Microdosing to Improve Mood

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Microdosing to Improve Mood

Microdosing my enhance creativity, focus, and mood, and improve overall well-being.

Gwella Mushrooms | May 27, 2024

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Microdosing has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years, especially during the pandemic, with one in five young people reportedly trying it during lockdown. But what is microdosing, and why are people turning to it to improve their mental health?

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing involves consuming small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic substances such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, or mescaline on a regular basis, typically every few days.

The practice has been around for decades but has gained more attention in recent years as people seek alternative approaches to managing their mental health.

What are the benefits of microdosing?

People claim that microdosing can enhance creativity, focus, and mood, and improve overall well-being. Advocates suggest that microdosing can be an effective way to manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and may offer an alternative to traditional medications that can have unwanted side effects.

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that microdosing psilocybin mushrooms can significantly improve mood and mental health after just one month of use.

The study involved 98 participants who reported symptoms of depression or anxiety, and the results showed that the microdosing group reported significant improvements in mood, anxiety, and well-being compared to both the placebo and control groups.

However, it is important to note that microdosing is not yet fully understood, and more research is needed to confirm its effects (and long term safety).

Despite this, microdosing has become a popular cultural trend, with some people even turning to it as a form of self-care during the pandemic. A recent article in The Guardian highlighted how people have been microdosing on psychedelics to cope with the stresses of the pandemic and improve their well-being.

The article featured interviews with individuals who shared their experiences of microdosing, with some claiming that it has helped them to feel more creative, motivated, and focused, and others reporting improvements in their mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

How does microdosing work?

The exact mechanism by which microdosing psilocybin affects mood is not yet fully understood, and more research is needed to confirm its effects and safety. However, there are some theories that attempt to explain the potential mechanisms behind the observed improvements in mood reported by microdosers.

One theory is that microdosing psilocybin may increase the production of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions. Psilocybin is known to bind to serotonin receptors in the brain, which can lead to increased levels of serotonin.

Another theory is that microdosing psilocybin may increase neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to change and adapt over time. This may be due to the fact that psilocybin can increase the growth of new brain cells and promote the formation of new neural connections.

Additionally, microdosing psilocybin may also lead to changes in brain activity and connectivity, particularly in areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation and emotional processing.

While these theories provide some possible explanations for the observed effects of microdosing psilocybin on mood, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm these mechanisms and fully understand the potential benefits and risks of microdosing. Additionally, microdosing should only be attempted under the guidance of a medical professional or trained therapist, as there are still risks involved, including potential psychological discomfort or adverse reactions.

Microdosing Schedules

Microdosing schedules can vary depending on the individual and the substance being used. However, here are some general guidelines for popular microdosing schedules:

The Fadiman Protocol: This is perhaps the most well-known microdosing schedule, named after James Fadiman, a psychologist who popularized the practice. According to the Fadiman Protocol, individuals should take a sub-perceptual dose of LSD or psilocybin every three days. This means taking one-tenth to one-twentieth of a typical recreational dose.
The Stamets Stack: This schedule was developed by Paul Stamets, a mycologist and advocate for the use of psilocybin mushrooms. According to the Stamets Stack, individuals should take a microdose of psilocybin every other day for four days, followed by three days off. The cycle is then repeated.
The Gartzke Flow: This is a variation of the Stamets Stack that involves taking a microdose of psilocybin every day for a week, followed by a week off. The cycle is then repeated.

It is important to note that these schedules are not one-size-fits-all.

Microdosing Dosage

The recommended dosage for microdosing varies depending on the substance being used and the individual's tolerance level. It is important to note that microdoses are typically much lower than recreational doses, and should be sub-perceptual, meaning that the individual should not feel any psychedelic effects.

For LSD, a typical microdose is between 5 and 20 micrograms, which is roughly one-tenth to one-twentieth of a typical recreational dose.

For psilocybin mushrooms, a typical microdose is between 0.1 and 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms, which is also a sub-perceptual dose.

It is important to note that these dosages are only general guidelines, and individuals should always start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. It is also important to use a reliable scale to measure the exact dosage of the substance, and to always source it from a trusted and reputable source.

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, microdosing is a growing trend that some people are turning to as a way to manage their mental health and well-being. While the practice is still illegal in most places, and not yet fully understood, the recent study suggests that it may have promising effects on mood and mental health.

However, it is important to proceed with caution and seek guidance / do your research.

And always choose the right dose for your set and setting. Your mindset and environment influence your experience.

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