I’ll be honest, I have always loved writing about things that are slightly controversial because I like to inspire reactions and thought provoking conversations. Add into the mix that in 2024 I have embraced a new life around sobriety which adds a layer of complexity to this subject for me, and I’m left with a topic I’d love to chat about more a little bit.
Now, I have to be honest that my sobriety was born out of necessity in the face of an extremely traumatic and difficult shift in my personal life. I knew I had a choice at that moment to completely stop using unhealthy coping skills and mechanisms to address what needed to be done, or that I might spiral. Almost six months later, do I miss drinking sometimes? Sure.
Do I think I may drink again one day? That I’m not sure of.
Today I am choosing to not, and allow myself to feel the big feels I have and will always feel for as long as I need to feel them to process in the right way.
That being said, I have been approached many times of the years on the topic of microdosing and the positive benefits that it can offer people. I guess where I stand right now, is does the thought of me trying microdosing invalidate my newfound sobriety? I think that’s a divisive question and we aren’t ever all going to agree on it.
I’ve been doing some research and found the following in an article from The University of British Columbia published in 2022, when the topic was slightly more news worthy in Canada (whereas now it’s a bit less taboo to discuss)
” Those microdosing demonstrated greater improvements in mood, mental health and psychomotor ability over the one-month period compared to non-microdosing peers who completed the same assessments.
… Microdosing involves regular self-administration in doses small enough to not impair normal cognitive functioning. The doses can be as small as 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms and taken three to five times a week.
The most widely reported substances used for microdosing are psilocybin mushrooms and LSD. Psilocybin mushrooms are considered non-addictive and relatively non-toxic—especially when compared to tobacco, opioids and alcohol.”
– “Psychedelic mushroom microdoses can improve mood, mental health”
In contrast to the results found in this and other articles, not to mention the fact that Psilocybin and Psilocin (sometimes referred to commonly as “Magic Mushrooms”) have been used in Indigenous cultures for thousands of years, the official stance from the Government of Canada is that “The production, sale and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in Canada.”
Now, without getting myself into hot water, I have found online stores and I’m sure you’ve seen mushroom and psychedelic brick and mortar locations in your local cities as well, that although not officially able to do so offer products that can be purchased and enjoyed responsibly.
I think I want to find solutions to offer myself more balance, mood regulation (amid ongoing medication that I am on recommended by my mental health practitioners and family doctor) and to feel more calm in my day to day life. I’m not looking to alter or jeopardize my sobriety in any way, but maybe this is right for me.
I’m still on the fence, but thought I would pose the question to you. Have you ever tried microdosing or have you considered it as a natural way to help you in your day to day life?
Don’t forget to be kind & a little more honest with yourself this year
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