Over the years, I’ve spent so much time with people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) that I almost believed that opioids were the only drugs of abuse. Obviously, opioids aren’t the only drugs of abuse. But I have seen so many cases that I do have an understanding of the mechanics of OUD and recognize OUD prevalence. What’s more, a recent study indicates that psilocybin (“magic” mushrooms) use may provide protective factors for developing an OUD. My experiences with OUD coupled with the study provide an even stronger basis for seeing OUD treatment as I do.
While the study didn’t really indicate a causal relationship between psilocybin use and diminished odds of OUD development, it did present a theory about why psilocybin use may be protective. The study’s author theorized that the mystical experiences associated with magic mushrooms are the potential protective factor. I’ve never had a magic mushroom mystical experience. But I completely agree with the theory.
Eleven possible indicators characterize an opioid use disorder (according to the DSM 5). Any presentation of more than two (2) indicates an OUD. What isn’t listed in the OUD criteria is that trauma is almost always co-presenting. That is, someone with an OUD almost always also meets criteria for PTSD. For those struggling with both an OUD and PTSD, it can be difficult to connect with life. Therefore, in order to treat OUD and trauma, treatment providers must work to restore healthy connections with life. The beginning of this re-connection with life must include a connection to the mystical.
I’m not suggesting that everyone join a church or AA or NA. Of course, God and the “higher power” concept speak to the power of a mystical connection. But even writing “mystical connection” makes it seem like I’m a weirdo who advocates chanting and eating bugs. But, I’m not a weirdo. I’m just someone who knows the magic of the mystical experience. I also know that magic mushrooms, or any substance, isn’t necessary for having a mystical experience.
A “mystical experience” can be as simple as appreciating a baby’s smile or recognizing beauty in the world. What it amounts to, for me, is learning to recognize that there’s magic in all things. This magic is all around us, we just sometimes fail to see it. But if we learn to see it and appreciate it, magic provides a connection to all living things. That’s it: learn to appreciate the magic in life and a mystical experience will follow. No psilocybin needed.
In learning to recognize the magic in life, we connect with life. Someone with an OUD needs that connection. An OUD becomes all-consuming and finding that connection isn’t easy. But if there’s hope for a connection, it starts with appreciating all that’s good and strong and beautiful.
