Psychedelics in Sobriety: They Can Coexist

Our response to life dictates our place in life.

Victor Frankl, who survived a Nazi concentration camp famously wrote: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances..."

Our attitude is the only thing we can control.

So, when it comes to the matter of psychedelics, I'm asking you to choose an open mind.

Choose to be a student.

Choose to consider science.

Choose faith over fear.

Especially if you are in recovery. And especially if you've been told that psychedelics are mind-altering drugs and therefore are considered relapse.

I'm not asking you to condone them or change your core beliefs. I'm asking you to give others space to pursue their individual route to sobriety.

I chose psychedelics as a core component. And I am so grateful I did.

The first time I journeyed with plant medicine, I met the cocoa bean. The raw bean, after being melted, opens the heart. After drinking it, I was led into some breathwork by the great goddess, Brooke Carlson.

This was one year into my sobriety, not long after I had a spiritual experience involving a decaying tree. Listen to that whole story here:

My next journey was with psilocybin and then ayahuasca. My world has never been the same. The details of which are soon to come to The AfterMeth Podcast, so please stay tuned.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Steve Taylor, a psychedelic somatic facilitator, to discuss the fascinating topic of using psychedelics as a tool in addiction recovery. As someone who's always eager to learn about new approaches to sobriety, I found our conversation to be incredibly eye-opening and thought-provoking. I wanted to share some of the key takeaways with you, in case you're curious about this emerging field.

First off, what exactly is a psychedelic somatic facilitator? According to Steve, it's someone who uses psychedelics to help people access and process deep-seated trauma that may be driving their addictive behaviors. The goal isn't to have a mystical or transcendent experience (although that can certainly happen), but rather to quiet the mind and access the emotional wounds stored in the body.

One of the most interesting concepts Steve shared was the idea of our psyche being like a house, with the basement containing our core traumas and the upper floors representing our conscious awareness. He explained that traditional talk therapy and even 12-step programs often focus on the "upstairs" without fully addressing the root causes hidden in the "basement." Psychedelics, when used in a therapeutic setting, can help us safely explore and heal those deeper wounds.

Steve emphasized the importance of set and setting when working with psychedelics – in other words, having a clear intention and a safe, supportive environment. He also stressed the need for proper preparation, integration, and ongoing support. This isn't about chasing a quick fix or a blissful experience; it's about doing the hard work of facing our shadows and integrating those insights into our daily lives.

Some key points to remember:

1. Psychedelics are non-addictive tools that can help quiet the mind and access deep-seated trauma.
2. The goal is not to have a mystical experience but to facilitate emotional healing and processing.
3. Set and setting, along with proper preparation and integration, are crucial for safe and effective psychedelic therapy.
4. Psychedelics should be viewed as one potential tool in the recovery toolkit, not a mandatory or one-size-fits-all solution.

Of course, this is just scratching the surface of a complex and nuanced topic. If you're interested in learning more, I highly recommend checking out Steve's website (sacredpma.org) and following him on Instagram (@Steve_Taylor_PMA). He shares a wealth of information and insights on psychedelics, trauma healing, and addiction recovery.

As always, I want to remind you that sobriety is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're considering exploring psychedelic therapy, please do your research, consult with professionals, and make sure you have a solid foundation in your recovery first.

Some suggested journal prompts:

I hope this overview has piqued your curiosity and given you some food for thought. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to stop using substances, but to heal the underlying wounds and create a life of authentic connection and purpose.

Love, Dallas 💚

June 13, 2024