Psychedelics in the News: Why are Psychedelics Suddenly Making Headlines?

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In the last few years, interest in psychedelics has grown rapidly. What were once niche interests are now common knowledge. Articles about microdosing and magic mushrooms appear regularly, and even famous media figures like Tommy Chong have spoken openly about their experiences with LSD. This recent explosion in popularity is due to a confluence of different factors, but one stands out above all others: the research being done on the potential benefits of psychedelics for mental health . Governments and regulators are becoming more open-minded towards these substances, meaning there’s never been a better time to get involved with this exciting area of science.

What are Psychedelics

Psychedelic refers to any substance that is a powerful hallucinogen. More specifically, it refers to any substance that is an entheogen, meaning that it causes mystical experiences. There are several different types of psychedelic, but the most well-known and researched are the tryptamines: serotonin, psilocybin, and LSD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in all humans, where it triggers feelings of calm and contentment. It is responsible for regulating many of the body’s most important functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and body temperature. Psilocybin is naturally occurring in certain types of mushrooms, which is where the term “magic mushrooms” comes from. LSD is a synthetic compound created in a lab, which is where the term “acid” originates from.

How Are Psychedelics Being Used in Mental Health Care?

Since the 1950s, psychedelics have been used to treat mental health conditions, but interest in their therapeutic potential has only recently begun to grow again. Many psychologists, psychiatrists, and researchers have turned their attention back to psychedelics as a potential solution to treating mental health illnesses. Psychedelics have been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, OCD, and anxiety. However, most studies have focused on the use of psychedelics to treat anxiety and depression in those who are living with a terminal illness, such as cancer. Psychedelics have also been used to treat addiction, as they can provide a feeling of emotional detachment that is helpful for those trying to break out of a destructive cycle of drug use.

Toxicity and Safety Concerns

Despite the fact that they are powerful hallucinogens, psychedelics are generally very safe to use. The main concern when it comes to toxicity is taking a high enough dosage to cause serotonin syndrome. This can cause high body temperature, high blood pressure, and heart rate, as well as hallucinations and delirium. There have also been concerns about the potential for serotonin depletion, meaning that the body would not have enough serotonin to function properly. While this is a legitimate concern, most studies have shown that serotonin levels do not drop when using psychedelic drugs.

Regulations & Approaches to Research

Since the 1950s, when psychedelics were first used as a treatment for mental health conditions, researchers have been finding new ways to use them. However, strict regulations on psychedelics meant that they were mostly only used in a therapeutic setting. Researchers were only allowed to administer psychedelics to people with a mental illness, and only if they were enrolled in an in-patient therapeutic program. This began to change in the mid-2000s, when governments began to relax their approach towards psychedelics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.K.’s Home Office released new policies that were more open-minded towards the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. However, it’s important to note that these policies have not completely opened the floodgates for psychedelic research. It’s still a very careful and controlled process. Scientists must apply for permission from the relevant government bodies, and they must have an approved research plan and the relevant qualifications.

The Benefits of Psychedelics for Mental Health

Although psychedelic research is still in its infancy, it has already shown promising results. Many scientists believe that psychedelics could be a huge help for those living with mental health conditions. Research has shown that psychedelics could have a positive effect on the mental health of people with anxiety and depression, as well as help treat addictions. Research has also suggested that psychedelics could be a useful tool for psychotherapy, and even aid with treating PTSD.

Conclusion

There has never been a better time to be interested in psychedelics, both as a researcher and as a person interested in the potential benefits of these substances. Governments are becoming more open-minded towards psychedelic research, meaning scientists now have the freedom and support to conduct more thorough studies. And for those with an interest in psychedelics for personal use, there has never been a better time to get involved. More people than ever are interested in psychedelics, meaning there is a growing community to connect with. And as more research is done on the potential benefits of psychedelics for mental health, more people will become interested. Psychedelics have been used to treat mental health conditions since the 1950s, but only recently have they started to gain attention again as a potential solution.