Psilocybin and smoking addiction
To clearly explain how psychedelics, and specifically psilocybin (and therefore psilocin), can help with smoking addiction or other addictions, you can watch the following TEDx video. It clearly demonstrates that the "drug" psilocybin can help with addiction to other drugs.
How can psychedelics help you quit smoking?
1: Neurogenesis
Due to the effects of a psychedelic trip with psychedelics like psilocybin, a new configuration will develop in the brain. This is because psilocybin is converted into psilocin after ingestion. Psilocin then fits onto the 5HT2 receptors, just like serotonin. Stimulating the 5HT2a receptors by the psychedelic substances causes the release of more BDNF. BDNF is a hormone that repairs nerve cells and can create new connections, a process known as neurogenesis. This new brain configuration also means the development of new pathways. These new pathways also lead to new choices, such as quitting addiction.
2: Serotonin vs. dopamine
The most addictive substances and activities generally affect the dopamine receptor. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in boosting the ego. Achieving personal goals, in particular, is rewarded with dopamine. It gives energy and a very good feeling. The downside, however, is that the dopamine high is very short-lived, and you keep wanting more. Drugs like cocaine, heroin, tobacco, and alcohol increase dopamine levels. Eating sugar increases dopamine levels just as cocaine does. Activities like watching porn, social media, gambling, and gaming also increase dopamine. This indirectly causes you to focus more on personal goals, which sometimes leads people to loneliness (low serotonin as a result). Loneliness leads to feelings of depression, which are then remedied with dopamine-sensitive addictions, thus perpetuating the negative spiral.
A high dose of serotonin-like substances like DMT or psilocin (4-HO-DMT) from magic mushrooms or truffles creates a sense of connection with everything and everyone. From this state, personal goals and ego-boosting activities like (smoking) addictions seem much less important. From these thoughts, a positive spiral can develop in which shared goals and connections become more important.
3: Ego death
With a high triple level, such as triple level 4 or 5, ego death can occur. The benefits of overcoming an addiction lie in the fact that the idea of being "me" fades. Without awareness of "me" or the "ego," one can, without self-protection, examine whether the things we do to the body are good and why they are necessary. Ultimately, our body is the temple of our existence, and why would we want to poison it to achieve personal goals or pretend to achieve them? Addictions are therefore cheats to make you feel good, but they don't solve underlying problems! During ego death, you may be able to resolve those underlying problems, as the brain is then ultra-connected. Another advantage is that after ego death, you can feel reborn. As if a new "me" has emerged. A new beginning with healthy choices!
Help with your addiction?
The first step toward a solution is realizing and accepting that an addiction exists. It's a courageous step to come out and admit it. While it's scary, the reward for that courage will come later. Here at trip therapy, we always work non-judgmentally. Ultimately, the circumstances are the reason for the addiction, and our collaboration with you can transform those circumstances into something beautiful!
Triptherapie is more than a trip session
Much more benefit can be gained from a psychedelic trip if the preparation aligns with a person's goals. Especially with addictions, preparation for the trip is far more important than one might expect. Preparation influences the psyche, the neurochemistry, the body, the actual trip, and thus the outcome.
A healthy body provides a healthy foundation for a successful, deep journey. We therefore do everything we can to address all facets of existence, and that's why we advise our clients on nutrition, exercise, and supplements. This comprehensive approach for body and mind ensures the best results in both the short and long term.
Triptherapie reviews
Reading reviews from previous clients can help you get a better idea of how psychedelic sessions can be used to treat addictions. We've certainly seen good results with addictions like gambling, smoking, pornography, MDMA, cocaine, and other addictive substances. However, it's still a good idea to read the reviews to see what others have thought of Triptherapie.
More about psilocybin
If you'd like to learn more about psilocybin, we have plenty of information on our website. Use the buttons below to learn more about psilocybin as a substance, psilocybin in psychedelic therapy, and the latest news regarding this substance. Scroll down to the footer if you'd like to complete the intake form to register.