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Psychiatrist Humphry Osmond coined the term «psychedelic», describing their effects as a path to enlightenment or, conversely, to deep despair. Contemporary discussions of psychedelics often avoid mentioning the negative aspects of the experience, softening their description as «difficult»or «unpleasant» journeys.
These «difficult» experiences can include intense anxiety, loss of control, psychological trauma, and physical discomfort. Although such states are painful, in the long run they can be seen as part of a therapeutic process that is beneficial.
However, there are also «bad trips» that do not result in a positive outcome despite therapy and self-examination. Harvard theologian Rachel Petersen, describing her experience with psilocybin, mentions panic attacks and feelings of deep despair, wondering if such terror is the true essence of such experiences.
These «difficult» experiences can include intense anxiety, loss of control, psychological trauma, and physical discomfort. Although such states are painful, in the long run they can be seen as part of a therapeutic process that is beneficial.
However, there are also «bad trips» that do not result in a positive outcome despite therapy and self-examination. Harvard theologian Rachel Petersen, describing her experience with psilocybin, mentions panic attacks and feelings of deep despair, wondering if such terror is the true essence of such experiences.
Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and their effects on spiritual development and creativity, has attracted considerably more attention and funding than research into potential adverse effects. It is important to note that even outside of controlled studies, most psychedelic experiences appear to proceed favorably. In one study of 613 respondents, 82% reported very few or no negative experiences. More than 90% reported no long-term problems or indicated difficulties lasting no more than a day.
However, the focus on positive effects has led to an underestimation of the extent and consequences of negative experiences, leaving people experiencing «bad trips» without adequate support and information, despite the increasing legalization and decriminalization of psychedelics.
Jules Evans, director of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences project, emphasizes the need for more research into the risks and harms associated with psychedelics. He notes that it is not enough to simply report adverse research findings; the nature of the harms must be actively investigated and treatments developed.
In the late 1960s, poor public understanding of the real risks associated with psychedelics led to a proliferation of misinformation and sensationalized stories of LSD users jumping off high-rise buildings and to their deaths in the belief that they could fly, or irreparably damaged chromosomes that fueled moral panic. this led to a ban that has just been relaxed, more than 50 years later.
This time we are at a similar risk. Except now many of those working to spread awareness of potential harms don't want another ban, and opposing it shouldn't mean glossing over the risks and rushing through legislation. Instead, honest and transparent reporting on the benefits and risks of psychedelics can help build a better and more sustainable world after prohibition.
This time we are at a similar risk. Except now many of those working to spread awareness of potential harms don't want another ban, and opposing it shouldn't mean glossing over the risks and rushing through legislation. Instead, honest and transparent reporting on the benefits and risks of psychedelics can help build a better and more sustainable world after prohibition.
Influence on long-term behavior
Last month, a pilot suffering from depression and experiencing grief after the recent death of a friend attempted an emergency landing during a flight, believing he was asleep and the crash would wake him up. He had used psilocybin mushrooms for the first time 48 hours prior to the incident, experiencing extremely negative experiences and insomnia.
The media discussed a possible link between psychedelic use and the pilot's subsequent behavior, given that psychoactive effects typically last no more than six hours, while psilocybin is metabolized within a day. The paradox is that the therapeutic effects of psychedelics are often attributed precisely to the long-term changes that occur after the immediate exposure ends.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206443
Studies show that taking psilocybin once with psychological support can alleviate symptoms of depression for a few weeks or even permanently help you quit smoking. This begs the question: why aren't the negative effects similarly apparent?
Jules Evans notes the lack of research on the long-term negative effects of psychedelics. A recent study of 608 participants found that 32% experienced long-term (more than a year) negative effects after using psychedelics (mainly LSD and psilocybin). The most common were emotional difficulties (anxiety, depression, paranoia) as well as existential problems (feelings of derealization, difficulty integrating experiences). The report described 9 major themes and 62 subthemes detailing these difficulties.
Despite the presence of long-term negative effects, about 90% of respondents felt that the positive effects of psychedelics obtained in a supportive environment justified the risks. However, the criteria for a «supportive environment» remain unclear.
Studies show that taking psilocybin once with psychological support can alleviate symptoms of depression for a few weeks or even permanently help you quit smoking. This begs the question: why aren't the negative effects similarly apparent?
Jules Evans notes the lack of research on the long-term negative effects of psychedelics. A recent study of 608 participants found that 32% experienced long-term (more than a year) negative effects after using psychedelics (mainly LSD and psilocybin). The most common were emotional difficulties (anxiety, depression, paranoia) as well as existential problems (feelings of derealization, difficulty integrating experiences). The report described 9 major themes and 62 subthemes detailing these difficulties.
Despite the presence of long-term negative effects, about 90% of respondents felt that the positive effects of psychedelics obtained in a supportive environment justified the risks. However, the criteria for a «supportive environment» remain unclear.
Are psychedelics going to become unaffordable?
Erica Segal, a social worker who assists victims of psychedelic-related sexual abuse, argues for the continued availability of psychedelics. This is in stark contrast to the late 1960s, when negative incidents contributed to their prohibition.
Katrina Michel, former director of MAPS, believes that the solution lies in educating the public about the risks and responsible consumption patterns, similar to what is done with cars and alcohol.
Jules Evans compares psychedelics to extreme sports requiring the development of safety protocols. He identifies four key areas: harm research, harm communication, support for those affected, and market regulation.
Regulating the market is particularly challenging because legalization models have not yet been defined. A forthcoming Transform report examines four approaches: decriminalization with a ban on commercial distribution, non-profit associations, licensed production and retail, and commercialization. The report notes the lack of commonly accepted alternatives to prohibition.
To build effective institutions in the era of psychedelics legalization, the imbalance in research needs to be addressed with a greater emphasis on risk studies. Evans notes the increase in research funding in this area and the interest of young scientists in improving the safety of psychedelics.
Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, begun in the mid-twentieth century, was interrupted due to legal restrictions, but has seen a «resurgence» in recent decades. However, new research has revealed a significant number of users experiencing long-term negative effects, including emotional, social and perceptual problems. This points to the potential risks associated with the use of psychedelics, even under controlled conditions.
To build effective institutions in the era of psychedelics legalization, the imbalance in research needs to be addressed with a greater emphasis on risk studies. Evans notes the increase in research funding in this area and the interest of young scientists in improving the safety of psychedelics.
Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, begun in the mid-twentieth century, was interrupted due to legal restrictions, but has seen a «resurgence» in recent decades. However, new research has revealed a significant number of users experiencing long-term negative effects, including emotional, social and perceptual problems. This points to the potential risks associated with the use of psychedelics, even under controlled conditions.
In the mid-twentieth century, psychedelics were studied as a potential treatment for alcoholism and mental disorders. However, following the banning of LSD due to the hippie counterculture, research was discontinued.
About 30 years ago, research on psychedelics resumed and has been going strong ever since. Dozens of laboratories are exploring their potential benefits, as evidenced by more than 500 search results for «psychedelic» in the ClinicalTrials.gov database.
The current «psychedelic renaissance» is accompanied by the promotion of psychedelics as miracle cures, the popularization of microdosing, the development of the luxury retreat market, and the creation of numerous startups in this field.
Although psychedelics are known for their mind-altering effects and potential therapeutic benefits associated with inducing existential experiences, there is insufficient reliable evidence of these benefits. The negative effects are also poorly understood.
A new study published in the journal PLoS ONE examined the long-term negative effects of psychedelic use. The survey included 608 people who experienced problems for more than a day after using psychedelics. Emotional difficulties (anxiety, fear, depression, paranoia, etc.) were the most common, followed by social (alienation, communication difficulties) and perceptual (hallucinations, time distortions) problems. One-third of the participants had problems persisting for more than a year, and one-sixth had problems persisting for more than three years. The complexity of the experience and uncontrolled environment were associated with longer lasting and more pronounced negative effects. Psilocybin and LSD were more often associated with long-term problems, which may be due to their greater availability.
The study authors note the limited sample (predominantly white, English-speaking participants) and potential cultural differences in perceptions of psychedelics. Nevertheless, the results suggest that there are risks associated with the use of psychedelics, even in clinical settings.
The study authors note the limited sample (predominantly white, English-speaking participants) and potential cultural differences in perceptions of psychedelics. Nevertheless, the results suggest that there are risks associated with the use of psychedelics, even in clinical settings.