Netflix Series ‘How to Change Your Mind’ Explores the Healing Powers of Psychedelics
If you or a loved one is considering psychedelic therapy to address mental health issues, you might want to check out the new Netflix limited series How to Change Your Mind.
Based on Michael Pollan’s 2018 bestseller of the same name, the series follows Pollan’s journey to better understand the effects and uses of four psychedelic substances including LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline.
Below, you’ll find a brief synopsis of each episode. If you’re already familiar with the show, continue reading to learn how ketamine therapy compares to the medicines that are featured in each episode.
Episode 1 – LSD
The premiere episode focuses on the first synthesis of LSD by Albert Hoffman in 1938 and the ramifications of widespread use in the 50s and 60s as it “got out of the lab.” The episode reveals how the drug was initially used for various medical research for people dealing with chronic pain and mental health issues. When it became more popular and accessible, research was shut down as the government declared a war against drugs.
Episode 2 – Psilocybin
In the second episode, Pollan explores the history and uses of psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, originating with Maria Sabina, an Indigenous Mazatec healer in Mexico. Today, psilocybin is being studied for the treatment of OCD, anxiety, depression, and others. Studies show that when given to patients with life-threatening cancer, psilocybin helped to alleviate the fear of death.
Episode 3 – MDMA
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is the focus of the third episode. Considered by many to be merely a party drug, research has shown that MDMA turns off the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing fearful and threatening stimuli. This is proving particularly beneficial to people suffering from PTSD.
Episode 4 – Mescaline
The series concludes with a look into mescaline, the psychoactive property contained in the peyote and San Pedro cacti. It is considered a sacred medicine by Native Americans, used for healing in religious ceremonies. Indigenous people have had to fight for the right to use it and there is tension between the legalization movements and what that will mean for indigenous cultures, as the peyote cactus is endangered. For this reason, it has been left out of the Decriminalize Nature movement.
Ketamine Therapy
While ketamine therapy isn’t specifically addressed in the series, there are numerous parallels between the effects and uses of the psychedelics explored in the series. Ketamine helps to create new thought patterns by creating a surge of the neurotransmitter glutamate. This leads to greater neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and respond to create healthier mindsets and behaviors.
Relief is often felt within 24 hours of the first ketamine treatment, with one study involving cancer patients finding that they experienced relief from anxiety in as little as one hour. While each individual’s psychedelic experience will vary, many report the feeling of ketamine to be positive and dream-like, even spiritual.
Reflecting on her experience with Nue Life’s ketamine therapy programs, Insider writer Chelsea Greenwood said, “Joy infused me, and I started crying and laughing. I felt so secure and loved — part of a greater whole.”
By creating a clear intention and focusing on set and setting, even a challenging ketamine experience can reveal a new perspective and path forward.
And since ketamine is an FDA-approved medication originally designed as an anesthetic, it is legal to prescribe for mental health treatment. So if you’re considering psychedelic therapy, you don’t have to wait to join a study or for new laws to be passed. You may be able to find the relief you need today.
To learn more about ketamine therapy and Nue Life visit the following links:
Seeking Help with Getting Better | Nue Life Client Testimonial
The History of Ketamine | Nue Life Journal
Treatment at Nue Life
Nue Life believes in holistic treatment, meaning that what happens after your ketamine experience is equally as important as the experience itself. We want to ensure you have meaningful takeaways from your experiences and help you establish positive new neural pathways.
That’s why we provide one-on-one health coaching and integration group sessions with our programs. We’re here to help map out the mind and body connections in your brain and help you discover the insights that lead to lasting relief.
Sources:
How to Change Your Mind Official Trailer | Netflix
Antidepressants didn’t help me with my depression. I turned to ketamine therapy instead. | Insider
MDMA Therapy for Severe PTSD | Nature Medicine
