When most of us think about psychedelic drugs,
we picture strung out hippies in a colorful
van, not doctors experimenting in lab coats.
But for centuries, certain hallucinogens have
been used to cure a number of illnesses and
mental health issues.
That’s why a Norwegian advocacy group is
trying to raise 1 million dollars to study
and produce several psychedelic drugs to distribute,
for medical use.
So, could Psychedelics Be Good for You?
Well, since the 1970s, when hallucinogens
like LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, Ketamine, and
others were grouped with hard drugs, like
heroin, by the US Drug Enforcement Administration,
little professional research has been done.
However, from studies completed before the
ban, scientists have seen significant value
in the use of hallucinogens to treat depression,
addiction, and even helping the terminally
ill cope.
In a 1969 study, a number of autistic and
schizophrenic children were dosed with LSD
and psilocybin either daily or weekly to see
how they’d respond to the treatment.
The most consistent findings were “(a) improved
speech behavior in otherwise mute children;
(b) increased emotional responsiveness to
other children and adults; (c) an elevation
in positive mood including frequent laughter;
and (d) decreases in compulsive ritualistic
behavior.”
Altogether, the study was considered a success,
and further research would’ve been done
on the long term effects had the drugs not
been banned the following year.
In recent times, some drug research has been
approved for medical use.
In 1999, a hallucinogen named Ibogaine, was
found to eliminate heroin withdrawal symptoms
within hours of ingestion.
Considering that heroin is considered the
single hardest drug to quit, the ability to
mute withdrawal effects could end up saving
a significant number of lives.
Hallucinogens have been used to treat cancer
patients struggling with psychological distress
as a result of their illness.
In one recent study, a cancer patient was
given psilocybin for a period of 18 weeks.
Afterwards she reported that her quality of
life had “dramatically improved”.
Other patients also reported “less anxiety,
improved quality of life, enhanced psychological
and spiritual well-being, and a greater acceptance
of the life-changes brought on by cancer”.
Psychedelics have been an active part of medicine
in many cultures, up until the end of the
20th century.
Today, it would appear that some governments
are slowly lifting restrictions on potentially
beneficial drugs after years of appeals by
the medical community.
Despite the fear surrounding recreational
drug use, there is plenty of evidence that
psychedelics have their place in medical treatment.
Although psychedelics have shown success in
clinical trials, recreational drug use has
a number of dangerous side effects; we do
not endorse the use of psychedelics.
The use of psychedelics has been traced back
for many, many years.
To learn about how an ancient tribe in Peru
consumes ayahuasca in their rituals to this
day, check out this video from Seeker.
If you’re on your phone, check out the full
video link in the description.
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