Dr Peter Silverstone - The Promise of Psychedelics: Science-Based Hope for Better Mental Heath

The Promise of Psychedelics is truly visionary, providing clinicians and laypersons with insightful perspectives and positive solutions for todays many mental health challenges.

Complex ideas and concepts are explained through relatable, real-life examples. A brilliant must-read!

Robert Rogers, author of Psilocybin Mushrooms: The Mystery, Science and Research

A mental health book explores psychedelics comeback in the realm of neuroscience.

British Canadian psychiatrist and researcher Silverstone unpacks the emerging and controversial use of mind-altering substances in the treatment of psychiatric diseases in this work.

Throughout the informative book, Silverstone writes in an accessible, conversational, and at times humorous style, often utilizing food metaphors to explain neuroscience. For example, the brain is like a pizza with four different sections, and diagnosing individuals is similar to comparing an omelette vs. frittata vs. scrambled eggs. While the author makes a persuasive case for the use of psychedelics, readers should consult their own physicians about the benefits and dangers and seek more information from various sources.

An intriguing, illuminating, and multifaceted approach to mental health treatment.

Kirkus Reviews

"Its fresh and has a pep to it that is enjoyable. Hes funny, his analogies are awesome, and hes laid the case for his work in a very objective way.

Stephanie Feger, author, speaker and marketing expert

Your message is completely transformational and the book masterfully constructed. Most important is the message of hope for both clinicians and those who live with mental illness. For those with resistance to medications or for those who have a condition with no approved medication, you have changed the game. Psychedelics, as you stated, are not a panacea, but they provide hope of a two-pronged treatment for those who did not have access to that pathway before."

Pikko's House Beta Reader

There are certain indisputable facts about this topic. The first is that psychedelics are controversial. The second is that psychedelics will not solve the problems faced by every person with a mental health issue. The third is that we desperately need new and effective therapies to work with psychedelics. And the final fact is that new scientific evidence shows that psychedelics offer genuine hope for better mental health. And thats what The Promise of Psychedelics is all about.

At any point in time, approximately 20 percent of adults experience significant mental health issues. Thats two out of ten adults with mental health issues that impact their level of functioning. Things like getting or holding a job, maintaining healthy relationships, or practicing adequate self-care. At times of widespread stress, like a global pandemic, this percentage can surge much higher.

Despite this tsunami of need, mental health funding is far less than required. Practitioners are overwhelmed by the number of patients, and because of the lack of resources, medication is usually the first line of treatmentsadly, sometimes the only line of treatment.

Often, medication alone doesnt work, especially for conditions like PTSD, grief, or personality issues. Despite the best efforts of clinicians, medications or other psychological treatments are usually only partially effective. Sometimes treatments dont help at all.

This might be due to the fact that, as science is now showing us, there can be underlying brain changes that prevent a full recovery. I have seen this first hand over and over.

My first day as a psychiatrist was demoralizing. I was told to go into a clinic and see patients. There were five already booked to see me. Every one of them was depressed and suicidal, and theyd all had some treatments which clearly hadnt worked.

At the end of my first day, I wondered what I could offer that they hadnt already tried. It was a shock.

I wish I could say that things have improved. Nearly forty years later there is still no certainty that anything I can prescribe for similar treatment-resistant patients will help. Treatment options are limited in their effectivenessand treatments that guarantee a successful outcome are nonexistent. Unfortunately, fewer than 50 percent of patients looking for a way out of their depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even addictions achieve remission and better mental health.

If you or someone you know has not received successful treatment you are not alone. This vast, unmet need is why the psychedelic era holds such promise. Indeed, I believe it offers the greatest potential for any treatment developed during my career.

Type mental health treatment into Google and over one million results will appear. There will be well-intentioned encouragement from sites that may be titled Top Ten Quotes for Mental Health, or Happy Thoughts.

So much advice.

Thoughtfully intended.

Genuine in the wish for people to move forward and feel better.

But kind words and good intentions are not enough for those with a psychiatric diagnosis, especially when treatment has not worked before. These people, perhaps including you or someone you know and love, need more than feel better soon or look on the bright side.