How Psilocybin Can Rewire Our Brain, Its Therapeutic Benefits & Its Risks

Published: May 8, 2023, 8 a.m.

b'In this episode, I discuss what psilocybin is (chemically) and how it works at the cellular and neural circuit level to trigger neuroplasticity, which is our brain\\u2019s ability to rewire itself in ways that lead to long-lasting shifts in our emotional, cognitive and behavioral patterns and abilities. I discuss the emerging clinical trial evidence for the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, addictions and other psychiatric challenges. I explain the typical duration and phases of a psilocybin journey, the different categories of dosages often used and I explain the importance of set, setting and support when using psychedelics. I explain which groups of people place themselves at great risk by taking psilocybin as well as groups that could benefit, and I highlight the rapidly changing legal and medical landscape around psilocybin. This episode is a thorough exploration of psilocybin from the scientific and clinical literature perspective and ought to be of interest to anyone curious about psilocybin, mental health, neuroplasticity and/or psychedelics more generally.\\nFor the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.\\nThank you to our sponsors\\nAG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman\\nLMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman\\nWaking Up: https://www.wakingup.com/huberman\\nMomentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman\\nTimestamps\\n(00:00:00) Psilocybin, Legal Considerations\\n(00:08:48) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up\\n(00:12:00) Psilocybin Becomes Psilocin in the Gut, Serotonin\\n(00:17:00) The Serotonin 2A Receptor, Therapeutic Outcomes SSRIs vs. Psilocybin\\n(00:21:40) Serotonin Receptor Expression; Visual Hallucinations & Eyes Closed\\n(00:26:02) Sponsor: AG1\\n(00:27:21) Safety & Cautions for Specific Patient Populations\\n(00:30:28) Psilocybin, \\u201cMagic Mushrooms\\u201d Dosing, Micro-Dosing, \\u201cHeroic Doses\\u201d\\n(00:36:21) Psychedelic Journey: Set, Setting & Support\\n(00:43:43) Music & the Psilocybin Journey; Duration of Effects\\n(00:48:58) Psilocybin & the Brain: Subjective Experiences, Perception\\n(00:59:48) Brain Networks & Therapeutic Outcomes\\n(01:05:23) Creativity; Music, Emotionality & Psychedelic Journeys\\n(01:12:39) Depression & Psychedelics as Neuroplasticity \\u201cWedge\\u201d\\n(01:16:53) Positive Psychedelic Journeys, Unity, \\u201cOceanic Boundlessness\\u201d\\n(01:25:23) \\u201cBad Trips\\u201d, Anxiety & Physiological Sighs\\n(01:32:57) Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin\\n(01:36:11) Neuroplasticity, Structural Brain Changes & Psilocybin\\n(01:48:08) Psychedelics: Therapeutic Breakthroughs & Depression\\n(01:56:37) Combining Psilocybin Therapy & Talk Therapy, Antidepressant Effects\\n(02:03:11) Psilocybin Experience & Mental Health\\n(2:06:42) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter, Social Media\\nTitle Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac\\nDisclaimer'