Weaning Off ADHD Meds? Here’s How Microdosing Psilocybin Can Help

"Studies have shown [that ADHD meds] are effective for about 80% of children with the condition." – Cleveland Clinic

Proponents of prescription ADHD medications love to throw this statistic around.

The problem?

It turns out that while ADHD meds help with focus and impulse control, it doesn't actually help with learning and achievement.

In 2022, a groundbreaking study by Florida International University (FIU) rose to the occasion by challenging the belief that ADHD medications enhance academic achievement for kids and teens. They found that while kids taking ADHD meds may be better behaved, their performance doesn't actually improve.

This has serious consequences for the nearly 10% of North Americans that live with ADHD.

ADHD meds are often stimulants with side effects that lead to severe health complications; medium and long-term use of ADHD meds commonly leads to insomnia, high blood pressure, nutritional deficiencies, gut issues, and changes in mood like anxiety and irritability.

That's because ADHD meds use ingredients that work against your body's innate intelligence. The ingredients used — amphetamines and other hardcore stimulants — were originally designed to help soldiers stay energized, steady, and focused during the chaos and terror of war.

So why are we giving it to kids, or for pulling all-nighters before an exam or major project deadline? They don't improve learning and memory, and most people don't respond well to the side effects.

You can thank Big Pharma and the overprescription of amphetamines for that.

Luckily, there is growing research and interest in the use of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, to manage and treat ADHD.

Rather than simply addressing symptoms, microdosing helps to address the root causes of ADHD, activating brain networks responsible for mood, focus, higher learning, memory, planning, goal-setting, and emotional regulation while supporting long-term brain health.

Read: The Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin – Without the Fluff

In this article, we will explore the limitations of ADHD meds and the potential of psilocybin as a revolutionary treatment for ADHD.

But first...

ADHD meds don’t lead to higher grades or more learning, FIU study finds.

Contrary to the notion that drugs like Adderall and Ritalin improve classroom performance, the research highlights that while medication aids behavior, it has no significant impact on actual learning. The study suggests that effective interventions involve behavioral therapy, positive reinforcement, and accommodations, fostering a holistic approach for optimal results.

This 14-page paper, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, underscores the need for broader exploration and a balanced strategy in ADHD management. Rather than relying solely on medication, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating behavioral and academic support to ensure children's success in learning and development.

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms." When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, another psychoactive compound. These substances can cause alterations in perception, mood, and consciousness, leading to hallucinations and an expanded state of awareness.

Today, there is a growing body of research underscoring psilocybin's therapeutic potential, including in the treatment of various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and addiction. However, its use is regulated in many countries due to its hallucinogenic properties, even though research shows that it is one of the safest drugs with the lowest potential for abuse and addiction.

In fact, psilocybin is anti-addictive.

Active/Lethal Dose Ratio and Dependence Potential of Psychoactive Drugs. Data source: Gable, R. S. (2006). Acute toxicity of drugs versus regulatory status. In J. M. Fish (Ed.), Drugs and Society: U.S. Public Policy, pp.149-162, Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

How does psilocybin work?

Psilocybin is known to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood, cognition, and perception. Certain doses of psilocybin can produce altered states of consciousness, including changes in sensory perception, thought patterns, and emotional experiences. These effects may be due to psilocybin’s ability to increase the activity of certain neural networks in the brain, which may lead to improved brain connectivity and communication.

Psilocybin has a particularly high affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the pre-frontal cortex (PFC).

The PFC takes center stage in various cognitive functions, playing a pivotal role in decision-making, planning, problem-solving, impulse control, and social interactions. Think of it as a conductor, orchestrating your abilities to set goals, weigh consequences, and navigate complex situations. Moreover, the PFC is a hub for working memory, allowing us to hold and manipulate information temporarily. In essence, this cognitive maestro, the PFC, is integral to your higher-order thinking and adaptive behaviors.

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the PFC play a central role in how it processes your emotions, thoughts, and how you perceive things. When psilocybin enters the scene, it orchestrates a symphony of changes in how you experience the world.

At the same time, psilocybin quiets a network of brain regions called the Default Mode Network (DMN). This network is associated with various mental processes, including self-referential thinking, introspection, daydreaming, and mind-wandering. It's thought to play a role in our sense of self, personal memories, and social cognition. However, it can also become overactive or dysregulated in certain mental health conditions, leading to rumination, anxiety, depression, and other cognitive challenges.

By quieting the DMN, psilocybin allows other brain regions to communicate more effectively, empowering you to break free from negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Imagine this:

Psilocybin steps onto the stage and the lights dim. Suddenly, your senses start playing a different tune, your thoughts take new paths, and your emotions become more vibrant. But here's the intriguing part: recent research hints that psilocybin might be more than just a show. It seems to be like an artist enhancing connections between different parts of your brain.

Think of these connections as roads between neighborhoods in a city. Psilocybin is like a city planner building new, efficient highways that allow different parts of the brain to talk to each other more effectively. This improved communication could explain the fascinating experiences that unfold.

Benefits of psilocybin mushrooms for ADHD.

Although research on psilocybin's direct application to ADHD is limited, some studies propose significant advantages. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology indicated psilocybin could enhance cognitive flexibility and creative thinking, both often challenged in individuals with ADHD.

Similarly, a 2021 randomized clinical trial published in Translational Psychiatry on psilocybin and creative thinking found that psilocybin immediately increased spontaneous creative insights, and resulted in an increase in the number of novel ideas after 7 days.

Research in Scientific Reports pointed to psilocybin's antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, notable for patients with treatment-resistant depression often linked to ADHD. Notably, this study highlighted psilocybin's impact on the default mode network, tied to introspection and self-awareness, hinting at potential benefits in these realms as well. Another study published in Translational Psychiatry found that psilocybin improves cognitive flexibility for at least 4 weeks after treatment in patients with mood disorders, helping the brain shift out of rigid states and promoting adaptability.

As the scientific landscape evolves, these findings may offer intriguing paths for exploring psilocybin's role in addressing ADHD-related complexities.

Benefits of microdosing psilocybin for ADHD.

While our current knowledge of microdosing's direct impact on ADHD remains in its infancy, there's a chorus of anecdotal reports singing its virtues.

Hundreds of our own customers with ADHD have reported that microdosing psilocybin has empowered them to control the chaos of distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

But it doesn't stop there.

In this intricate dance of neurochemistry, many have voiced that microdosing fuels their creativity, tunes their focus, and elevates their mood. These stories and testimonials mirror the research that is harmonizing the relationship between the benefits of microdosing and the neurobiology of ADHD.

Read: What To Expect After 6 Months Of Microdosing: A Timeline

"Scoring drugs", The Economist, data from "Drug harms in the UK: a multi-criteria decision analysis", by David Nutt, Leslie King and Lawrence Phillips, on behalf of the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs. The Lancet. 2010 Nov 6;376(9752):1558-65. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61462-6 PMID 21036393

Risks and limitations of using psilocybin for ADHD.

While psilocybin may have potential benefits for ADHD, there are also risks and limitations to its use. For example, psilocybin can produce intense and unpredictable effects. Pay attention to the old adage, and start low and go slow.

There are many mushroom species with varying strengths to pick from, and many variations within those species, so we recommend going with the Golden Teacher strain from the Psilocybe cubensis species. Because it is widely cultivated, it delivers a predictable and consistent dose that makes it easier to anticipate and navigate your psychedelic journeys.

In terms of its safety profile, however, psilocybin is extremely safe.

"Scoring drugs", The Economist, data from "Drug harms in the UK: a multi-criteria decision analysis", by David Nutt, Leslie King and Lawrence Phillips, on behalf of the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs. The Lancet. 2010 Nov 6;376(9752):1558-65. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61462-6 PMID 21036393

The best microdose products for ADHD.

The number one concern we hear from our ADHD family? Their energy levels are going to drop once they wean off of their ADHD meds, leaving them fatigued and unable to focus.

If energy levels and fatigue are your main concern, we recommend microdosing with Energy Stack, our breakthrough energy-multiplying microdose formula.

We designed it with one thing in mind: To supply the brain and body with clean, lasting energy without the crash.

Think of Energy Stack as your non-stim pick-me-up.

In addition to the mood and cognitive benefits of psilocybin, it works by boosting your metabolism and converting fat, carbs, and protein into cellular energy/ATP. It also contains a healthy dose of Cordyceps, A.K.A. Himalayan Viagara. This fantastic fungus is known to improve libido and fertility in both men and women and support healthy lung capacity.

Lastly, Energy Stack is dripping with organic Matcha—boosts energy, natural L-Theanine reduces stress and anxiety, and contains 130x the antioxidants of regular green tea.

If energy isn't your main concern, then any of our microdose Stacks would benefit your focus, mental clarity, and productivity. However, we highly recommend working with a healthcare professional to create a schedule that allows you to wean off your meds while introducing psilocybin products to your health regimen.

A note on microdosing for ADHD.

Psilocybin is an outstanding gold-star ingredient for proactive and reactive health. However, we understand that each body is unique and will respond in different ways to plant and mushroom extracts, including psilocybin.

If you are otherwise healthy, do not expect immediate transformational results from adding psilocybin to your regimen. Preventative care is not about the present, but committing to our health and preparing for tomorrow.

If you are choosing psilocybin as your catalyst for change, it is important that you prepare well in advance, then integrate your learnings after each trip. Experiment with your microdosing schedule, and remember to take tolerance breaks to reflect on your progress towards your version of success.

We want all our customers to be completely satisfied. If you have any questions, please reach out to our wonderful Happiness Team at [email protected] and we will work with you to find a solution.

Read: How to Make Shroom Tea: The Ultimate Mushroom Tea Guide

Read: How to Make Magic Mushroom Brownies

Read: How to Lemon Tek Magic Mushrooms

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