About Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
in South Africa
DISCLAIMER: Any mention of specific substances on this webpage and the research presented here, are intended solely for reference and educational purposes, and should not be considered as a promotion of a particular substance or as a replacement for seeking professional guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please be aware that our Center adheres to the legal regulations of South Africa and promotes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to mental health. While we acknowledge the effectiveness of different medicines, medications and treatment modalities, we recognise that psychedelic-assisted therapy may not be suitable to every individual.
A molecule is referred to as a psychedelic due to its ability to induce altered states of consciousness, including hallucinations and dissociation. Only two psychedelic substances are currently legal for use in South Africa in treatment settings under strict conditions. The psychedelic used by Equanimity Wellness is a dissociative anaesthetic, first approved by the FDA in 1970. It is the preferred choice in clinical settings, owing to its excellent safety profile. As an anaesthetic, this psychedelic is routinely and safely administered to both children and adults. It is included on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) List of Essential Medicines.
In the year 2000, scientists at Yale University began exploring this psychedelic’s potential for helping people with treatment resistant depression. They discovered that by administering sub-anaesthetic doses of this molecule, depressive symptoms were rapidly and significantly reduced. Unlike traditional antidepressants which may take weeks to be effective and have a host of unwanted side effects, the benefits of the psychedelic may be felt within 2 hours. These benefits may be sustained with the help of psychotherapy.
Psychedelics have been described as ‘the biggest breakthrough in depression research in 50 years.’ This is because they have been shown to be:
Quick: Taking effect within minutes and a single infusion lasts less than an hour
Safe: It has been safely and routinely used as an anaesthetic for children and adults for over 50 years. In a treatment setting, it is administered at much lower doses than those used in hospital settings.
Effective: It's positive effects are rapid and robust, if administered to suitable candidates under professionally monitored conditions.
Legal: It is approved for use in South Africa when administered by suitably qualified healthcare professionals after thorough screening to ensure safety and suitability.
In addition to being used to treat depression, it has also been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety and PTSD, chronic pain conditions and stress related disorders when paired with psychotherapy.
Recent evidence suggests that this psychedelic may be an effective treatment option for OCD and substance abuse disorders like alcoholism.
Other mental health concerns may benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy, including recovery from prolonged grief and self-discovery, and can be discussed with one’s mental health professional.
This substance is being more widely studied and becoming more widely used in therapy contexts, particularly as the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy garners greater interest. Always consult with a trusted medical and mental health professional before embarking on any new treatment option.
