Four Reasons People Seek Hallucinogens
There is a rise in the use of plant medicines across the country. Utah has seen an increase in psychedelic use as well. Those curious and seeking are generally looking to use these medicines in one of four ways: religion, therapy, play, and creativity.
1. Religious tradition
Hallucinogenic plants have been used in religious rituals dating back to prehistoric times. These plants can induce states of detachment from reality. They bring on “visions” that can provide insight to the individual. In addition, they can enable contact with other dimensions including a god or higher power.
2. Therapy
Hallucinogens are being investigated in therapeutic use to treat mental health issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, death anxiety and other issues associated with perceptual distortions.
Anecdotal reports and small studies suggest that treatments including ayahuasca show promise as a therapy for substance use disorder. Psilocybin is being studied as a help to those suffering depression and PTSD. And MDMA is being used to treat PTSD, as well as in couples therapies.
3. Recreation/play
People increasingly report hallucinogenic use for more social or recreational purposes. These people are seeking fun, stress relief, and reduced anxieties and deep relaxation.
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4. Creative Boost
Psychedelic use is being sought to heighten creativity and enlightened senses of thinking. Reports of increased ingenuity, expansive imagination, and new inspiration are drawing more people to hallucinogens who are seeking creative enhancements.
The lines between these uses are very grey. One might seek out a religious experience by enjoying therapeutic healing through hilarity and bliss.
Or during a therapeutic use a person might converse with god while playing and connecting with their childhood self.
One early theme coming out of these research projects is that intense healing can be a part of these experiences. Participants talk about seeing the world in a new way, being unstuck in problems that have mired them down for months, years and even decades, having greater self-acceptance, and higher creative levels.
Uses of these plant medicines will continue to increase, as data shows their healing potential and non-addictive elements.
However these hallucinogens are used, the universal concern should be safety. When used safely, these medicines can be life-changing in all the right ways. If used safely, there is no wrong way to use plant medicines.