Today, many studies are revisiting that idea and exploring how psychedelic-assisted therapy could support people dealing with not only addiction, but also depression, anxiety, eating disorders and PTSD.

Even though these drugs have long carried stigma, interest in their therapeutic effects has grown quickly. Many early findings show that psychedelics might help the brain heal, open new pathways and ease conditions that are often difficult to treat with standard medicine. Still, researchers say there is much to learn.

Why Scientists Are Paying Attention Again

Jamie Peters, PhD, a neuroscientist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, explains that most of what the scientific community understands today comes from early research and basic lab studies. But she believes that with rising interest, more funded and regulated research will soon bring clearer answers. “It feels like a new beginning for studying these drugs,” she said.

How Psychedelics Change the Brain

Crossing Into the Brain

Psychedelics enter the brain in different ways. Some, like LSD, go in directly. Others, like psilocybin from “magic mushrooms,” convert into an active form called psilocin once inside the body. After entering the brain, these drugs attach to serotonin receptors, especially 2A and 2C receptors. This heightened activity creates the well-known effects such as intense colors, unusual sounds and sometimes a strong feeling of connection to the world.

Some people even experience synesthesia, where senses mix—such as seeing sounds or hearing colors.

What Makes Psychedelics Special

Scientists describe psychedelics as “psychoplastogens,” meaning they help the brain grow and change quickly. These drugs can encourage neurons (brain cells) to grow new branches called dendrites. These branches help brain cells form fresh connections, which may rebuild areas harmed by mental health conditions.

This process, called synaptogenesis, strengthens communication between neurons. Research suggests this growth might restore damaged pathways, especially in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making, focus, and self-control. Many disorders—such as depression, PTSD and addiction—affect this part of the brain.

Do You Need to Experience the ‘Trip’?

A major debate in the scientific community is whether the hallucinogenic experience is necessary for healing. One group believes the stronger the “trip,” the better the benefits. Another group believes that the brain-changing effects can happen without hallucinations.

Dr. Peters supports the second view. She works with chemist David Olson, who develops non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelic drugs. These versions keep the brain-healing properties while removing the intense psychological effects.

Animal Studies Show Promising Results

In one study, rodents were trained to self-administer heroin. When the drug was removed, they quickly relapsed once they saw the cues linked to heroin. But when given a non-hallucinogenic compound called tabernanthalog (TBG)—a safer form of the psychedelic ibogaine—the animals showed much lower relapse rates. This effect lasted up to two weeks, which is significant given a rodent’s short lifespan.

TBG appears to support neural plasticity, reduce drug-seeking behavior and act like an antidepressant—all without causing hallucinations.

Why Fast-Acting Treatments Matter

Current treatments for depression and addiction, such as SSRIs or methadone, usually take weeks or months to show effects and must be taken regularly. Psychedelic-based treatments could work differently. Because they act directly on serotonin receptors, their effects can appear quickly and may last much longer.

This could be life-changing for many people who struggle with chronic symptoms.

Overcoming Barriers to Treatment

Classic psychedelics often require controlled, supervised settings because of the strong hallucinogenic effects. This makes treatment costly and limits who can access it.

If non-hallucinogenic versions prove effective in humans, they could be prescribed for at-home use, similar to other daily medicines. This would make treatment more accessible and less expensive.

A Reminder to Stay Safe

Even though the potential of psychedelic therapy is exciting, Dr. Peters warns against self-use. Many street drugs today are contaminated with dangerous substances like fentanyl. Until these drugs are regulated and monitored, using them without medical supervision can be extremely risky.

Researchers continue to study these compounds, but many questions remain. The hope is that with proper regulation, access and ongoing research, more people may benefit from safe, controlled psychedelic-based treatment options in the future.