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There's something seductive about the idea that microdosing could be a way to chip away at old wounds without the intensity of a full psychedelic journey.

But when trauma runs deep, you might wonder whether the “gentler” approach can ever reach the crux of the issue. And if not, is it any better than a band-aid?

So for today’s issue, we asked our network of practitioners: Can microdosing heal trauma at the root, or do I need to keep microdosing indefinitely? When can I stop?

They give it to us straight, right after the jump.

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Microdosing is a tool, not a cure

Our practitioners were unanimous on one core point. Microdosing alone doesn't heal trauma. Summer MacCool explains: "Microdosing isn't meant to be a lifelong crutch; it's a tool. It can help soften defenses, open new perspectives, and gently bring buried patterns to light, but the healing happens when you integrate what arises."

Cheri Coley frames microdosing as "a catalyst, not a cure." She explains that microdosing "can create windows of neuroplasticity and emotional openness that support healing when paired with therapy, reflection, and intentional practices." But microdosing on its own is unlikely to make a dent in your trauma.

Kari Roe-LaFramboise warns against setting unrealistic expectations: "There is a common misconception in the psychedelic space that the medicine will 'heal'. The medicine is a tool, not a magic bullet or panacea." It only works if you do.

It’s all about integration

The consensus among practitioners was that lasting transformation is possible only as a result of what happens between doses. Mary Decker explains that "the real work lies in long-term integration—journaling insights, tracing them to their roots, creating a plan, and making changes that align with your values."

Wallace Murray emphasizes the relational aspect of healing: "Microdosing rarely heals trauma 'at the root' by itself, because healing is relational, and the doses work best alongside therapy, somatic practice, and safe connection." Find someone you trust to talk to, and you’ll squeeze much more juice out of microdosing.

Jo Ross describes the gradual process of integration done right. Microdosing bypasses “your ‘default mode,’ or the way you typically perceive and react. Over time you can habituate a new default mode, so you no longer need to microdose to get there." Once you’ve internalized new patterns of thinking and being, the medicine becomes unnecessary.

You’ll know when it’s time to stop

Going back to the original question, we got an encouraging answer from our practitioners. Microdosing isn't meant to be forever. Oxana Kirsanova offers clear guidance: "You'll know it's time to stop when you no longer rely on microdosing to feel regulated or connected, but instead carry those shifts within you."

Summer reminds us to tune into our inner wisdom: "You can stop when you feel resourced and connected to yourself. Trust your intuition. It will let you know when the practice has served its purpose."

If you’re still not sure, Wallace offers a practical test: "You can stop when your gains hold without it. Space doses out, take 2–to-4-week breaks, and if sleep, mood, and reactivity stay steady off-protocol, let it go." Now that the benefits have integrated, you have a new baseline. And as Falcon Stephan points out, “an intermittent personal maintenance program designed by you” might feel better than stopping forever.

Our take

If the question is whether psychedelics can help resolve trauma even at smaller doses, our answer is a full-throated “yes.”

Don’t let anyone tell you you need a macro dose to heal trauma. Shoot, you don't have to use psychedelics at all! As many of our practitioners said, the medicine won't do the healing for you; it just makes it easier. A lighter dose of help is help nonetheless.

As for when it's time to stop, we'd add that there are some thorny, unanswered questions about cardiac risks of regular, ongoing psychedelic use. (Read more on this topic, as well as microdosing contraindications, in our interview with Ben Malcolm.) So there may be health reasons to cycle off, beyond the psychological ones our guides mentioned.

Most of all, please try not to fall into the trap of thinking microdosing is just a better Lexapro. At the end of the day, it's more of a skill than a pill.

Thanks to Cynthia M. from Cape Cod, MA for submitting this week’s question. 🫠

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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. The use, possession, and distribution of psychedelic drugs are illegal in most countries and may result in criminal prosecution.