LSD, MDMA, magic mushrooms – psychedelic and euphoric drugs,
with the ability to alter mental states in both positive and negative, and
quite frankly, weird ways. In the 50s, 60s and 70s, these drugs were somewhat a
hot topic in pop culture and the academic world. Research was taking place to
investigate their effects on the brain and their potential for medical use.
However, due to their increasing recreational use, association with drug abuse
and recognised dangers, ongoing research was dismissed and these drugs were
made illegal across the world in the late 60s and 70s. Until recently, research
in this field was seemingly on hiatus, but new work has shown there may be
value in these drugs for therapeutic usage after all.
Like many recreational drugs, creation was born from an accident.
Allegedly, Swiss Chemist Albert Hofmann stumbled on the mood-enhancing effects
of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) when attempting to develop a respiratory
stimulant, and accidently absorbed the agent into his skin thus experiencing
his first ‘acid-trip’.
So how do these drugs really work? How do they cause intense
trips, feelings and distorted hallucinations? Well for the most part, the
intricate workings of these drugs are unknown, but scientists have a basic
understanding.
In simplistic terms, drugs like LSD act in the front of the
brain, the area most associated with mood, thought and perception (observations
and visuals), and causes increased activity and overstimulation in these areas.
However, other brain areas responsible for restraining consciousness appear
blocked – the combination of these two things causes the imagination to run
wild and emotions to be heightened.
From a chemical perspective, these drugs are known to copy
the action of serotonin and competes (and wins) for a place in the serotonin
receptors, causing an influx of signals (way more than normal) to be sent in
the brain. Serotonin, a very important chemical messenger in the brain, is used
in the brain for a variety of processes, but is mainly used for processing of
emotional and visual activity. Of course that is not the entire picture, and
the full mechanisms are much more complicated.
Emerging research from numerous groups around the world has
found that these drugs (LSD, MDMA, psilocybin) may have the potential to treat
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive
disorder (OCD) and even addiction. More specifically, numerous institutions,
such as UCLA, have been investigating the effect of these types of drugs on
depression related to terminal illness – these studies have used small groups
of cancer patients in tightly controlled and monitored clinical trials.
Preliminary work from multiple studies have shown very positive and encouraging
results from giving patients single or short courses of these drugs, that can
give long-lasting results over time.
This new work provides promise for greater development of
treatment options for those struggling with mental illnesses, especially for
disorders that currently have poor treatment strategies, or for those who do
not respond well to conventional methods. They may also be used in combination
with other types of therapy.
However, you may be asking – but aren’t these drugs still
illegal and potentially harmful? The answer is yes, BUT, most dangerous cases
that have been reported are due to misuse, abuse, or unsupervised usage and
despite these drugs being highly stigmatised, they could be used effectively
within mental healthcare to treat conditions such as depression. It will be
important and ensured that dosage will be regulated precisely and sessions will
be safeguarded by professionals, and psychiatric screening may even be used to
select patients that would benefit from this type of therapy and not be harmed
or put at risk in the process. Although these studies have provided a great
starting point for potentially harnessing the medical value of these drugs,
these trials have been relatively small and will need more work and vigorous
clinical testing before drugs like LSD are implemented into a therapeutic
setting. Just like any drug or chemical, finding the sweet spot between
beneficial health effects and risks will be a huge balancing act.
Have something to add? Let me know in the comments below!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic or this article! Also, if you’re
interested, I’ve added some further reading and more comprehensive links below!
References and useful links:
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