Microdosing For Anxiety: Important Info To Know Before Trying It
Having anxiety is a traumatic experience, no matter how mellow or severe. It’s why many people look for innovative ways to combat symptoms — like microdosing for anxiety, as psychedelics drugs gain popularity.
Microdosing refers to using small doses of psychedelics to stimulate the brain. This typically keeps anxious thoughts from creeping in, avoiding stress and negativity. Using about 1/10 or 1/20 of a regular dose, the goal is to achieve the positive results of hallucinogenic substances without the full experience.
Research has shown how effective microdosing can be for those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even addiction. Before deciding to try it, however, here is important info to know.
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Most Psychedelics Are Still Illegal
Most psychedelics are still illegal to purchase, so finding a way to administer them might not be easy. Studies and volunteer programs are available, but without official evaluation to prove a person suffers from anxiety, it may be hard to sign up.
Even after Oregon state deemed psilocybin legal in a therapeutic setting, it can still only be administered under strict supervision. This only comes after licensed psychotherapists conclude a rigorous exam and evaluation.
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Not All Doses Are For Everyone
The right dosage differs from person to person, depending on age, weight, mental state, sensitivity to substances, allergies, nutrition choices, and even fitness level. Yes, these all contribute to how the psychedelics can act in a person’s bloodstream.
Anyone Can Have a Bad Trip While Microdosing for Anxiety
Having a negative experience , or a “bad trip”, while taking psychedelics can be common. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. So before microdosing for anxiety, it’s important to prepare yourself for.
That negative experience can also be different for different people. While some may only get mild symptoms like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or troubles with sleeping and bloating, others may report severe hallucinations, fever, vomiting, and an increased state of fear, usually caused by past traumatic experiences. Nobody can predict how a psychedelic experience will go, so always prepare with awareness.
Prior to microdosing psychedelics, be sure to safely have someone around to assist should anything happen. This person should be trusted by you, and can help decrease the severity of any negative responses.
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Microdosing for Anxiety Isn’t Always Consistent Each Time
Depending on the state you’re in, prepare to experience microdosing differently every time you do it. Psychedelics may impact the body differently every time. And just because a bad trip didn’t happen the first time, doesn’t mean it won’t happen on the second.
Be aware of the different factors that play a role in microdosing. This will ensure safety and bring peace of mind to expect the unexpected.
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Experiencing Contra Effects
The reason you’re interested in trying microdosing is because of the reported positive effect it has on anxiety. Still, in some people, psychedelics may even cause increased anxiety. It has more to do with the preexisting conditions than the drug itself, as those who are more sensitive to stimulants can react with unwanted consequences.
There’s Still A Lot Of Unknown
Due to the current status of psychedelics and the lack of formal studies, there are still lots of unknowns. Even as the majority of studies show positive results, psychedelic therapy has not yet been fully accepted for fighting anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues.
Many privatized companies are conducting research on their own. These large-scale studies will be able to provide information to better explain the impact of hallucinogenic substances. This will also help describe how psychedelics combat mental health problems.
Also Read: Four apps to help you track microdosing
Do Your Research
As with everything new, do your due diligence to learn all there is to know about microdosing trying it. The internet can be a great source of information, but also a very conflicting place, especially with topics this controversial. Check out the professional resources such as those offered by the John Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, or the California Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research and arm yourself with as much information as possible so you know exactly what you can expect.
These organizations list all the currently updated information on psychedelics as well as published studies, current trials, ways to apply for evaluation, and which centers have licensed medical professionals on staff.
Microdosing for Anxiety Can Be Scary
Before microdosing psychedelics, it’s important to remember they are powerful substances which can have serious side effects; both short and long term. Keep in mind that they’re not placebo pills which will trick your mind into thinking they’re helping when they actually aren’t. They are real, plant-derived, hallucinogenic compounds which when administered cause reactions — no matter how mellow you might experience them.
Although early studies show microdosing psychedelics may help improve mood and focus, more information is necessary. So it’s important to research and educate yourself on how these hallucinogenic substances actually work once entering your bloodstream.
