MESMERIC is a recovery method for substance and behavioural addictions. It harnesses the benefits of microdosed psilocybin, paired with a structured framework, so improvements aren’t left to chance.
Microdosing psilocybin on its own is unlikely to treat addiction sustainably. However, it can help to slow—or even reverse—a downhill trend.
This creates an opportunity window for healing and new habit formation.
The MESMERIC method supplies a clear framework to ensure the benefits of microdosing are channelled towards recovery goals, guarding the struggling person against self-deception.
Learn about:
- The key elements of the MESMERIC method.
- What types of addiction it can help recover from.
- When it is applied in addiction recovery.
- Who it is suitable for.
- How to get started.
What are the key elements of the MESMERIC method?
At its core, MESMERIC is a cycle of observation, tailored action, measurement, accountability and adjustment.
In practice, the method revolves around the following activities:
- Beginning with a clear intention for microdosing.
- Mapping and tracking addiction to uncover use patterns and the underlying mechanisms — psychological, social, and environmental.
- Designing a tailored microdosing protocol, which matches the uncovered patterns, to maintain and extend sobriety windows, or to sustain abstinence.
- Setting goals that account for the identified mechanisms and stack the odds in the struggling person’s favour.
- Creating a monitoring framework and accountability systems.
- Engaging in iterative practices and adapting the approach to consolidate progress and address setbacks accordingly.
- Applying personalised strategies to support progress, such as developing new healthier habits and routines, and strengthening psycho-emotional skills.
Engaging in holistic and systems-level practices that address underlying contributors to addiction — including trauma, where relevant — can support better outcomes.
What types of addictions can the MESMERIC method help recover from?
- Since addictions share common mechanisms, the MESMERIC method is applicable across a wide range of substances and behaviours.
- Results vary with personal history and characteristics, health, environment, circumstances and timing.
- In practice, MESMERIC provides a structured way to map addiction, create tailored microdosing protocols, set realistic goals and build steadier habits.
- This allows the person struggling with addiction to see with clarity — over weeks rather than days — whether the method moves the needle in the right direction.
When is the MESMERIC method applied in addiction recovery?
The application of the MESMERIC method depends on which addiction recovery strategies and recovery goals are selected.
The possible strategies for addiction recovery are gradual reduction and discontinuation/detox.
These can be combined with either abstinent or non-abstinent goals (i.e. a return to an occasional use).
The MESMERIC method is applicable across these, with the exception of detox. In detail:
It can help attain both abstinent and non-abstinent recovery goals.
It can effectively support recovery through gradual reduction.
It can be applied in discontinuation where medical supervision is not required.
Detox, on the other hand, should be carried out in a medically supervised setting or accompanied by addiction professionals experienced in detox. It is likely not an ideal moment to introduce microdosing psilocybin.
Who is the MESMERIC method for?
The MESMERIC method is most suitable for people often described as ‘high-functioning’ — that is, life appears to be running; for most of the time, work gets done, family roles are met, and routines are kept.
Under the surface, though, there is slippage: a growing worry about the patterns of use, papering over lapses and possibly mounting costs.
Read more about who the MESMERIC method is for.
See also: Method limitations.
How can I get started with the MESMERIC method?
The method can be applied autonomously or with the support of an addiction-recovery coach, who provides:
- companionship, a sounding board and encouragement,
- accountability partnership,
- a structured process for tackling addiction,
- tools and guidance to support progress,
- suggestions for practices that foster deeper healing.
Do you have any questions?
Let’s have a conversation.
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