Meditation Enhanced the Effects of Psychedelics

Mindfulness meditation can enhance the positive long-term effects of a single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient found in 'magic' mushrooms. The state of consciousness induced by psychedelics, and that achieved through mindfulness meditation have many similarities. For example, one common phenomenon of the psychedelic experience, ego dissolution, occurs when the boundaries between the self and the world begin to dissolve and feelings of bliss and unity are triggered. Such experiences of self-transcendence and reduced self-focus are similar to those brought about by mindfulness meditation. They can reduce stress, prompt feelings of enduring happiness and increase empathy and altruism. In contrast to this, exaggerated self-focus, recurring negative thoughts and emotions about one's self, and impaired social interactions are characteristic features of psychiatric disorders such as depression, and anxiety. Research has shown that both psychedelics and mindfulness meditation are useful for treating these psychiatric disorders.

Researchers at the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, for the first time, examined the potential synergistic effects of combining mindfulness meditation and psilocybin. According to the study, mindfulness training enhances the positive effects of a single dose of psilocybin, and can increase empathy and permanently reduce ego-centricity. Further, skills that are trained during mindfulness meditation, such as regulating one's attention and reappraising emotions, seem to buffer potential negative reactions to psilocybin.

To read the full article: Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat.