Memory Reconsolidation and Psychedelic Therapy

THIS IS AN AI GENERATED OVERVIEW OF OUR PUBLISHED WORK OF THE SAME TITLE AVAILABLE AT WOUNDEDHEALERSINSTITUTE.ORG

Are topics like trauma, dissociation, psychedelics, and treatments such as EMDR and Brainspotting of interest? Are you interested in the neurobiological aspects—like serotonin receptors—and therapeutic approaches? Consider engaging in our educational approach and psychedelic care to read our full article.

Dissociative states are a common response to trauma, allowing individuals to mentally escape from psychological pain. However, these states can become maladaptive when they prevent individuals from processing their trauma or lead to reliance on substances for emotional regulation. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings and employing integrated therapeutic approaches are essential steps in helping individuals break free from this cycle.The relationship between dissociative states, trauma, and psychedelics is a complex and multifaceted topic that have not been explored in depth by researchers and clinicians, but those in recovery do offer a new point of view for the medical and psychological professions to consider.  By first explaining what dissociation is, then discussing how trauma induces this state, and the ability to link psychedelics as dissociative healing states of consciousness would be helpful for all to know. 

The document provides a solid foundation on the topic, diving deeper into these areas, such as providing more concrete examples, exploring the mechanisms behind chemical dissociation, and discussing therapeutic approaches with real-world applications. This exploration enhances reader’s understanding of the complex interplay between dissociative states, trauma, memory reconsolidation, and psychedelics. Addressing potential challenges in diagnosis and treatment would be valuable and we have done so (O’Brien, 2023a). We did this to help healthcare professionals accurately identify dissociative symptoms in individuals who are also dealing with psychedelics. 

Below is an explanation of how these concepts interrelate, supported by insights from the references provided:

1. Dissociation as a Trauma Response

Dissociation is traditionally defined as a disconnection or splitting off of mental processes, memories, feelings, or identity from conscious awareness. It often occurs as a defense mechanism in response to overwhelming trauma, such as abuse, violence, or neglect. When individuals experience psychological or emotional overwhelm, dissociation allows them to mentally “escape” the traumatic event, temporarily separating themselves from the pain and fear.

• Structural Dissociation: According to van der Hart, Nijenhuis, and Steele (2006), trauma can lead to structural dissociation, where the personality splits into different parts or subsystems. One part may remain focused on daily functioning, while another part retains the memory and emotional impact of the trauma.
• Alterations in Consciousness: Dissociative states often involve alterations in consciousness, such as depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself) or derealization (feeling disconnected from reality). These states can serve as a coping mechanism to manage the psychological pain of trauma.

2. Trauma and Substance Use: A Cycle of Avoidance

Trauma often leads to maladaptive coping strategies, including substance use. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to numb their emotional pain, quiet intrusive memories, or escape dissociative states.

• Chemical Dissociation: Somer, Altus, and Ginsburg (2010) propose the “chemical dissociation” hypothesis, suggesting that opioid use can create a dissociative state similar to psychological dissociation. This overlap may explain why individuals who experience trauma are at higher risk for substance use disorders.
• Reinforcement of Dissociative States: Substance use can reinforce dissociative tendencies by creating a cycle of avoidance. For example, individuals may rely on drugs or alcohol to enter a dissociative state, which provides temporary relief but prevents them from processing and healing from the trauma.

3. Neurobiological Mechanisms

The neurobiology of trauma, dissociation, and substance use is closely intertwined, particularly involving neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin and glutamate.

• Serotonin Systems: The 5-HT2a receptor plays a role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation (Zhang & Stackman, 2015). Trauma can dysregulate serotonin systems, contributing to dissociative symptoms and mood disturbances. Substance use further disrupts these systems, exacerbating the cycle of avoidance.
• Glutamate and Memory: The reconsolidation of traumatic memories requires glutamate activity (Pedreira et al., 2004). Dissociative states may interfere with this process, preventing individuals from fully integrating and resolving their trauma.

4. Therapeutic Approaches

Effective treatment for individuals struggling with trauma, dissociation, and substance use must address the interplay between these factors. Evidence-based approaches include:

• Brainspotting: this work highlights the underlying mechanisms of all memory reconsolidation approaches.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Shapiro (2018) highlights EMDR as a powerful tool for processing traumatic memories and reducing dissociative symptoms. By targeting the neurobiological mechanisms of memory reconsolidation, EMDR helps individuals integrate fragmented trauma narratives.
• Seeking Safety: Najavits (2002) developed this integrated approach to address co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders. The model emphasizes coping skills, self-regulation, and emotional processing.
• Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Siegel (2014) advocates for mindfulness-based interventions to help individuals regulate dissociative states and develop a more integrated sense of self.

5. Case Example: Addiction as Trauma-Related Dissociation

O’Brien’s (2023) work suggests that addiction can be understood as a form of trauma-related dissociation.

To enhance our understanding of the relationship between dissociative states, trauma, and psychedelics, several key areas are suggested for further exploration:

1. Manifestations of Dissociation:
   • Provide examples or case studies illustrating different forms of dissociation such as structural dissociation, depersonalization, and derealization.
   • Clarify how these manifestations appear in real-life scenarios to aid comprehension.
2. Chemical Dissociation Across Substances:
   • Investigate whether the “chemical dissociation” effect is specific to opioids or if it applies to other substances like alcohol or cocaine.
   • Explore how substance use reinforces dissociative tendencies through specific behaviors or daily life patterns.
3. Neurobiological Mechanisms Simplified:
   • Break down complex discussions about serotonin and glutamate systems into simpler terms or analogies to facilitate understanding of how dysregulation contributes to dissociative symptoms and substance use.
4. Therapeutic Approaches in Practice:
   • Detail how therapies like EMDR, Seeking Safety, and mindfulness-based interventions specifically target dissociative states and substance use.
   • Include case studies or success stories demonstrating the effectiveness of these approaches.
5. Diverse Case Examples and Cultural Considerations:
   • Offer additional examples illustrating how addiction as trauma-related dissociation plays out in individuals with different types of trauma and varying degrees of dissociative symptoms.
   • Explore how cultural factors influence treatment approaches and outcomes.
6. Support Systems and Aftercare:
   • Discuss the role of support systems, including friends, family, and communities, in helping individuals manage dissociative states and substance use.
   • Highlight specific resources or training that can equip these support networks to be effective.
7. Recent Research and Advancements:
   • Review any new studies on the neurobiological underpinnings of dissociative states and substance use.
   • Explore innovative therapies emerging in this field that could offer hope for individuals struggling with these conditions.
8. Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment:
   • Address how healthcare professionals accurately identify dissociative symptoms in individuals dealing with substance use disorders.
   • Common pitfalls or misconceptions that may hinder effective treatment.

By delving into these areas, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between dissociative states, trauma, and psychedelics, ultimately enhancing our ability to support those affected. However, our point is that those in recovery already have done the research. Overall, the document offers valuable insights into the relationship between dissociation, trauma, memory reconsolidation, and psychedelics.

The full paper is available at woundedhealersinstitute.org