Psychedelic drugs as treatment: a look into the future of psychotherapy
This paper presents psychedelic drugs as treatment for various psychological disorders. The categorization and history of psychedelic drugs are being reviewed and the main related scientific findings are outlined accordingly. Moreover, the therapeutic capabilities of psychedelics are critically evaluated and discussed in relation to the current treatment methods. Finally, the text concludes by suggesting that psychedelics are brought back into the surface again since they have proven to be a very effective method of treating psychological disorders and can be very efficiently combined with all the psychotherapy techniques.
Keywords: psychedelic drugs, psychotherapy, hallucinogens, psychological treatment. Liampas Aristotelis Charilaos. Global Journal of Psychology Research, Vol 2, No: 1 (2012): June PDF
Sunday, May 26, 2013
The Renaissance of Psychedelic Research
The Psychedelic Renaissance: Reassessing the Role of Psychedelic Drugs in 21st Century Psychiatry and Society
Can Psychedelics do for psychiatry what the microscope did for biology and the telescope to astronomy? Can they be used to access on the depths of the psyche that are usually inaccessible? Psychedelic means: “mind manifesting” Psychedelics were inextricably associated with the hippie counterculture of the 1960s and, more recently, with the rave music scene and were once believed to hold great promise for treating a number of medical conditions as well as providing access to profound spiritual experiences. However, legal restrictions on the use of such drugs effectively forced them underground and brought clinical research to a halt — until recently. In this book, psychiatrist Dr. Ben Sessa makes a persuasive case for the re-evaluation of psychedelics — LSD, MDMA (‘Ecstasy’), DMT, psilocybin, ayahuasca, peyote, ibogaine, and more — as he explores their clinical potential for treating a range of conditions from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression to autism and cluster headaches. Based on a thorough review of the evidence Sessa corrects some common misconceptions about psychedelics and makes a clarion call for their responsible therapeutic use, with appropriate set and setting, in psychotherapy, psychiatry and personal growth. Topics covered in this book include: • What are the drugs and why are they so controversial? • How should they be safely and wisely used • What is the nature of the psychedelic experience? • What are the implications for psychiatry and for psycho spiritual growth? With clarity and wit, the author surveys the contributions of major figures in the psychedelic movement — from Huxley, Hofmann and Sandison to Leary, Grof and McKenna — and takes the reader on a journey through the fascinating history of psychedelic plants and chemicals as he considers the crucial role such drugs have had in human culture from prehistory to modern times. Enter the shamans of science and the psychonauts of psychiatry Although books on psychedelics abound, volumes like The Psychedelic Renaissance show how the field is now addressing the substance of findings from recent research rather than the legions of case reports and anecdotes. Kelly Morris The Lancet Vol. 381 February16, 2013 --The Lancet Vol. 381
Psilocybin as treatment for Existential Distress
Use of the Classic Hallucinogen Psilocybin for Treatment of Existential Distress Associated with Cancer
From textbook: Psychological Aspects of Cancer. Editors: Brian I. Carr, Jennifer Steel. ISBN: 978-1-4614-4865-5 (Print) 978-1-4614-4866-2 (Online).
Chapter 17: Use of the Classic Hallucinogen Psilocybin for Treatment of Existential Distress Associated with Cancer. Charles S. Grob M.D., Anthony P. Bossis Ph.D.
This chapter reviews the potential of a treatment approach that uses psilocybin, a novel psychoactive drug, to ameliorate the psychospiritual distress and demoralization that often accompany a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. The focus of cutting-edge research beginning in the 1950s, the investigation of classic hallucinogens had a major impact on the evolving field of psychiatry, contributing to early discoveries of basic neurotransmitter systems and to significant developments in clinical psychopharmacology. While published reports of therapeutic breakthroughs with difficult-to-treat and refractory patient populations were initially met with mainstream professional enthusiasm, by the late 1960s and early 1970s the growing association of hallucinogens with widespread indiscriminate use led to the temporary abandonment of this promising psychiatric treatment model. After a hiatus lasting several decades, however, regulatory and scientific support has grown for the resumption of clinical research investigations exploring the safety and efficacy of a treatment model utilizing the classic hallucinogen, psilocybin, in a subject population that had previously demonstrated positive therapeutic response, patients with existential anxiety due to a life-threatening cancer diagnosis.
From textbook: Psychological Aspects of Cancer. Editors: Brian I. Carr, Jennifer Steel. ISBN: 978-1-4614-4865-5 (Print) 978-1-4614-4866-2 (Online).
Chapter 17: Use of the Classic Hallucinogen Psilocybin for Treatment of Existential Distress Associated with Cancer. Charles S. Grob M.D., Anthony P. Bossis Ph.D.
This chapter reviews the potential of a treatment approach that uses psilocybin, a novel psychoactive drug, to ameliorate the psychospiritual distress and demoralization that often accompany a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. The focus of cutting-edge research beginning in the 1950s, the investigation of classic hallucinogens had a major impact on the evolving field of psychiatry, contributing to early discoveries of basic neurotransmitter systems and to significant developments in clinical psychopharmacology. While published reports of therapeutic breakthroughs with difficult-to-treat and refractory patient populations were initially met with mainstream professional enthusiasm, by the late 1960s and early 1970s the growing association of hallucinogens with widespread indiscriminate use led to the temporary abandonment of this promising psychiatric treatment model. After a hiatus lasting several decades, however, regulatory and scientific support has grown for the resumption of clinical research investigations exploring the safety and efficacy of a treatment model utilizing the classic hallucinogen, psilocybin, in a subject population that had previously demonstrated positive therapeutic response, patients with existential anxiety due to a life-threatening cancer diagnosis.
Psilocybin as treatment for alcoholism
Studying the Effects of Classic Hallucinogens in the Treatment of Alcoholism: Rationale, Methodology, and Current Research with Psilocybin.
Recent developments in the study of classic hallucinogens, combined with a re-appraisal of the older literature, have led to a renewal of interest in possible therapeutic applications for these drugs, notably their application in the treatment of addictions. This article will first provide a brief review of the research literature providing direct and indirect support for the possible therapeutic effects of classic hallucinogens such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the treatment of addictions. Having provided a rationale for clinical investigation in this area, we discuss design issues in clinical trials using classic hallucinogens, some of which are unique to this class of drug. We then describe the design of an ongoing pilot study of psilocybin for alcohol dependence, followed by a discussion of the current status of this field of research and design considerations in future randomized trials. Bogenschutz MP. Curr Drug Abuse Rev. 2013 Apr 29. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23627783 PDF
Ongoing Clinical Trial: Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin in Alcohol Dependence
Recent developments in the study of classic hallucinogens, combined with a re-appraisal of the older literature, have led to a renewal of interest in possible therapeutic applications for these drugs, notably their application in the treatment of addictions. This article will first provide a brief review of the research literature providing direct and indirect support for the possible therapeutic effects of classic hallucinogens such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the treatment of addictions. Having provided a rationale for clinical investigation in this area, we discuss design issues in clinical trials using classic hallucinogens, some of which are unique to this class of drug. We then describe the design of an ongoing pilot study of psilocybin for alcohol dependence, followed by a discussion of the current status of this field of research and design considerations in future randomized trials. Bogenschutz MP. Curr Drug Abuse Rev. 2013 Apr 29. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23627783 PDF
Ongoing Clinical Trial: Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin in Alcohol Dependence
Two places to find Psilocybe sp.
One place is along the Gulf Coast. The other is in college dorms.
A survey of hallucinogenic mushroom use, factors related to usage, and perceptions of use among college students. We surveyed 882 randomly selected undergraduates at Skidmore College in upstate New York and quantified whether participants had ever used psilocybin mushrooms, their attitudes toward the drug, and polydrug use. There were 409 responses and 29.5% of the sample reported psilocybin use. Among users, the mean number of times they reported using mushrooms was 3.4 (mode=1). Hallock RM, Dean A, Knecht ZA, Spencer J, Taverna EC. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013 Jun 1;130(1-3):245-8. Epub 2012 Dec 21.
A follow-up to this post is from an article published in College Times on March 9 2015. This helps to verify the rather broad interest in psilocybin amongst college students.
Psilocybin – The “Magic” in the Mushroom
About College Times.
A survey of hallucinogenic mushroom use, factors related to usage, and perceptions of use among college students. We surveyed 882 randomly selected undergraduates at Skidmore College in upstate New York and quantified whether participants had ever used psilocybin mushrooms, their attitudes toward the drug, and polydrug use. There were 409 responses and 29.5% of the sample reported psilocybin use. Among users, the mean number of times they reported using mushrooms was 3.4 (mode=1). Hallock RM, Dean A, Knecht ZA, Spencer J, Taverna EC. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013 Jun 1;130(1-3):245-8. Epub 2012 Dec 21.
A follow-up to this post is from an article published in College Times on March 9 2015. This helps to verify the rather broad interest in psilocybin amongst college students.
Psilocybin – The “Magic” in the Mushroom
About College Times.
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