45:Psychedelics & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Amy Emerson and Shannon Carlin

45:Psychedelics & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Amy Emerson and Shannon Carlin

Imagine a world where the scars of trauma could be healed with the help of psychedelics. In this episode of 'The Addicted Mind Podcast', host Duane Osterlind sits down with Amy Emerson and Shannon Carlin from the Multidisciplinary Approach for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to discuss their pioneering work with MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. With 107 participants having completed their program, the results are nothing short of promising.

PTSD, affecting about 7% of the US population, can lead to a life filled with fear, hypervigilance, and distrust. But what if there was a way to turn those symptoms on their head? MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is being used in a controlled setting to help individuals face their trauma without being retraumatized. The therapy involves a series of preparatory sessions followed by MDMA-assisted sessions and integrative therapy.

Participants report feeling more trustful and less fearful, often seeing a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms that lasts months after the treatment. This episode dives deep into the process, the science behind it, and the hopeful future of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Whether you're curious about alternative treatments or looking for hope in your own battle with PTSD, this conversation offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on mental health recovery.