Addressing global mental health is a major 21st-century challenge. Current treatments have recognized limitations; in this context, new ones that are prophylactic and effective across diagnostic boundaries would represent a major advance. The view that there exists a core of transdiagnostic overlap between psychiatric disorders has re-emerged in recent years, and evidence that psychedelic therapy holds promise for a range of psychiatric disorders supports the position that it may be transdiagnostically effective. Here, we propose that psychedelic therapy's core, transdiagnostically relevant action lies in its ability to increase neuronal and mental plasticity, thus enhancing the potential for change, which we consider to be a key to its therapeutic benefits. Moreover, we suggest that enhanced plasticity via psychedelics, combined with a psychotherapeutic approach, can aid healthy adaptability and resilience, which are protective factors for long-term well-being. We present candidate neurological and psychological markers of this plasticity and link them with a predictive processing model of the action of psychedelics. We propose that a model of psychedelic-induced plasticity combined with an adequate therapeutic context has prophylactic and transdiagnostic potential, implying that it could have a broad, positive impact on public health.

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Purpose This paper aims to explore the effective factors that influence the treatment of drug addiction in therapeutic communities (TCs) and to determine its essential elements in the Peruvian, Nicaraguan and Czech context. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative data were collected during semi-structured interviews with inpatients/clients of seven TCs based in Peru (Takiwasi), Nicaragua (Centro de Especialiades en Adicciones, Centro de Rehabilitación del Alcohólico y Adicto a Otras Drogas and Albergue de Miembros Adictos en Recuperación) and the Czech Republic (Renarkon, Sejrek and Kladno-Dubi). All 90 interviews were manually transcribed, and content analysis was performed. Codes were created using the grounded theory method. Findings The effective factors of TC, treatment in Peru, Nicaragua and Czechia are identical in conditions such as the presence of a personal therapist, the use of psychotherapy and the importance of group cohesion. In Peru, the administration of medicinal plants and diet was perceived as a principal part of the treatment. Nicaraguan TCs were specific for practicing 12 steps. In Czechia, an emphasis is put on the therapeutic program, workshops and leisure activities. Spirituality and religion play a main role in the Peruvian and Nicaraguan TCs only. Originality/value The current study presents a unique insight into the factors considered effective by inpatients/clients of TCs in different socio-cultural contexts.

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