It’s almost impossible to discuss the impact of the musical soundtrack of the 1960s counterculture movement — detailed in the first article of this series — without acknowledging the role of recreational psychedelics. This connection ultimately led to the federal restrictions on psychedelic research that have remained in place since the early 1970s.
In contrast to earlier generations, who were serenaded by The Beatles with an invitation to “Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream,” a new wave of musicians today are renewing this sentiment with a modern twist. They are using psychedelics not just for inspiration but as tools for profound mental healing. As America’s mental health crisis worsens, these artists are championing psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), bridging the gap between past counterculture and today’s scientific renaissance.
America’s mental health crisis shows no signs of abating, and the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities. Researchers, desperate for new tools in the fight against these challenges, are turning their attention back to psychedelics. But academic researchers and veterans are not the only voices driving this conversation. Musicians and their music, a powerful force for social change throughout history, are poised to play a crucial role in the legalization process this time.
As a new generation of musicians prioritizing mental health rises to fame, they have the potential to become powerful advocates for PAT. Their voices are already helping to bring this promising treatment out of the shadows and into the mainstream, fostering a deeper public understanding and moving culture towards a future where psychedelics are a standard part of mental health care. While the musicians of the 1960s may have harmed public perception of psychedelics, today’s artists are poised to lead the charge into new frontiers of psychedelic use.
How Today’s Musicians Are Championing Psychedelic Therapy
Today, a growing number of leading musicians are embracing psychedelics as a potential tool for healing, a means to confront crippling anxieties or break free from the shackles of addiction. They utilize their public platforms to normalize the idea of using psychedelics to address the mental health challenges of fame, past traumas and anxieties over the future. This newfound openness has the potential to reshape the narrative around psychedelics for their fan bases and critics alike.
Perhaps the most notable example of this attitude is from Grimes, the experimental musician unfairly best known as a former paramour of Elon Musk and mother to three of his children. Grimes repeatedly champions the moderate and controlled use of psychedelics to increase plasticity in the brain, process emotions more honestly and cope with the challenges of today and tomorrow.
A common theme in the psychedelic healing journey for many artists is the way psychedelics can help artists regain their sense of self and their trust in others after years of criticism and backbiting within the music industry. Rapper A$AP Rocky has spoken about his use of psychedelics such as LSD. He has credited these experiences with helping him explore his consciousness and address personal issues and trauma. According to Rocky, “Psychedelics changed my life for the better, they opened my third eye and made me more attuned. It was a way to love more; it helped me open up my heart.’’
Similarly, artist Miley Cyrus has spent her entire life in front of cameras, experiencing many of the growing pains of womanhood in the public eye. A former substance user now embracing sobriety in her 30s, Cyrus credits an ayahuasca trip with helping her cope with the extreme stresses of the spotlight. “I think ayahuasca is a healing thing. I only did it one time, but I want to do it again. I loved what it did for me. We all think we’re good people, but I wanted to know in my heart, in my deepest soul. I wanted to know what outrides what: Am I really the person I think am?”
What the Intentional Usage of Psychedelics for Healing Looks Like
In an industry where artists struggle to balance their personal growth with the need to top the charts, musicians have a unique power to normalize mental health. When prominent musicians openly embrace psychedelic therapy as a tool for healing and self-discovery, it sends a powerful message to their fans that while the recreational use of psychedelics can be risky, destigmatizing their safe, therapeutic use under professional guidance is crucial.
Unlike unguided recreational use, which creates room for the elusive ‘bad trip,’ these artists stress the importance of a safe and intentional approach, often referred to as the right ‘set and setting.’ This means ensuring the mental and physical environment is supportive, with a trusted therapist or guide present to navigate the experience.
The therapeutic process with psychedelics is by no means easy or psychologically comfortable. It often involves confronting deep-rooted fears, anxieties and past traumas, which can be intense and challenging. However, musicians and advocates of this therapy emphasize that this difficult work is necessary for genuine healing. They also point to the importance of integration — using talk therapy to make sense of and process the insights gained during the experience, leading to greater self-awareness and self-compassion.
By sharing their own journeys, artists are helping to normalize PAT and encourage a more thoughtful, open approach to mental wellness, showing that seeking help is an act of strength.
The Steps to Integrate Psychedelics into Mental Health Care
The journey of scaling psychedelic therapy to the point of insurance coverage is far from over, with classic psychedelics still fighting for FDA approval in the U.S. and currently only legal in places like Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico and Amsterdam. However, Ketamine Assisted Therapy is now available in some U.S. states and can have similarly profound effects with the right guidance.
Similarly, while ‘underground’ therapists and shamans offer valuable work that has saved countless lives, it’s important to approach these treatments within safe and informed contexts. For those curious, Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind on Netflix offers a compelling introduction.
The interplay between science, lived experience and artistic expression holds the potential to launch a moonshot moment for mental health. By working together, we can embrace a future where psychedelic-assisted therapy is a recognized tool, not just for alleviating suffering, but for igniting a new wave of empathy and neuroplasticity for humanity. This collaborative effort has the power to unlock a brighter chapter, not just for individuals battling mental health challenges, but for society as a whole.
