Psychedelic Research and Treatment for Eating Disorder Recovery
Do I work with plant medicine to help treat my eating disorder recovery? Yes I do.
How does it work?
Using psychedelics like psilocybin helps to carve new neural pathways, sustainably and safely. This means that over time our thinking patterns change, our behaviours change, and then subsequently our reality of our lived experience changes too.
I will continue to be open about the positive benefits that plant medicine has played in my eating disorder recovery because it is my truth and has worked for me. It is also encouraging to see that there are studies being done on whether psychedelics can be a useful therapy treatment for eating disorders.
The Center for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, one of the UK’s foremost universities, is conducting studies on the effects of psychedelics and eating disorder treatment. The Center has been doing studies on the effects of psychedelics, including psilocybin and LSD on the brain for many years, as well as develop and refine therapies that could work in conjunction with healing modalities.
The Centre was the first in world to investigate the brain effects of LSD using brain imaging and the first to study psilocybin – the active compound in magic mushrooms – for treating severe depression. Other work from the Centre include neuroimaging research with psilocybin, MDMA and DMT (the psychoactive compounds found in ecstasy and ayahuasca respectively). And now they are starting another trial to explore the safety and feasibility of psilocybin for treating patients with anorexia.
Although most research has been done on the effects of psychedelics on depression, addiction, PTSD and end-of-life-anxiety, anorexia may be a good candidate to be tested due to similar pathways, brain mechanisms and patterns that are also experienced with the aforementioned maladies.
Anorexia is in desperate need of revised treatment plans. There is mixed success on what treatments actually work and consequently, has a dangerously high rate of fatality.
One of the ways that psychedelics work is they are able to interrupt and make changes in the neuroendrochrine system (brains to hormones) that cause the self-perpetuating cycle of decline that is experienced in anorexics. Interrupting these repeating mental states and behaviours has proven to be successful for depression and addiction, and it is hoped that the same will be the case for anorexia.
Additionally, although not technically considered a psychedelic, and thus not on Imperial’s radar, MDMA is also showing positive - and potentially dangerous and complex - results in eating disorder treatment for anorexia and bulimia. Read up on these fascinating insights here.
“Ravine of the Soul” by Cassandra Hellberg
I personally have worked with psilocybin in traditional ceremonial settings and with microdosing, as well as with ayahuasca in traditional ceremonies too. With both psilocybin and ayahuasca, I have approached these plants with the intention to assist me in healing from my eating disorder. I have entered into almost all ceremonies and in microdosing states with this being one of my main intentions.
With these new trials and studies on the horizon, I am interested in working with a therapist and/or being a participant in one of the research studies to experience a different approach and perspective.
At the end of the day, I truly want to be free from my eating disorder and that requires that I think differently about myself, my body, exercise and food. Using these medicines in conjunction with other recovery methods, such as traditional talk therapy, dance, art therapy, meditation, singing, somatic experiencing therapy, inpatient treatment, group therapy, nature, and conscious relationships, amongst many other things, including time, patience and perseverance have all played a role in my healing - which has been slow and steady, and equally challenging and rewarding.
The use of specific plant medicine with the focused intention along with the relevant integration process, has provided a uniquely powerful lens to observe this coping mechanism that I have become so attached to over the years.
My work with these plant teachers are undoubtedly lifelong - this I know for sure - and I look forward to the new studies that bring the science of how psychedelics can help treat eating disorders to the fore.
Before I sign off, please do your own research into this topic, and consult a professional therapist and/or medical doctor before diving in. Also note that this not for everyone nor should it be regarded solely to “cure”. Integration and additional tools are required for a steady and successful recovery.
With gratitude,
Francesca