Neuroplasticity and Psychedelic Therapy: Rewiring the Brain for Change
What Is Neuroplasticity and Why Does It Matter?
One of our goals at Reunion is to demystify the science and history behind psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Neuroplasticity, the topic of this month’s blog, is one of the neurological properties impacted by psychedelics. We hope to shed some light on what’s going on in your brain during psychedelic treatment and the days after.
Neuroplasticity describes the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections when facing an internal or external stimulus. It’s what enables us to learn, take on new skills, and recover from trauma, brain injury, or mental illness. When psychedelics are introduced, neuroplasticity significantly increases and the brain becomes more malleable than usual. This means your brain is primed for new insights and profound emotional breakthroughs.
How Does Neuroplasticity Work in the Brain?
The neural pathways in the brain are always adapting and changing. While scientists previously believed neuroplasticity declined after childhood, we now know neuroplasticity is responsible for all sorts of things, including the brain’s ability to heal after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. When someone undergoes a change in environment, learns something new, or practices a new skill, the brain rewires itself and forms new connections.
How does it work? Simply speaking, the brain’s neural network is made up of two things: neurons and synapses. Neurons are brain cells that receive, process and transmit information, and synapses are the structures that allow information transmission to occur. The connections between these two structures, called synaptic connections, are critical to how our thoughts, habits, and memories are shaped.
The effect psychedelics like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA have on the neural network is tremendous. They trigger the growth of new synaptic connections, boost the production of growth-stimulating proteins, and interact with serotonin receptors. This cocktail of neurological conditions is what leads to increased neuroplasticity.
The Connection Between Psychedelic Therapy and Neuroplasticity
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can be transformational for individuals struggling with treatment resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. This treatment is so effective because it takes advantage of increased neuroplasticity. Individuals may come out of a psychedelic experience with profound insights and major perspective shifts, and solidify them with psychotherapy and integration techniques. This is unique to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy; in part, because of the effects of increased neuroplasticity.
How Psychedelics Help Rewire the Brain for Healing
Enhancing Emotional Processing
Increased brain plasticity and new neural pathways allow individuals to revisit and process trauma with deeper emotional resilience. You may be able to tap into emotions you previously weren’t able to without a sense of fear.
Breaking Rigid Thought Patterns
We’re fond of the snow-covered mountain metaphor to describe the effects of psychedelics. Instead of getting caught in the old ruts and moguls of a ski hill, a fresh blanket of snow allows skiers to cut new tracks. Psychedelics act as that blanket of snow, allowing people to break out of rigid negative thinking patterns and create new, healthier perspectives.
Strengthening Therapeutic Integration
Integration is 80% of your psychedelic experience. It describes the process of finding meaning and clarifying your insights so you can see real, tangible effects on your thought patterns, habits, and day-to-day routine. Therapeutic approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR were designed with neuroplasticity in mind; when these approaches are coupled, the rewiring process is enhanced.
How Long Does Ketamine-Induced Neuroplasticity Last?
Research suggests increased neuroplasticity peaks for about 24 to 48 hours after a ketamine dose, sometimes lasting up to a week. The benefits typically last for even longer when ketamine treatment is paired with psychotherapy and integration practices.
We encourage integration practices like meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature to maximize neuroplasticity after a psychedelic session. Our team of integration therapists are here to help you make sense of your psychedelic experience and put your insights into practice.
Psychotherapy and integration practices help reinforce new neural connections made during psychedelic treatment. Think of it like muscle memory: in order to foster long-term healing, we must practice using these new connections to strengthen them.
Is Psychedelic Therapy the Right Approach for You?
Neuroplasticity is at the heart of learning, adaptation, and transformation. Psychedelic therapy has been shown to enhance neuroplasticity, fostering long-term psychological and behavioral change. If you’re struggling with mental health challenges that have been resistant to traditional treatment, psychedelic therapy may be an option for you. Reach out to us at Reunion to learn more about psychedelics and explore personalized treatment options.