THE BENEFITS OF MICRODOSING FOR BABY BOOMERS

Microdosing with psychedelics such as psilocybin is gaining popularity among baby boomers. In this blog, you will read more about the potential benefits of microdosing for the elderly, including alleviating symptoms such as depression, anxiety and lack of energy. We discuss scientific research on microdosing, the history of psychedelics and why medical supervision is essential. Find out what microdosing with magic mushrooms or LSD can do for seniors' mental health and what precautions to take.

A psychoactive history

The 1960s were the time of flower power, sex, drugs and rock and roll. If you were young then, terms like magic mushrooms and LSD were commonplace. Baby boomers were the ones making art under the influence of drugs. It was the Summer of Love and a lot of great things came out of that. Although it was a special time, baby boomers are not eager to return to those psychedelic times.

Abbie Rosner, author at Doubleblind Magazine, an online media company that discusses all things psychedelic, explains that for the majority of boomers (which she herself falls under), mind-altering substances have long ceased to be the focus of attention. "But although we are no longer involved in them, the psychedelic revolution continued. From exile to mainstream, driven by a community of activists, scientists and entrepreneurs."

That process can be observed almost everywhere in the world. Microdosing is another such development of new uses of psychedelics and also one that could appeal to older people. It is just important for baby boomers to start recognising the benefits microdosing could have, such as relieving pain, mental complaints, lack of energy and other symptoms that can flare up with age.

Although there are positive user experiences, medical supervision remains essential. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any alternative treatment.

Microdosing psychedelics for baby boomers

Psilocybin and other natural mind-altering drugs have been used by natural peoples for centuries because of their impact on mental and physical health. The native peoples of North and South America knew and used psychedelics long before they were discovered by Europeans. The fact is that we still don't know exactly how these drugs work and what the effects are, but research seems to indicate that these drugs can have an impact on our mental health.

Can microdosing mind-altering drugs cause hallucinations

When you take a normal dose of a mind-altering drug, be it magic mushrooms or LSD, it causes a disturbance of the senses and you may start hallucinating. When you microdose, you take a very small dose and the effects are subperceptual. This means that the drug has an effect, but in such a way that you can still function normally. Most people also use a protocol to dose the drug, such as the Fadiman protocol, which prevents habituation. This also gives a lot of guidance to elderly people if they want to microdose.

Microdosing can be used to alleviate various complaints associated with ageing, such as depression, lack of energy, anxiety, memory deterioration, depressed mood, poor sleep or lack of creativity.

Always consult a doctor before considering starting microdosing, especially if you are older or have existing health complaints.

Research into the benefits of microdosing for baby boomers

That microdosing can potentially help support the health of the elderly is also highlighted in a review of several studies from 2022, published on Sciencedirect.com. There were 14 studies that met the set requirements. These included microdosing LSD. Microdosing LSD affected blood pressure, sleep, social cognition, mood and perception of pain and time.

Scientific studies on Microdosing with Psychedelics

A study published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry also suggests that microdosing psychedelics may be useful in treating the elderly, especially if they struggle with anxiety, PTSD or depression.

• In this study, the scientists point out that so far, very few elderly people have been included in clinical trials with psychedelics. This raises the question to what extent research findings can be generalised to the patients treated by the majority of gerontopsychiatrists. Research into the neurophysiological effects of mind-altering drugs in the elderly, may provide valuable insights into the field of the ageing brain. And these, in turn, may have useful clinical applications in the future.
  
  The team conducting this experiment believes that more studies need to be done to understand the full scope of their theory. While microdosing does indeed cause changes in the brain, the question remains how can we prove that it really helps the elderly without more scientific research?

• Following another study published in the National Library of Medicine, it concluded that overall, psychedelics show promise as a treatment for people with PTSD. However, it is still not entirely clear how psilocybin and other psychedelics can provide relief from mental disorders. There are some theories, though.

• One theory states that mind-altering drugs stimulate neuroplasticity (see also research on PubMed). This is the brain's ability to reorganise itself and make new connections. This allows the brain to reprogram itself, so to speak, which can reduce anxiety and depression.

• Another theory assumes that psilocybin may help regulate the Default Mode Network. This is a region of the brain seen as a driver of depression and anxiety. Psychedelics could help support mental health by regulating the DMN.

The aforementioned studies are promising, but consultation with a medical professional remains necessary to assess personal risks.

Microdosing for the elderly

Microdosing may thus bring benefits for the elderly. User stories suggest that people who microdose find that it has a positive effect on their mood, concentration, sleep, creativity and energy. Still, we want to stress that caution is advised, especially for the elderly.

Are you already taking medication and want to microdose? Then contact your doctor first to check whether there might be an interaction between the psychedelics and your medication. If you have severe mental symptoms, microdosing is not recommended. If you are a family member or carer of an elderly person, consult a doctor first to discuss the risks and possible benefits.

Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Microdosing of psychedelics, such as psilocybin or LSD, is not legal in many countries and the effects are not yet sufficiently scientifically substantiated, especially in the elderly. Always consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional before starting microdosing, especially if you are on medication or suffer from mental or physical conditions. Use of these drugs is entirely at your own risk.