Microdosing psychedelics has gained notable attention in recent years as a potential treatment for mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive disorders.
According to Harvard Health, microdosing has not been definitively proven as a clinically effective treatment for any condition, yet the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research has published numerous studies demonstrating positive correlations between psilocybin as a moderator for major depressive disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more.
Those who are interested in exploring alternative therapies for mental illness, particularly those that have been disappointed by conventional pharmaceutical intervention, may find this article on microdosing a helpful tool.
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is the act of taking small amounts of a psychedelic substance, most commonly psilocybin, for mental health benefits that don’t include typical hallucinogenic effects.
Recreationally, people take psychedelics for the euphoric high it produces, one that is typically marked by feelings of depersonalization and derealization.
Depersonalization refers to feeling disconnected from oneself, as though you’re drifting or floating beyond your own body. Many people who take psychedelics relate this feeling to achieving a higher state of consciousness.
Derealization is feeling as though the physical world is no longer real and that reality is distant or foggy.
The goal of microdosing is to get all the benefits of psychedelics without becoming intoxicated. Rather than seeking an altered state of consciousness, people who microdose seek advantages like less stress, anxiety and depression, enhanced creativity, greater energy levels, and more peace of mind.
How Microdosing Works
There is no exact quantity approved for microdosing, but it is generally seen as taking a fraction of a typical recreational dose. In the case of magic mushrooms, this would be approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mg.
Most microdosing protocols require someone to take a small amount of a psychedelic two to four times per week. Other protocols follow an on-off model that requires microdosing for several days in a row, then taking several days off.
No one is entirely sure precisely how psychedelics achieve all of their benefits, but the answer likely lies in their ability to improve the brain’s communication. By activating the serotonin receptor 5-HT2AR, psychedelics can cause rapid growth of dendrites, the branches that are able to receive neural input from other cells.
By stimulating this growth, the brain becomes more flexible, ultimately allowing the individual to release unhealthy patterns and embrace newer, positive ways of thinking and being.
Conditions that Can Be Treated with Microdosing
Microdosing has been explored across a variety of applications, including substance use disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, treatment-resistant depression, and even in pain management.
Using psychedelics to target symptoms may prove more effective than pharmaceuticals and other conventional treatments.
Because of its widespread potential, psychedelic research is a broad field that is gaining popularity across the country. There are numerous clinical studies underway exploring the possible benefits and uses of psychedelics.
At the Yale School of Medicine, researchers are actively investigating the use of psilocybin to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and headaches, as well as its neurological impacts on the brian.
With greater understanding of how psychedelics affect the brain, more applications for treatment will emerge. The rapidly expanding body of knowledge shows promising potential in both physical and mental health treatments.
Microdosing and Psychotherapy
Microdosing may be beneficial for those looking to improve their mental health by working with a therapist. Psilocybin-assisted therapy can be beneficial for patients that struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
It may also benefit those interested in the possible benefits of microdosing who want to set clear intentions and align their psychedelic use with their goals.
Trained psychedelic therapists can help guide patients through their experience with psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and other psychedelic substances. By working with a therapist, it is easier to adjust a microdosing protocol to target specific symptoms and, hopefully, achieve desired results.
In Alberta, Canada, therapists licensed under the Mental Health Services Act can prescribe and oversee all of a patient’s microdosing for the duration of treatment. In the United States, only ketamine has been given clearance for applications in therapy; however, the growing field of psychedelic psychotherapy and certification programs show promise for more accessibility in the future.
How to Microdose for Therapy
Dosage guidelines will vary greatly from patient to patient depending on the substance they choose and what their desired results are.
By definition, a microdose must be a sub-hallucinogenic dose, meaning it is not strong enough to cause any psychoactive effects that would lead to altered states of consciousness. Most microdoses are 1/10 to 1/20 of a standard dose of a substance.
A typical dose of magic mushrooms is 2.5g, so a microdose would be between 0.2 and .05g. No microdose should go above 0.5 for any psychedelic to avoid unwanted results.
Working with a psychedelic therapist is the best way to tailor your protocol to your unique needs and goals. These therapists understand how microdosing works, and they can adjust doses and treatment plans as needed.
Before microdosing, your therapist can also help you set positive intentions that can improve your results. Because psychedelics can increase the potential for new, positive neural pathways, setting positive intentions can help you achieve desired outcomes.
While microdosing for therapy, you may also engage in activities that support your intention, such as meditating, journaling, and reciting positive affirmations. These exercises can help you take greater advantage of the effects of microdosing on the brian, and ultimately shape your experience to be more fulfilling.
You should also consider which substances may be right for your intended purposes. A psychedelic integration coach can help you explore your options.
Microdosing and Self-Care Management
While microdosing can be an effective way to improve your overall mental health, it should only be done in conjunction with other self-care exercises. Self-care includes eating a healthy diet rich in nutritious foods, exercising regularly to strengthen and stretch your body, and engaging in hobbies that make life feel worthwhile to you.
Microdosing can help give people the energy and focus they need to be more productive, which means it can support greater self-care as well. Many people who struggle with mental health disorders often put themselves last, so developing a good self-care plan should be a part of any microdosing protocol.
Working with a psychedelic integration therapist can be an effective way to identify which self-care activities could be most helpful for you while you microdose. Engaging in talk therapy, integration circles (support groups), and even practicing self-reflection more frequently might help you achieve the greatest results.
Potential Benefits of Microdosing
There are many purported positive benefits of microdosing, including the following:
- Less anxiety and worry
- Lower stress levels
- Reduced depression symptoms
- Greater energy
- More creativity
- Improved cognitive function
- Enhanced mental well-being
In a 2021 article published in Nature Journal, researchers asked adults who microdose psychedelics what their motivations were and how microdosing improved their lives. They found that microdosers were largely motivated by health factors, namely, a desire to reduce anxiety, lower depression, and improve well-being.
The microdosing group were more likely than a non-dosing group to report mental health concerns, and among the 4,050 microdosers, 85% took psilocybin. They reported that microdosing positively affected their depression and anxiety symptoms.
Researchers also found it interesting that although the microdosers reported higher substance use over the last year, they showed lower signs of substance use disorder, less anxiety, and fewer negative emotions.
Mood enhancement and anxiety reduction are two of the greatest potential benefits of microdosing, especially among people who struggle with their mental health.
However, it is important to note that no amount of psychedelics is recommended for anyone that has a history or risk of hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, or schizophrenia.
Currently, anecdotal evidence for microdosing as a depression and anxiety treatment is much greater than clinical evidence. There are many people who report that taking psychedelics in small doses helped raise their energy levels, balance their moods, and reduce distressing symptoms that often left them feeling hopeless and powerless in their daily lives.
From a neurological level, microdosing may be able to improve mood by stimulating greater production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Just as many antidepressants target this chemical messenger, small doses of psychedelics may activate its receptors, too.
The difference lies in the way antidepressants vs. psychedelics target serotonin. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prevent other neurons from being able to absorb serotonin, meaning it stays in your system for longer at a higher quantity than usual.
Psychedelics, on the other hand, lower how much energy the brain needs to switch between mental states; this allows the brain to perform more fluidly, which can alter its neuroplasticity, or ability to form new connections.
The neural plasticity theory of depression states that the condition may arise as a result of disruptions and dysregulation in the brain. Rumination, a common depression symptom, may also create strong synaptic connections (neural pathways) that perpetuate the negative thinking cycles and self-defeating beliefs among people experiencing depression.
Theoretically, it is possible that psychedelic microdosing could disrupt these negative pathways, making it easier for someone to form more positive connections and, essentially, develop the ability and scope to see beyond the lens of depression.
Potential Downsides to Microdosing
Just like one has to weigh the pros and cons of a prescription medication, alternative therapies are no different; while they may pose less risks than some pharmaceuticals, there are still some risks to psychedelics and microdosing to be aware of.
First, it’s important to note that subjective experience plays a large factor in a person’s experience with psychedelics, and what we know as the placebo effect may also largely influence how much a person feels microdosing improves their symptoms.
There are two other key risks that anyone considering microdosing has to be mindful of: dosage and quality. Product sourcing can be difficult because psilocybin and LSD are not legal in the United States or Canada.
The legality factor ultimately affects regulations. While there are many microdosing brands sprouting up around the web, they are not governed by any authoritative body. Therefore, the responsibility falls entirely on the consumer to make sure that the psychedelics they take are not contaminated with any potentially harmful substances.
Additionally, it’s equally important to know your state’s rules and regulations before purchasing or using microdosing psychedelics.
You should take psychedelics with caution, and only under the guidance of an experienced medical expert.
As for dosing, there is no exact science. Microdosing can be personalized to suit a person’s needs, but a balance is necessary. Because recreational and microdosing psychedelics are made from the same substance, increasing a dose can eventually lead to undesired psychoactive effects.
Practical Tips Before Trying
Make sure that you speak with your doctor if you are currently on any prescription medications or have underlying health conditions. Microdosing could cause serious interactions and effects, so medical clearance is necessary before safely trying psychedelics.
You should also speak with your doctor about the possible pros and cons of microdosing and whether they feel you’re a good candidate overall.
Microdosing is not a proven cure for depression or anxiety. While current research reveals some therapeutic potential, it does not replace self-care and seeking mental health support when it is warranted. It’s particularly important to seek support prior to microdosing if you have suicidal thoughts.
You should always consider trying microdosing with a sober person around to act as your supervisor. In case you experience any negative effects, they can help you seek medical attention quickly. Most importantly, never try microdosing alone.
Conclusion
To recap, microdosing is taking a small amount of a substance to achieve potential benefits while reducing your risk of complications, or eliminating unwanted effects. When it comes to the world of psychedelics, microdosing is an emergent trend that shows promising potential in the treatment of mental health disorders and a number of physical conditions as well.
The therapeutic potential of microdosing can be a beneficial alternative to conventional drugs, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Those who have previously tried traditional therapy to no avail might find microdosing to be a powerful alternative that finally helps break down the barriers holding them back from living their fullest lives.
In the future, more research on microdosing will reveal the underlying mechanisms of psychedelics on the brain, as well as how different dosages and substances may benefit people with a variety of mental health disorders.
