SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico is launching a program using a powerful type of therapy that has been described as a game changer for treating addiction and PTSD.
The New Mexico Department of Health is planning to launch its psilocybin-assisted therapy program in December. It’s a full year before the deadline set by state lawmakers but leaders say there is already a line of patients and providers ready to get involved.
How can it work?
The emerging treatment harnesses the neurological properties of “magic mushrooms.”
“Psilocybin itself helps to allow for the plasticity of the brain. So it helps the brain to essentially ease up on some of those pathways. And they’re then able to change their behavior, their thinking pattern to be able to help them,” said Dr. Dominick Zurlo, director of NMDOH Center for Medical Cannabis and Psilocybin. “The results on it have been absolutely astounding with how much it has helped people who have severe issues like PTSD, depression and who are in end-of-life care.”…