Ep 12 - Tripping to Heal: From Binge Drinking to Psychedelics with Zach Cotogni

Zach Cotogni and his sister Michaela wrote Blue Honey—Personal Experiences Using Psilocybin for Mental Health in Aotearoa, a book that challenges ugly preconceptions and misunderstandings about using MCPs (Mushrooms Containing Psilocybin, more commonly known as Magic Mushrooms).

In this episode, Zach talks about his experience using MCPs to overcome his addiction to alcohol and drugs.

I interviewed Michaela on the Little Addicts podcast in episode #8. It was a raw and emotional interview where Michaela spoke about her long struggle with mental illness, running out of options, and ultimately deciding to break the law and use MCPs as a last-ditch attempt. If you're interested, go back and listen!

Disclaimer: As psilocybin is a class A substance in New Zealand, we’re not encouraging anyone to take these substances but to raise awareness.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Using drugs and alcohol from the age of 12 after realising he didn't like himself
• Being a scared, confused, angry young man and how alcohol gave the illusion of strength, empowerment and being in control
• The ongoing cycle of using drugs to escape the reality and to dampen his emotions 
• Constantly chasing a rush and enjoying amphetamines (stimulants)
• Turning his life around following a messy experience at a mate's wedding and getting an ultimatum from his wife (sensing this time she meant it!)
• Deciding to stop drinking, not knowing how, and stumbling upon magic mushrooms
• His "wow" moment with MCPs-having an outside view looking in and experiencing a movie reel of his intoxicated moments, how he had treated people, and what an arsehole he was-and knowing he would never drink again!
• Writing the book Blue Honey after finding out that many people in NZ who have done their healing behind closed doors
• What Zach sees as the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy 
• MCPs are a not a silver bullet, or without risks, but should be considered an alternative
• Setting yourself up for a bad trip and the importance of set and setting
• What needs to be put in place to make psychedelic therapy safe and more available as an option
• Advice he'd give anyone wanting to try these substances (don't think of it as a recreational trip; it's for healing purposes)
• Being a typical Kiwi male taught to push down pain and reach for pain-eroding substances (that work in the short-term but create more pain long-term)
• Zach's message to the world or anyone going through a similar experience.

We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. 

Remember to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people.

Connect with Zach:

Website: Blue Honey

Connect with Kerene:

Website – Mindful at Work

LinkedIn - Kerene Strochnetter

Instagram – Kerene_strochnetter

Facebook – Mindful at Work