End of Life Care with Psychedelic Medicine

You might be wondering, why would anyone at the end of their life want to do psychedelic medicines? There are various reasons why this option can be so valuable for people who are facing one of the most important moments of their lives. 
For many people facing a terminal illness there can be a lot of fear/distress around the death and the dying process. In addition to physical pain, anxiety and depression are common for terminally diagnosed people and the treatment usually administered for these mental health conditions often involve more long term therapies and treatments. Psychedelic can offer more time-efficient results for improving the moods and attitudes of people facing their end of life. They may also provide patients profoundly meaningful and transforming spiritual experiences. Something I want to clarify here: These kinds of treatments are never done when a person is actually in the active phase of dying! 

There are three categories of psychedelic medicines that are most often used in end of life/palliative care:
“Empathogens” (which include MDMA), “entheogens” (LSD, psilocybin) and “dissociatives” (Ketamine).
MDMA produces an increase in the “feel good” neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which can bring a sense of empathy, openess, connectedness and acceptance.
Psilocybin and LSD bind to serotonin receptors in the brain (just as certain anti-depressant drugs do), which can provide new and valuable psychological insights as well improve cognitive function.
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, as well as an anesthetic. It blocks certain neurotransmitters from unlocking the receptor site, which can prevent the over stimulation of neurons, which over time can cause damage to brain cells. Ketamine can provide immediate relief for physical pain as well as relief from mental and emotional turmoil, by helping the patient separate from themselves. Side note: Many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimers and Parkinsons and other central nervous system disorders are sometimes treated with medications that are NMDA receptor antagonists.

Just one psychedelic medicine treatment can bring significant and lasting positive results. This is potentiated when coupled with some form of therapy/counseling. Screening the individual for any contra-indications before-hand is a must! Legalities are another issue. Oregon and Colorado have legalized certain psychedelic medicines and other states are on their way too.