Is there valid research being done with hallucinogens like LSD?

Assignment Question

The 2 Sources you’re reacting to: Read the Vice article: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bmvdnm/how-psychedelic-drugs-psilocybin-lsdcouldhelp- treataddiction. Read the Clinical potential of psilocybin as a treatment for mental health conditions: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007659/. Is there valid research being done with hallucinogens like LSD? Should we invest more time and effort in such research? Explain. What would be the benefits? Do you believe it should be a Schedule I substance? Explain.

Assignment Answer

The Promise of Psychedelics: Exploring the Validity of Research on Hallucinogens like LSD

Introduction

Hallucinogenic substances, such as LSD and psilocybin, have long been associated with counterculture movements and recreational use. However, recent years have seen a resurgence of scientific interest in the therapeutic potential of these substances. This essay delves into the current state of research on hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin, assessing their validity and exploring the benefits of further investment in such research. Additionally, it will discuss the classification of these substances as Schedule I and whether this classification is appropriate in light of emerging scientific evidence.

Validity of Research on Hallucinogens

The resurgence of research into hallucinogenic substances, particularly psilocybin and LSD, has been fueled by compelling studies that suggest their potential therapeutic benefits. Two sources that provide valuable insights into this field are the Vice article titled “How Psychedelic Drugs Could Help Treat Addiction” and the scientific paper titled “Clinical Potential of Psilocybin as a Treatment for Mental Health Conditions.” These sources offer perspectives on the ongoing research and its implications.

In the Vice article, the potential of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD in the treatment of addiction is explored. The article discusses recent clinical trials and studies that have shown promising results. For example, it highlights research conducted at Johns Hopkins University, where participants who received psilocybin-assisted therapy reported reduced cravings and improved abstinence rates in comparison to a control group. The article suggests that these findings could revolutionize addiction treatment, providing new hope for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Similarly, the scientific paper titled “Clinical Potential of Psilocybin as a Treatment for Mental Health Conditions” delves into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms. The paper reviews various studies that have examined the use of psilocybin in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It discusses the mechanism of action of psilocybin and its potential to induce mystical or spiritual experiences that can lead to long-lasting positive changes in mental health.

The research presented in these sources underscores the validity of ongoing studies on hallucinogens like psilocybin and LSD. They demonstrate that these substances hold promise in addressing mental health conditions and addiction, challenging the historical stigma associated with them.

Benefits of Further Investment in Research

Investing more time and effort into research on hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin could yield a wide range of benefits for individuals and society as a whole.

1. Improved Mental Health Treatment: Research suggests that these substances have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Traditional treatments do not work for everyone, and there is a need for innovative approaches. Hallucinogens could offer alternative and more effective therapeutic options.
2. Addiction Treatment: Addiction remains a significant public health challenge worldwide. The potential of hallucinogens to help individuals overcome addiction, as indicated by studies like those at Johns Hopkins University, could lead to reduced relapse rates and better outcomes for those struggling with substance abuse.
3. Enhanced Understanding of Consciousness: The study of hallucinogens can also contribute to our understanding of consciousness and the brain. These substances alter perception and induce altered states of consciousness, offering unique insights into the workings of the human mind.
4. Reduced Stigma: Research that demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of hallucinogens could help reduce the stigma associated with these substances. This could lead to more open and informed discussions about their potential risks and benefits.
5. Regulatory Framework: Further research can inform the development of a regulatory framework that ensures safe and controlled use of these substances in therapeutic settings. This would mitigate potential risks and ensure that only qualified professionals administer them.

Should Hallucinogens Remain Schedule I Substances?

The classification of hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States has long been a subject of debate. Schedule I substances are defined as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, emerging research suggests that this classification may not accurately reflect the therapeutic potential and safety profile of these substances.

One of the key arguments against the Schedule I classification is the growing body of evidence supporting their medical utility. The scientific paper “Clinical Potential of Psilocybin as a Treatment for Mental Health Conditions” highlights several studies indicating the potential of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions. Additionally, the Vice article discusses the potential of psychedelics in addiction treatment. These findings challenge the notion that these substances have “no accepted medical use.”

Moreover, the safety profile of hallucinogens has been reevaluated in recent research. While there are risks associated with their use, especially in recreational settings, careful administration in controlled clinical settings has shown a relatively low risk of adverse effects. In many cases, the experiences under the influence of these substances are guided by trained therapists, minimizing the potential for harm.

Reclassifying hallucinogens to a lower schedule or removing them from Schedule I entirely could have several benefits:

1. Facilitate Research: A reclassification would make it easier for researchers to obtain the necessary permits and funding to conduct studies on these substances. It would accelerate our understanding of their therapeutic potential.
2. Regulatory Oversight: Lowering the schedule would allow for more comprehensive regulatory oversight, ensuring that these substances are administered safely and responsibly.
3. Access to Treatment: Patients suffering from mental health conditions or addiction could potentially gain access to novel treatments that have shown promise in clinical trials.
4. Reduced Criminalization: Reclassification could reduce the criminalization of individuals in possession of these substances for personal use, redirecting resources away from prosecuting low-level drug offenses.

Conclusion

The resurgence of research into hallucinogenic substances like LSD and psilocybin has shed light on their therapeutic potential for mental health conditions and addiction. The validity of this research is supported by studies discussed in the Vice article “How Psychedelic Drugs Could Help Treat Addiction” and the scientific paper “Clinical Potential of Psilocybin as a Treatment for Mental Health Conditions.” The benefits of further investment in such research include improved mental health treatment, addiction recovery, enhanced understanding of consciousness, reduced stigma, and the development of a regulatory framework for safe use.

The classification of these substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act is increasingly at odds with the emerging evidence of their medical utility and safety profile. Reclassifying hallucinogens could facilitate research, provide regulatory oversight, increase access to treatment, and reduce criminalization. While caution is essential, it is clear that a reevaluation of the scheduling of hallucinogens is warranted to fully explore their potential for improving the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

References

1. Nutt, D. J., King, L. A., & Nichols, D. E. (2013). Effects of Schedule I drug laws on neuroscience research and treatment innovation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(8), 577-585. doi:10.1038/nrn3530
2. Vice. (2019). How Psychedelic Drugs Could Help Treat Addiction.
3. Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Goodwin, G. M. (2017). The therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: Past, present, and future. Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(11), 2105-2113. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.84
4. Johnson, M. W., Garcia-Romeu, A., Cosimano, M. P., & Griffiths, R. R. (2014). Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(11), 983-992. doi:10.1177/0269881114548296
5. Griffiths, R. R., Johnson, M. W., Carducci, M. A., Umbricht, A., Richards, W. A., Richards, B. D., … & Klinedinst, M. A. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181-1197. doi:10.1177/0269881116675513
6. Johnson, M. W., Garcia-Romeu, A., Johnson, P. S., & Griffiths, R. R. (2018). An online survey of tobacco smoking cessation associated with naturalistic psychedelic use. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(1), 49- 58. doi:10.1177/0269881117735685
7. Carhart-Harris, R. L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., Day, C. M., Erritzoe, D., Kaelen, M., … & Nutt, D. J. (2016). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: An open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(7), 619-627. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30065-7
8. Carhart-Harris, R. L., Roseman, L., Bolstridge, M., Demetriou, L., Pannekoek, J. N., Wall, M. B., … & Nutt, D. J. (2017). Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 13187. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-13282-7
9. Nichols, D. E., & Johnson, M. W. (2019). Psychedelics as medicines: An emerging new paradigm. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 105(1), 38-52. doi:10.1002/cpt.1179
10. Johnson, M. W., Hendricks, P. S., Barrett, F. S., & Griffiths, R. R. (2019). Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 197, 83-102. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.010