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Psilocybin Retreats
The Science
Psilocybin is a natural occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms. A selected few species are used for medicinal use under supervised experienced clinicians. How Psilocybin works in the body:
1. Psilocybin allows for increased pathways and connections between neuro- receptors in the brain that typically are not aligned. Connecting these pathways allows for communication between neuro- receptors.
2. Psilocybin converts to psilocin in the body which activate serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of wellbeing, and happiness. It enables brain cells to communicate with each other. Balancing serotonin levels helps to reduce depression, anxiety, and helps regulate sleep.
3. Psilocybin increases activity in the visual cortex of the brain which processes visual information. This process allows our perceptions in life to become more keen and acute. It decreases part of the brain responsible for our inner sense of self or our ego.
4. Psilocybin has the ability to reset the Default Mode Network (DMN) in the brain. The reset in the neurochemistry will dramatically reduce anxiety, mood disorders, and depression. It helps balance the neurochemistry of the brain which has many benefits.
Psilocybin Treatment
Psilocybin Retreats
Psilocybin Treatment is a four step process
1. Clearance and Preparation – A patient medical history intake form will be completed by each candidate for pre - treatment clearance. Prep sessions.
2. Treatment – Psilocybin Assisted Therapy on day 2 and 4.
3. Integration – Cognition, processing, and analysis of treatment experiences.
4. Aftercare Planning - Customized individual aftercare planning
Neuroplasticity
Psilocybin and Ibogaine Change Brain Neuroplasticity
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound that occurs naturally in up to 200 different species of mushrooms belonging to the genus Psilocybe. It has been used for thousands of years in spiritual rituals and medicinal use. Psilocybin is converted within the body to Psilocin. Psilocin acts to stimulate the 5-HT2A receptor which can mimic the effects of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries signals between neurons. Serotonin is often called the body’s natural “feel good'' chemical. It helps regulate and balance our mood. Lack of serotonin in the body can cause depression and mood imbalances. Research has shown that Psilocybin increases serotonin levels in the body which help treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and addictions. Psilocybin has no established toxicity in humans and is easily metabolized and excreted in the urine. Psilocybin has the ability to change the Neuroplasticity of the brain. Neuroplasticity is the ability of neurons to change their characteristics which affects emotions, behaviors, experiences, and thoughts.
Science has shown:
● Changes in the number of connections neurons make to other neurons
● Growing or shrinking of individual neurons
● Changes in location of neuron connections
● Production of new neurons called Neurogenesis
● Changes in the strength of the connections also known as synaptic plasticity
● Changes in the response to neuron signals
Psilocybin has also been shown to have the power to “reset” the Default Mode Network which is the control structures of our brain. It is often over reactive among people suffering from mental illness, depression, and anxiety. Research has shown that psilocybin can shut down the DMN and ‘reset” it into a more balanced configuration.
Why is this so significant?
Neuroplasticity is a very controlled process in the brain and your brain cells can be fixed and unable to make any drastic changes by the time you are an adult. Research has shown that psychedelics can boost and change the neuroplasticity of the brain which can change their structures. The brain response is breaking out of old habits and forming new healthier patterns.
Psilocybin Case Study
Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Case Study with Positive Outcomes
Oceanside Treatment Center Bahamas Clinical Case Study on Psilocybin Assisted Treatment to Treat Moderate and Severe Depression and Anxiety
This Study was sought to examine the efficiency and safety of psilocybin through 12 months
Oceanside Treatment Center Bahamas conducted a 12-month clinical psilocybin case study on its participants Jan 2, 2021, to Dec. Dec. 29, 2021. The study design consisted of 24 participants ages 25 to 60 with a clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe depression with a dual diagnosis of anxiety. Participants were closely medically and psychologically screened with baseline assessments by our facilitators and our medical team.
Study Design
Participants entered into the preparation period 2 weeks prior to treatment. During this period they received 8 to10 hours total of preparation meetings with two facilitators and a psychologist.
After each participant completed their prep sessions, they started their treatment.. On week one they received psilocybin 20 mg/kg. 7 days later they received psilocybin 30 mg/kg. Each treatment session lasted 6-8 hours and was conducted by a licensed therapist, registered nurse and medical physician. Participants returned for follow up integration sessions for one week for processing and analysis of treatment experience. Follow up care questionnaires via teleconference or zoom at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
Measures of Depression
Methods
The Primary outcome measure was the GRID-HAMD (Depression Rating Scale Standardization). Self-Report Questionnaires (QIDS) Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (ASQ). Depression and Anxiety severity was assessed at baseline and at each of the follow-up time dates.
Participants acute psilocybin outcomes
Participants rated their experience using a measuring scale (AIQ20) at each therapy session within one month of treatment. The results in percentage to how the participants experienced an increase in improvement of categories:
Spiritually Significant: 82%
Personal Meaning: 90%
Deep Personal Experience: 95%
Transformational Experience: 88%
Improvement of Depression: 92%
Measure of Anxiety: 83%
General Improvement of Well-being: 95%
Participants Overall Well-being
At 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months follow-ups
Methods
Participants rated their overall well-being on a scale (AIQ10) and measured an overall well-being score 10- (AIWBS). The score was calculated on a 10 point scale using subcategories. The scale was implemented at each follow-up point.
Decrease in Depression: 85%
Decrease in Anxiety: 78%
Positive change in life: 90%
Better mood and balance: 77%
Better sense of self: 82%
Better understanding of life: 68%
Positive changes in behavior: 88%
More Spiritual life: 90%
Personal Meaning: 86%
Overall Health and Wellness: 93%
Results and Conclusion
All 24 participants attended and completed all follow up visits thru the 12-month time point. There were no serious adverse effects during the psilocybin treatment doses and or after the 12-month time point.
These findings demonstrate substantial antidepressant effects and anti-anxiety effects of psilocybin assisted therapy following acute intervention in a 12-month period of time following treatment.