Objective
Clinical Summary
This document is a brief summary of current medical practices related to the use of Psilocybin for the clinical treatment of behavioral conditions, along with a summary of some of the academic findings related to Psilocybin’s efficacy and effects.
If you’re considering Psilocybin treatment, or you’re evaluating it on behalf of someone you know, this information may help you understand how Psilocybin has been used medically; what Psilocybin treatment is likely to achieve for specific conditions; and what its effects, side effects, and risks are. It may also help you consider whether Psilocybin treatment is a better fit for you than other available treatments for substance abuse or another behavioral condition.
For clinicians and others interested in further research, it will also provide an orientation to the academic literature. This group includes professionals in the fields of addiction medicine and counseling, psychological care, and psychotherapy. Our goal is to help you understand the current state of knowledge about the medically-supervised administration of Psilocybin for addiction and other specific behavioral diagnosis, including what is known about efficacy and risk mitigation.
At SolRey we are dedicated to pioneering the forefront of psychedelic therapy, transcending traditional paradigms to offer an unparalleled journey of transformation and healing. Our luxurious Psilocybin therapy center is more than a retreat; it’s a sanctuary where the boundaries of conventional treatment dissolve, giving way to a holistic and profoundly personal journey of discovery.
Luxury and Comfort: Our center combines the serenity of a tranquil oasis with the opulence of a high-end retreat. From the luxurious accommodations to the exquisite natural surroundings, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure an environment that fosters peace, comfort, and introspection.
Expert Care: At the heart of our ethos is a team of world-renowned professionals, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and compassionate expertise. Our staff includes leading psychotherapists, medical experts, and holistic wellness practitioners who collaborate to tailor a journey unique to each individual’s needs.
Innovative Therapy: Drawing from groundbreaking research and clinical expertise, we provide bespoke Psilocybin therapy sessions. These sessions are more than mere treatments; they are transformative experiences, designed to unlock profound insights, emotional healing, and a deeper connection to the self.
Personalized Experience: Understanding that each individual’s path to healing is unique
Personalized Experience: Understanding that each individual’s path to healing is unique, we offer personaized journeys. Every aspect of the therapy, from the dosage to the setting, is tailored to align with personal histories, intentions, and goals, ensuring a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Integration and Empowerment: The journey with Psilocybin extends beyond the therapy sessions. We emphasize the integration of these profound experiences into daily life. Our approach includes post-session counseling, mindfulness practices, and wellness activities that empower individuals to harness their insights and foster lasting change.
Responsible Practice: Mindful of the powerful nature of Psilocybin, we adhere to the highest ethical standards and scientific protocols. We are committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of our clients at every step.
Harmony with Nature: The beauty of our surroundings reflects our respect for the environment. We embrace sustainable practices and harmonious coexistence with nature, enhancing the healing experience and honoring the earth that nurtures us.
At SolRey, we are not just offering a therapy; we are offering a journey to the pinnacle of personal growth and healing. We believe in the transformative power of Psilocybin, delivered with utmost care, expertise, and luxury. Here, every individual embarks on a journey to discover their true potential, in an environment that is as nurturing as it is magnificent.
About SolRey Psilocybin Program
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals struggling with chemical and/or behavioral dependency.
Our 4 day program (extended upon request) for personal development, psycho-spiritual growth, and optimization of life skills. SolRey Retreats is a treatment center that provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to individual wellness through the use of Psilocybin-assisted therapy. In addition to Psilocybin therapy, the program offers a range of supportive services that are designed to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery. One of the unique features of the SolRey Psilocybin program is the introduction of therapeutic workshops to help individuals develop robust and individualized aftercare plans. These workshops provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their recovery goals and develop strategies to maintain their wellness over the long term. Through these workshops, clients can gain valuable skills and knowledge that can help them successfully navigate the challenges of recovery.
The SolRey Psilocybin program also includes a range of complementary therapies that can help support recovery and promote overall well-being. This includes meditation practices, and fitness programs that are tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each client. Additionally, the program includes sound healing, art therapy, and aquatic fitness, which can help clients to explore their emotions and promote a sense of inner peace.
SolRey seamlessly blends the utmost professionalism of a licensed, credentialed medical facility with the purpose-driven environment of a mental health treatment environment, the inspiration & innovation of a psychedelic retreat center, and the comforts of a luxury resort.
To further support the healing process, the program includes daily massage and psychotherapeutic support to help individuals relax, release tension, and address any underlying emotional or psychological issues that may be contributing to their addiction. Ongoing virtual integration therapy and support is also available to help individuals integrate their experiences during Psilocybin therapy and maintain their progress towards recovery after returning back home.
Finally, SolRey Retreats offers long-term coaching for continuous support for both clients and family members seeking support. This coaching provides ongoing guidance, encouragement, and motivation to help individuals maintain their sobriety and navigate the challenges of recovery over the long term.
In summary, the SolRey Retreats program is designed to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to addiction recovery that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery. Through a range of supportive services, including therapeutic workshops, complementary therapies, and ongoing coaching and support, individuals can achieve lasting recovery and improve their overall well-being.
The Role of Therapeutic Coaching
Therapeutic coaching can play a significant role in a SolRey Psilocybin-assisted treatment program. SolRey is a holistic treatment program that incorporates Psilocybin, a psychedelic substance derived from a plethora of fungi plants, to help individuals struggling with a handful of behavioral disorders, PTSD, and treatment-resistant depression. Psilocybin is known to have powerful therapeutic effects, including the ability to reduce anxiety symptoms and cravings for addictive substances (tobacco) and heal deep rooted trauma.
However, Psilocybin treatment is not a “magic bullet,” and individuals undergoing treatment may still struggle with underlying psychological issues and patterns of behavior that contribute to their underlying struggles. This is where therapeutic coaching comes in.
Therapeutic coaching involves working with a trained therapeutic coach to explore and address the range factors that contribute to addiction. Through a combination of therapeutic dialogue, mindfulness practices, and other techniques, therapeutic coaching can help individuals gain insight into the root causes of their addiction, anxiety, and trauma to develop coping strategies for managing “triggers and cravings,” and make enduring positive changes in their lives.
In a SolRey Psilocybin-assisted treatment program, therapeutic coaching can help individuals integrate the insights and experiences gained during their Psilocybin treatment into their daily lives. By addressing underlying challenges or issues and developing new creative coping strategies, individuals can increase their probability of long-term success in their recovery journey.
SOLREY RETREAT TREATMENT
Pre Treatment Preparation : Remote
- Consultation
- 1-2 remote coaching sessions with a coach
- Access to preparation materials via our app
Immersion & Treatment: Onsite
- Therapeutic preparation + integration sessions
- Group coaching workshop sessions
- Adjunct therapies and activities
- Psilocybin primary doses phase 1-3
- Supplementary doses (subject to clinical approval)
Post Treatment: Onsite and Remote
- 1-2 remote integration coaching sessions (increased upon request)
- Weekly virtual integration groups ongoing
PRE - TREATMENT
Intake Process
The SolRey Psilocybin program is designed to provide a comprehensive & holistic approach to treatment, combining cutting-edge medical care together with psychedelic-assisted treatment and highly individualized and personalized aftercare support.
The client intake process for SolRey Psilocybin-assisted treatment is designed to be simple and demonstrative of our core values of safety, privacy, understanding and effective administration of psychedelic assisted treatment for a range of client needs. The team of professionals at SolRey perceive our clients as partners at every phase of our program including our process of confidential evaluation, admission and intake.
This process involves several steps to ensure that each prospective client is a good fit for the program and that they have a comprehensive understanding of what the program entails.
- Inquiry: First, prospective clients are encouraged to complete an inquiry form on the SolRey website or to contact the facility directly. This allows SolRey’s professional staff to gather basic information about the prospective client, such as their name, contact information, and reason for seeking treatment.
- Evaluation: Once the inquiry form is completed, a complimentary video consultation is arranged with SolRey’s professional staff to ensure that the prospective client has a complete and exhaustive understanding of SolRey’s Psilocybin-assisted treatment program. During this consultation, the staff will also seek to gain a thorough understanding of the prospective client’s background, situation, and treatment objectives.
- Questionnaires: Following the video consultation, the client will be asked to complete a comprehensive health history questionnaire to provide detailed information about their health history. This information is reviewed by SolRey’s physicians and professional medical team and psychotherapeutic-coaching team to ensure that the client is a good candidate for the treatment program and that any potential health concerns are addressed.
- Medical Interview: If necessary, a follow-up call with SolRey’s team of career medical professionals may be arranged to further evaluate the client’s medical history and ensure that the treatment program is appropriate for their needs.
- Admin & Scheduling Details: Once the client is deemed a good fit for the program, they will be invited to select their preferred date of commencement for the treatment program. At this point, the client will receive a proposal outlining the program’s cost and terms, and they will be required to endorse a financial agreement and make a 50% deposit to secure their spot.
- Travel: Finally, logistical planning will take place, including the client’s planning of travel and detailed scheduling of the safe, secure, comfortable ground transportation to SolRey.
TREATMENT
Immersion Intervention Phase
Onsite Pre-treatment Phase:
The onsite pre-treatment phase is overseen by licensed credential physicians who will conduct a medical assessment. If detox is needed, the medical team will supervise the process to ensure the client’s safety and comfort. A psychotherapeutic coach supports the client’s preparation process onsite through group and individual sessions.
Psilocybin Treatment Phase:
The Psilocybin treatment phase is supervised by the SolRey physician to monitor the client and ensure their safety throughout the treatment process. The Psilocybin treatment itself is a powerful psychedelic experience that is known to help individuals by providing insights and healing on a deep emotional and spiritual level. The SolRey team will be there to support the client throughout the experience, ensuring their comfort and safety.
POST TREATMENT
Integration & Implementation Phase
Acute Aftercare Phase:
The acute aftercare phase begins immediately after the Psilocybin treatment and is focused on integrating the experience and leverages a self-guided approach to developing a personalized aftercare plan. The SolRey team will provide individual and group workshop sessions to help clients process the experience and develop strategies to help achieve your goals.
Long-term Aftercare Phase:
The long-term aftercare phase is an ongoing process that includes personalized support from a coach to help clients stay on track with their recovery goals after returning home. This may include regular check-ins, therapy sessions, and ongoing virtual alumni group support for any challenges that arise during the recovery process.
Comprehensive Therapeutic Program for Mental Health and Personal Growth
A key feature of this program is the introduction of therapeutic workshops, which provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their recovery goals and develop strategies to maintain their mental health over the long term. These workshops are tailored to the specific needs of each client, and may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, or other evidence-based practices.
In addition to the therapeutic workshops, the program includes coaching support to help individuals address any underlying challenges that may be contributing to continued suffering. Ongoing integration support is also available to help individuals integrate their experiences during Psilocybin therapy and maintain their progress towards recovery.
The SolRey program includes long-term coaching for continuous support for both clients and family members seeking support. This coaching provides ongoing guidance, encouragement, and motivation to help individuals maintain their mental health and navigate the challenges of recovery over the long term. The workshops may include mindfulness-based practices, meditation, yoga, art therapy, sound healing, and other experiential practices that promote personal growth and well-being.
In addition to the workshops, the program includes psychotherapeutic support to help individuals address any underlying emotional or psychological issues that may be impacting their personal growth and development. Ongoing integration support is also available to help individuals integrate their experiences during Psilocybin therapy and maintain their progress towards personal growth and development.
The SolRey program also includes guidance on preparing for the medicine in mind, body, and spirit, as well as specialized nutrition for medicine work. Clients will also learn about the possible outcomes of the medicine in terms of physiological, mental, or spiritual experiences, and how to gain the most benefit from their journey.
Finally, the SolRey program offers long-term coaching for continuous support for both clients and family members seeking support. This coaching provides ongoing guidance, encouragement, and motivation to help individuals maintain their personal growth and development over the long term.
Who are SolRey’s programs for?
We are committed to democratizing access to medically safe, scientifically grounded, ethical delivery of the highest standard of care in Psilocybin-assisted treatment for:
- PTSD
- Chronic Depression
- Anxiety
- Chemical Dependency (Alcohol, Stimulants, and Prescription Medications)
We also offer Psilocybin-assisted therapies for behavioral disorders and/or addictions including but not limited to:
- Eating Disorders
- Gambling Addiction
- Sex & Pornography Addiction
- Digital Media & Device Use Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
All Programs Include
- Remote preparation therapeutic coaching
- Nutritional support (featuring gourmet meals prepared with local, fresh ingredients)
- Adjunct therapies (yoga, aquatics, meditation, movement, breath work, massage and more)
- Holistic medical care and highly advanced medical administration of Psilocybin treatment
- Acute & remote long term aftercare support
- Our all-inclusive pricing includes all accommodations and private ground transportation
Exploring the Clinical Use and Safety of Psilocybin
Important note:
THROUGHOUT THIS PAPER, IN DISCUSSING THE USE OF Psilocybin, WE ARE EXPLICITLY REFERRING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF Psilocybin BY CLINICIANS IN A MEDICAL SETTING, FOR THE PURPOSE OF TREATING A MEDICALLY DOCUMENTED HEALTH CONDITION ACCORDING TO ESTABLISHED GUIDELINES.
LIKE ANY DRUG OR MEDICINE, Psilocybin HAS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, MOST OF WHICH CAN BE ENTIRELY AVOIDED OR MITIGATED THROUGH PROPER CLINICAL ADMINISTRATION.
ALTHOUGH SOME INDIVIDUALS WHO TAKE Psilocybin INFORMALLY OR OUTSIDE A MEDICAL ENVIRONMENT ALSO REPORT PSYCHOLOGICAL AND/OR SPIRITUAL BENEFITS, DOING SO ALSO ENTAILS MORE SIGNIFICANT RISKS, HAS NOT BEEN DOCUMENTED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN TREATING HEALTH CONDITIONS, AND IS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE.
Psilocybin is a medication derived from a plethora of fungi species. Ingesting a large enough dose induces a temporary psychedelic experience that can last several hours, normally with no significant side effects. For hundreds of years, arguably thousands indigenous peoples, such as Mazatec People in Mexico, an indigenous people in Oaxaca have ingested large doses of Psilocybin in its raw fungus form for its spiritual and healing properties and divinatory rituals.
Over the last decade, Psilocybin has been administered in various clinics around the world (John’s Hopkins University & Imperial College London) for medical treatment purposes, most often to treat PTSD, and treatment-resistant depression.
Because it causes temporary psychedelic effects that can last for several hours, Psilocybin is a scheduled drug in many countries, including in the United States, where it is not approved either for the majority of clinics, medical and or for personal use. But it has been used safely and effectively since Amanda Fielding (“The Queen of Psychedelics) spearheaded the movement earlier than most, if not all, and there is a growing body of evidence — including academic studies and reports, some of which will be cited here — that Psilocybin is both effective and safe when it is prescribed by a clinician and administered in a medical setting.
The Role of Spirituality in Healing
It has long been established that healing of all kinds is often enhanced by spirituality and spiritual practice. And in particular, the healing of psychological trauma can be more rapid and more complete when it is supported by a spiritual component.
In regard to addiction in particular, most conventional therapeutic protocols — including both the twelve-step approach to healing, and the talk therapy that is common in conventional drug rehabilitation environments — rest in part on spiritual foundations. And the powerful spiritual experiences people often have during treatment with Psilocybin, which often approach or achieve the level of a mystical experience, can facilitate profound transformations in the personal sense of purpose, self-forgiveness, and potential for change. As the famous psychoanalyst Carl Jung suggested many decades ago, an intense religious or mystical experience has the power to enable a person to change the course of their life away from the path of addiction.
The experiences induced by the administration of Psilocybin can help clear away distractions, and open the mind to a spiritually informed approach to life and its challenges. Entirely aside from the introspective impact of Psilocybin, the spiritual awareness that can arise as a result of the patient’s encounter with Psilocybin, even if it is only present in the background and the patient never or rarely engages with it directly, can be its own positive contributor to long-term change.
Safety and Side Effects:
Since Psilocybin is widely used for the treatment of behavioral conditions such as anxiety, PTSD and treatment-resistant depression, formal clinical guidelines for the safe administration of Psilocybin were developed by physicians across the globe.
A systematic review conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, covering studies from 2011 to 2021, found that Psilocybin therapy showed significant and sustained reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression, with no serious adverse effects reported. This review included randomized controlled trials that administered Psilocybin in doses ranging from 14mg/70kg to 30mg/70kg, or a fixed dose of 25mg, all of which were coupled with some form of psychotherapy.
Selected References:
- Grob CS, Danforth AL, Chopra GS et al. Pilot study of Psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(1):71–78. - PubMed
- Mahapatra A, Gupta R. Role of Psilocybin in the treatment of depression. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2017;7(1):54–56. - PMC - PubMed
- Heuschkel K, Kuypers KPC. Depression, mindfulness, and Psilocybin: possible complementary effects of mindfulness meditation and Psilocybin in the treatment of depression. A review. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:224. - PMC - PubMed
- De Gregorio D, Enns JP, Nuñez NA et al. d-Lysergic acid diethylamide, Psilocybin, and other classic hallucinogens: mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications in mood disorders. Prog Brain Res. 2018;242:69–96. - PubMed
- Griffiths RR, Johnson MW, Carducci MA et al. Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1181–1197. - PMC - PubMed
Pharmacology
Chemical Structure and Conversion: Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid. In the body, it is quickly converted into psilocin, its active form, through a process known as dephosphorylation.
Interaction with Serotonin Receptors: The primary mechanism of action of Psilocybin is through its agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This receptor plays a key role in regulating mood, cognition, and perception.
Effects on the Brain: Activation of the 5-HT2A receptor by psilocin leads to various cognitive and perceptual changes, including altered sensory experiences, visual hallucinations, altered sense of time, and changes in thought patterns. Psilocybin also affects other brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in mood and cognition, and the thalamus, which plays a role in sensory perception.
Neuroplasticity: Emerging research suggests that Psilocybin may promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways. This could potentially explain some of the long-lasting effects observed after Psilocybin use, such as improvements in mood and cognitive function.
Pharmacokinetics: After ingestion, Psilocybin is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Its effects typically begin within 20 to 40 minutes and can last for several hours, depending on the dose and individual metabolism. Psilocybin and psilocin are primarily metabolized in the liver, and their metabolites are excreted in the urine.
Selected References:
- Gukasyan N, Davis AK, Barrett FS, Cosimano MP, Sepeda ND, Johnson MW, Griffiths RR. Efficacy and safety of Psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up. J Psychopharmacol. 2022 Feb;36(2):151-158. doi: 10.1177/02698811211073759. PMID: 35166158; PMCID: PMC8864328.
- Davis AK, Barrett FS, May DG, Cosimano MP, Sepeda ND, Johnson MW, Finan PH, Griffiths RR. Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021 May 1;78(5):481-489. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3285. Erratum in: JAMA Psychiatry. 2021 Feb 10;: PMID: 33146667; PMCID: PMC7643046.
- Ling S, Ceban F, Lui LMW, Lee Y, Teopiz KM, Rodrigues NB, Lipsitz O, Gill H, Subramaniapillai M, Mansur RB, Lin K, Ho R, Rosenblat JD, Castle D, McIntyre RS. Molecular Mechanisms of Psilocybin and Implications for the Treatment of Depression. CNS Drugs. 2022 Jan;36(1):17-30. doi: 10.1007/s40263-021-00877-y. Epub 2021 Nov 17. PMID: 34791625.
A Clinical Summary
1. Overview of Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi, commonly known as “magic mushrooms” (Nichols, 2016). It is a prodrug, which means it is biologically inactive until it is converted into psilocin in the body, the compound responsible for its psychoactive effects (Passie et al., 2002).
2. Clinical Applications
Psilocybin has been investigated for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various psychiatric disorders. Studies have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance addiction (Johnson, Garcia-Romeu, Cosimano, & Griffiths, 2014; Ross et al., 2016).
3. Evidence from Research Studies
Depression: A study by Carhart-Harris et al. (2016) found that Psilocybin therapy produced rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Anxiety and End-of-Life Distress: Griffiths et al. (2016) demonstrated that Psilocybin therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms in life-threatening cancer patients.
Substance Addiction: A pilot study by Johnson et al. (2014) showed that Psilocybin treatment had a high success rate in helping individuals quit smoking.
4. Mechanism of Action
Psilocybin acts primarily by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This activation is thought to lead to altered consciousness and perception, which plays a key role in its therapeutic effects (Vollenweider & Kometer, 2010).
5. Potential Benefits
Psilocybin has shown potential in providing rapid and sustained relief from symptoms of certain mental health conditions. It may offer an alternative for patients who do not respond to traditional therapies. The compound has been found to increase emotional openness and enhance psychotherapeutic interventions (Roseman et al., 2018).
6. Risks and Side Effects
Common side effects include visual hallucinations, altered perception of time, and changes in mood and thought. Psilocybin can induce distressing psychological effects, particularly in individuals with a history of psychosis (Johnson et al., 2008). Set and setting play a crucial role in the patient’s experience and safety during treatment.
7. Legal and Ethical Considerations
As of 2024, Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, there is a growing movement towards re-evaluating its legal status in light of emerging therapeutic evidence. Ethical considerations include informed consent, the potential for abuse, and the need for controlled administration by trained professionals (Johansen & Krebs, 2015).
8. Conclusion
While preliminary research into Psilocybin therapy shows promising results, further studies are needed to understand its full potential and limitations. The therapeutic use of Psilocybin must be approached with caution, considering both the legal implications and the need for a supportive, controlled clinical environment.
References:
Note:
This introduction is intended to provide a general overview and should be supplemented with the latest research and guidelines in the field for clinical application. The legal status of Psilocybin may vary by country and region, and it is essential to stay informed about current regulations and ethical guidelines in your area.