Introduction to Dr. Carmen Amezcua and Her Book
In a time when the use of psychedelic substances sparks intense debate, Dr. Carmen Amezcua, a pioneering psychiatrist in Mexico, presents her book “Tu viaje de sanación psicodélica” (Your Psychedelic Healing Journey). The book aims to bridge the gap between science, ancestral tradition, and mental health by offering a guide for those seeking to understand and utilize these tools ethically and responsibly.
With a background that includes the UNAM, the National Institute of Psychiatry, and international certifications in psychedelic-assisted therapy, Dr. Amezcua approaches the topic from a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective. Her book combines scientific data, clinical experiences, patient testimonials, and personal accounts to provide a comprehensive view that transcends prejudices.
A Call for Integrative and Humanist Psychiatry
In an interview with El Economista, Dr. Carmen Amezcua explained that the book is an attempt to say, “You can have both at the same time,” referring to the combination of science and ancestral knowledge. She narrates how her personal journey, marked by the trauma of the 1985 earthquake and the loss of loved ones, led her to seek alternatives to traditional psychiatry, though initially without clear direction.
On the other hand, she became a psychiatrist serendipitously and now faces a healthcare system that she finds outdated, pathologizing everything and chronically medicalizing people. Therefore, the author promotes integrative psychiatry, recognized by the WHO since 2017 and based on four pillars:
- Spirituality: A connection to one’s life purpose, not necessarily religious.
- Trauma: Addressing this topic through modern therapies.
- Body: The importance of gut microbiota, nutrition, and physical well-being.
- Lifestyle medicine: The relevance of sleep, exercise, and community.
Dr. Amezcua believes that traditional psychiatry has become impersonal, treating patients as numbers with generalized treatments. Her approach, however, seeks to individualize treatments and invest time in understanding each person’s complete history.
Dangers and Warnings in the “Psychedelic Revolution”
Despite the potential benefits, Dr. Amezcua also warns about the risks associated with this new wave of popularity. In her book, she addresses the phenomenon of “psychedelic tourism” and the proliferation of “influencer shamans” who, without proper knowledge, offer ceremonies at exorbitant prices, affecting indigenous communities and participants alike.
Moreover, she calls attention to the population about the risks of substance adulteration. “We have already found fentanyl as an adulterant in psychedelic substances,” she warns. The ease with which young people can access these drugs online, combined with their mixed consumption, increases the risk of severe health damage.
More About the Author and the Book
The book’s author is a renowned psychiatrist and pioneer in using such substances for medical purposes in the country. Dr. Carmen Amezcua is a UNAM graduate with postgraduate studies from the National Institute of Psychiatry. She specialized in adolescents and affective disorders, complementing her training with international certifications in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Additionally, Dr. Amezcua works as a columnist, business consultant, and speaker.
Thanks to her extensive knowledge, she offers an integrative and multidisciplinary approach in her book. The author guides readers from a critical view of conventional psychiatry towards a more holistic and humanist medicine. Each chapter is written for both a general audience interested in the emerging field and mental health professionals seeking scientifically and anthropologically grounded tools.
Given the rapid global expansion of this field and the lack of Spanish-language material with a similar perspective, Editorial Planeta has decided to include the book in their portfolio. They are responsible for providing extensive distribution to the work, enabling more people to learn about the benefits and risks of psychedelic substance use.
The book is now available in all bookstores across the country and on digital platforms in physical, audiobook (narrated by the author herself), and digital formats.
About the Author and the Book
- Author: Dr. Carmen Amezcua
- Publisher: Planeta
- Pages: 256
- Print book: 328 Mexican pesos
- eBook: 229 Mexican pesos
