Embarking on a psychedelic experience can be transformative, leading to profound insights and healing. However, the journey doesn't end after the initial dose. Over the proceeding days and weeks, an afterglow period occurs, which is crucial for change. This critical period, in neurochemistry, is called the neuroplastic state and is a key time for the brain to rearrange itself into a better form. This temporary window has been shown123 to vary in length depending on which psychedelic was taken (see Figure 1 below):
Figure 1. The critical learning period post-psychedelic1.
The most common psychedelics and neuroplastic window duration include:
- Ketamine – 48 hours
- Psilocybin and MDMA – 2 weeks
- LSD – 3 weeks
- Ibogaine – 4+ weeks (they stopped testing at 4 weeks).
In psychotherapy, this period is often referred to as the Psychedelic Integration period and presents a vital time for individuals to make sense of their insights, emotions, and revelations, and apply them to their daily lives. Without a structured approach, users still experience the afterglow however, the effect can rapidly diminish over time leading to multiple redosing (see Figure 2 below).
Figure 2. Prolonging the effect of psychedelics using different integrative practices.
The positive effects of psychedelics are often temporary, for instance, the anti-depressive effects of psilocybin has been shown to last for around 43 days4. A key goal in Integration, therefore, is to "make states into traits" and flatten this decrease in effects to induce a steady state, as shown by the green line in the image above (Figure 2).
This course has been created in line with the most recent cutting-edge science5, we have researched the best practice techniques to maintain a consistent maintenance of effect. These techniques have been formulated into this course which is a structured approach designed by a neuropsychopharmacist to maximize the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and ensure lasting positive changes.
Key parts of the course include:
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The Fundamentals of Psychedelics: The Psychedelic Experience has the potential to cause profound alterations in conscious experience. This can cause anxiety as people often do not know what to expect. For this reason, before undertaking this course, be sure to check out of free course which explains what to expect and how to avoid adverse outcomes.
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Preparation: The integration journey begins even before the psychedelic experience. During this part, we look at setting intentions, clarifying goals, and creating a safe and supportive environment. Preparation involves understanding the potential challenges and benefits of the experience, managing expectations, and addressing any concerns.
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Experience: This part involves looking at the actual psychedelic journey. Whether it's with substances like psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA (see drop down below), or through non-drug methods like breathwork or meditation, the experience is a catalyst for deep introspection, emotional release, and heightened awareness. Participants explore their subconscious, confront suppressed emotions, and gain insights into their thoughts and behaviors.
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Immediate Post-Experience: After the psychedelic effects have subsided, individuals often require time for reflection and grounding. The course goes on to explain how to set up a safe space to process the immediate emotions, thoughts, and revelations that arise in the aftermath of the experience.
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Sense-Making: This part involves making sense of the insights gained during the psychedelic experience. The course explores the symbolism, metaphors, and messages received during the journey. This process helps connect the experience to their personal life circumstances, values, and aspirations.
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Emotional Processing: Psychedelic experiences can evoke intense emotions. During integration, individuals learn to process and integrate these emotions into their daily lives. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and somatic practices help participants regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional intelligence.
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Lifestyle and Mindset Shifts: Integration extends beyond behavior to encompass shifts in lifestyle, relationships, and overall mindset. Participants explore how the insights gained can reshape their perception of self, others, and the world. They may adopt new practices, hobbies, or spiritual beliefs that align with their transformed outlook.
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Long-Term Integration: The changes catalyzed by psychedelic experiences should ideally become lasting transformations. Long-term integration involves consistently applying the lessons learned, maintaining new habits, and continuously evolving in alignment with one's intentions.
If you are looking for online integration guidance alongside live professional support, we offer two types of online packages to assist you every step of the way. Each guaranteed package includes...
- Augmented learning resources specifically designed for the psychedelic neuroplastic state6 (Reward Learning State Optimised) resources.
- 24/7 online support from a licensed healthcare professional team.
- Day-by-day scheduling of research-proven activities including:
- Video-based, guided meditation and mindfulness.
- Reinforcement exercises, ensure you maintain existing good habits whilst building new ones.
- Online group integration sessions via Zoom.
If you would like to sign up, just choose either our bespoke or general program:
Bespoke - choose a psychedelic and an intention to create a custom-made package... |
General - if you prefer a more general package tailored for 2 weeks of integration, click the button below. |
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References
1 Nardou, R., Sawyer, E., Song, Y.J. et al. Psychedelics reopen the social reward learning critical period. Nature 618, 790–798 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06204-3
² de Vos CMH, Mason NL, Kuypers KPC: Psychedelics and neuro-plasticity: a systematic review unravelling the biological underpinnings of psychedelics. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:724606. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8461007/
³ Ly C, Greb AC, Cameron LP, et al: Psychedelics promote structural and functional neural plasticity. Cell Rep 2018; 23:3170–3182. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6082376/
4A Randomized Clinical Trial. Charles L. Raison; Gerard Sanacora, PhD2; Joshua Woolley; et al. Published August 31, 2023, accessed via: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2808950
5 Geoff J. Bathje1, Eric Majeski, Mesphina Kudowor et al. Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice. Front. Psychol 13, 04 August (2022) https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.824077
6 Effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on reinforcement learning in humans. Psychological Medicine, 1-12. doi:10.1017/S0033291722002963, Kanen, J., Luo, Q., Rostami Kandroodi, M., Cardinal, R., Robbins, T., Nutt, D., . . . Den Ouden, H. (2022).
Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
Last modified: Monday, 15 January 2024, 10:53 PM