin therapy may offer safe and meaningful relief for depression, anxiety, and even motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. A new pilot study reveals sustained improvements in mood and cognitive flexibility, without worsening symptoms or serious side effects—paving the way for future clinical research into psychedelics for neurodegenerative conditions.

Psilocybin Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

25 April 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Psilocybin therapy may offer safe and meaningful relief for depression, anxiety, and even motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. A new pilot study reveals sustained improvements in mood and cognitive flexibility, without worsening symptoms or serious side effects—paving the way for future clinical research into psychedelics for neurodegenerative conditions.

The Power of Togetherness

18 April 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A landmark study from Imperial College London reveals that the deep sense of togetherness – or “communitas” – experienced during psychedelic retreats plays a vital role in boosting psychological wellbeing and social connectedness. Communitas, shaped by the retreat environment, emotional support, and openness, predicts lasting positive changes well beyond the psychedelic experience.

Exploring the Neural State of “Embeddedness” Under Psilocybin

28 March 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A neuroimaging study reveals how psilocybin alters the brain’s functional organisation, promoting a state researchers call “embeddedness.” Using machine learning, the team found that the psychedelic state enhances the brain’s integration and flexibility, aligning closely with self-transcendent experiences.

Communion and Healing: Spiritual Experiences in Psychedelic Therapy for Alcohol Dependence

22 March 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This paper explores three deeply moving case studies from a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy trial for alcohol dependence. Participants reported spiritual encounters with deceased loved ones, divine beings, and universal forces—experiences that catalysed healing and transformation.

Ayahuasca Ceremony Leaders on Preparation and Integration

14 March 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Ayahuasca, a sacred plant medicine from the Amazon, is increasingly used for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. This study explores the perspectives of ayahuasca ceremony leaders on essential preparation and integration practices. Findings highlight the importance of honesty, readiness, and complementary practices such as meditation and psychotherapy. Integration, including community support and personal reflection, is critical…

Ayahuasca, Gratitude, and Nature: A Path to Deeper Connection

7 March 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores how ayahuasca enhances gratitude and deepens one’s connection to nature. Conducted at a Costa Rican retreat, the research found that participants reported lasting increases in gratitude and nature-relatedness. These changes were linked to mystical experiences and awe felt during ceremonies, rather than the number of sessions attended. With implications for mental health…

Understanding the Come-Up and Come-Down of Psychedelic Journeys

28 February 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores the sometimes overlooked phases of the psychedelic mushroom experience: the come-up (often stressful and uncomfortable) and the come-down (calm and reflective). Analysing 2343 reports, researchers found that early distress often transitions into relief, providing key insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin. These findings can help improve psychedelic-assisted therapy and retreat experiences,…

Exploring Shame and Guilt in Psilocybin Experiences

21 February 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Psilocybin use is often associated with mystical and transformative experiences, but what about the challenging emotions that arise? This study reveals that feelings of shame and guilt are common during psilocybin experiences, affecting nearly 70% of users. While some experience long-term reductions in shame, others may struggle with increased feelings. The key to positive outcomes…

How Psychedelics Reshape Self-Beliefs

7 February 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

How do psychedelics reshape our beliefs? A new study explores the REBUS and REBAS models, showing that psilocybin relaxes and revises rigid negative self-beliefs, leading to long-term improvements in well-being. Researchers found that stronger unitive experiences and increased neural entropy correlated with these lasting changes. These insights could revolutionise psychedelic therapy, making it a powerful…

Esketamine Nasal Spray for Patients with Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation

31 January 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A recent study outlines findings on how people interpret their psychedelic experiences through mystical and naturalistic lenses. The study examines how participants reconcile these seemingly opposing views, highlighting the transformative potential of psychedelics. By relaying key findings, this article helps readers understand how such experiences challenge conventional worldviews and contribute to personal growth.

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