Welcome back to The Drop In! Despite the injuries, illnesses, and co-workers hitting the road this week, we’re brewing up some exciting things behind the scenes here at DB, and we can’t wait to share them with the world 🌟. In the meantime, we’ve written a ton of stories since we last wrote you. Here’s a breakdown of the latest news, culture, and happenings in the burgeoning psychedelic field.
Our featured story this week is about the format of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) — and explores how it could be (potentially) improved. While most of the prominent studies focus on the efficacy of one-on-one sessions, what would happen if group therapy was introduced into the psychedelic-therapy fold? We know several therapists taking this approach — which is really an adaptation of the Indigenous ceremonial format — with notable success. So, what does the latest research suggest? You can read about it below!
If you keep scrolling, you’ll find a feature about the proliferation of online mushroom stores, an opportunity to be part of an MDMA study, and a piece on how music can induce difficult psychedelic experiences.
We also have a Dia de los Muertos workshop on the 27th of this month! Come hang with us and learn about mushrooms, death, and the thinly veiled spirit world.
Have a fun weekend,
Mary Carreón
Senior Editor
Together With…
Feel the Beat, Not the Pain
Festivals and dance culture are all about losing yourself in the music—but it’s hard to stay in the moment when your feet, knees, hips, or back are screaming. In an “elevated” state, pain is the ultimate buzzkill.
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Featured
Psychedelic Group Therapy Is More Powerful Than One on One Sessions
Group-based psychedelic therapy could unlock levels of psychological progress that are generally unattainable from individual therapy, according to a new research paper.
At this point, we are all pretty much aware of the potential of psychedelics to catalyze profound personal healing and transformation. (You are subscribed to a psychedelic newsletter, after all). Despite what pharmaceutical companies may be whispering in the FDA’s ear, study after study shows their promise for depression, substance dependence, and beyond.
But what if we are missing something?
So far, most of the research looks at the effects of these powerful substances in the context of one-on-one therapy. We live in a time of pervasive disconnection, and psychedelics can be potent medicines of reconnection––connection to capital “S” Self, to each other, to community, to nature, to the greater universe.
Interestingly, a new study exploring the effects of psychedelic group therapy suggests one-on-one sessions may not be the best approach. A more connected approach to psychedelic therapy in a group context may create better, more sustainable outcomes.
Our Latest
Online psychedelic mushroom retailers are popping up like, well, mushrooms. The move towards psychedelic decriminalization is relaxing enforcement, but it makes you wonder… Is this legal? Is it safe? Here’s what’s going on.
Does MDMA for couples actually work? Can it save a failing marriage? Improve sex life? The FDA rejection of MDMA as a treatment for PTSD has raised serious questions about the conclusions of psychedelic research. These researchers at Imperial College are looking for answers (and volunteers!).
Music is a key element of any psychedelic experience, but research shows “bad” music may actually be dangerous. For the moment, let’s ignore the highly questionable ethics of deliberately creating bad trips with horrible soundtracks and instead read this article on the deep connection between psychedelics and music.
& More Must-Reads
Old pagan beliefs hold that Halloween is a time when the veil between worlds is thinnest. It was a time of ritual connection to the ancestors. This article explores how ancestor work may be the antidote to our existential void.
As we enter the final leg of this election cycle, racially-motivated violence is on the rise (again). Could psychedelics be a solution? Read this thought-provoking op-ed by Paula Graciela Kahn here.
Remember that one time US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ate psychedelic mushrooms in China? (come on, Janet, we know there’s more to this than you’re telling us).
Join Us
Mushrooms, Death, and Día de Los Muertos
Mushrooms literally feed on death. They transform decaying matter into new life. So it’s no surprise they have a powerful connection to the Mexican celebration of The Dead––Día de Los Muertos.
Join us October 27 for a workshop on death, the ancestral realm, and mushrooms. Monica Cadena will be joined by Xochitl Ashe and Darren le Barron, two devoted experts and stewards of the mushrooms.
This workshop is exclusive for DoubleBlind+ members.
Learn with Us
🐝 Want to store your psychedelic mushrooms for 3000 years? Here’s how to make the very best “Blue Honey”.
🚫 Instagram has been cracking down and banning accounts talking about psychedelics. Protect yourself with our guide to Meta’s psychedelic censorship.
🎬 Feed your imagination with the most psychedelic cartoons of all time. Get the list here.
🪴 Salvia divinorum is one of the strongest, and weirdest legal psychoactive plants out there. Discover how to cultivate and use it wisely.
DoubleBlind Digs
Here are today’s recommendations to help you live more psychedelically…
Inspired to integrate psychedelics into your professional life? Psychedelics Today is taking applications for Vital 5, their 12 month professional certification for medical, mental health, and wellness professionals. Apply here.*
Looking for a new morning beverage that’s a wee bit less intense than coffee? Try MUD/WTR. It’s a mix of organic cacao, masala chai, and functional mushrooms. And it tastes like cacao met a chai latte and they had a baby.
According to legendary psychedelic artist Alex Grey, one of the most powerful ways to trip is in complete, utter darkness. So he created the Mindfold eye mask. It’s super comfy and completely dark. Journey deeper with Mindfold.
*We may make a commission from purchases made through these links, but we only feature brands and organizations we trust. Proceeds help us keep our psychedelic journalism alive.
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Latest Youtube Video
👽 Are DMT Entities Real?
Meeting “entities” after smoking DMT is one of the most common (and mind-warping) recurring experiences. But are they real? Or just visualized projections of our own minds? Recently, scientists have turned their attention to the phenomenon of extra-dimensional entities.
Around the Web
Psychedelic researchers each developed their own unique approach for using music to support psychedelic therapy. Check out these playlists from 5 of the top psychedelic research universities.
In our culture of instant gratification, traditional plant knowledge is often misunderstood. How can we better integrate ancestral healing practices with modern culture? Listen to this piece from NPR.
Drug dogs are becoming more prevalent at some festivals. They may be behind a new wave of overdoses. Read more in Vice.
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