Microdosing, the practice of consuming a sub perceptual dose of psychedelics substances. Experts in the field anticipates that some psychedelics may become fully legalized within the next few years. A seemingly accurate predication, as we see several cities and two states decriminalize psychedelics substances.
Together with the current trend of legalization is a result of the scientific evidence that suggest psychedelics are safe and effective in the treatment of mental illness. In a small double-blind study, Johns Hopkins researchers report that a substantial majority of people suffering cancer-related anxiety or depression found considerable relief for up to six months from a single large dose of psilocybin — the active compound in the hallucinogenic, magic mushrooms.
All things considered, microdosing could be the most significant step forward in the treatment of mental illnesses. Here are three more medical benefits that supports this:
1. Psilocybin Can Help Alcoholics
An August 2022 study states that modern research has revealed the promising potential of psilocybin for treating alcohol dependence. In the double-blind randomized clinical trial, participants were placed into a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Each participant also randomly assigned to receive psilocybin or diphenhydramine (i.e. aspirin). At the conclusion, percentage of heavy drinking days during the 32-weeks study was 9.7% for the psilocybin group. Compared to 23.6% for the aspirin group. Making a significant mean difference of 13.9%.
2. Microdosing Alleviates Depression, Anxiety, & Stress
In another study conducted early in June 2022 suggests greater improvements in mood and mental health. The study sought to compare microdoser participants to non-microdosers in the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). In one month, microdosers show greater improvements among microdosers across the DASS domains of depression, anxiety, and stress. Going further to suggest that microdose-related reductions in depression were stronger among females than among males.
3. Possible Psychomotor Benefits
In addition to mental health benefits, psilocybin shows potential in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Participants took a smartphone finger-tapping test that has been used to assess psychomotor symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions, such as those mentioned previously. Researchers found that the microdoser group experienced improvements in psychomotor performance.
