Psilocybin Reduces Heavy Drinking in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Research
A new study indicates that psilocybin-assisted therapy may reduce heavy drinking in patients with alcohol use disorder, with up to half of patients quitting altogether
Scientific research and real life experience with psychedelics is nothing new or ‘bubbled hype’ … it has been an ongoing field of research for well over 50 years, both through official government research and ‘underground’ research. The vast majority of the science and research has shown that psychedelics have real, proven biological, psychological benefits for most people that have tried them, both long term and short term. That will always be the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to drugs of any kind, psychedelic or otherwise. The fact that there may currently be a ‘bubble’ of excitement and investment in this field does not negate the fact that the science has been showing for some time now that these drugs work wonders for millions of people suffering from a myriad of mental health problems, and can also enhance the mindset of relatively ‘normal’ people as well. Those in the know, who do not need to ‘deflate any bubbles’, or who have already concluded, with reasonable scientific / medical certainty and evidence, that these drugs are relatively safe, with high efficacy, pay no heed to ‘bubbles’ … we are confident that after years of research and real world results that these drugs can end unnecessary suffering and enhance lives … ongoing tests and trials will only confirm what neuroscience already knows ….as we learn even more about how the brain works, through technological advances in brain imaging and advances in understanding brain biology, the benefits of psychedelic drugs and treatments will only improve … they may not be the only solution for mental health issues, but they will be a leading, primary one …
Well said, Len Borg. Your one paragraph summarized the current state of psychedelics better than the article did!
I was hoping this article would generate much more discussion. It touches on many important aspects of present day psychedelic drug theory and practice. However, the author, in my opinion, is placing too much emphasis on “nuance and skepticism”, and not enough emphasis on over 75 years of scientific research (official and ‘underground’) that continues to show real world efficacy of psychedelics. The time for ‘nuance and skepticism’ has long since passed. The time for legalization and responsible medical integration is upon us. Does science have to wait until every nuance of neuroscience, neurotransmitters, synapses, neurons, receptors, neurocircuitry, brain biology, et al is explored and known before more robust action is taken to fully take advantage of these drugs ? It will be over 100 years, if not more, before technology and knowledge is able to offer up those answers about the biology of the brain. But today, and going back over 75 years, we know that there are chemicals, both natural and synthetic, that have tremendous impact on the brain and consciousness, and have already demonstrated that the vast majority of that impact is scientifically healthy and beneficial when these drugs are used responsibly. There is a time and place for scientific nuance and skepticism when it comes to unfounded claims and hype. However, evidence has existed for over 50 years that these drugs are safe and effective if used properly. Thousands, if not millions, of users, doctors, patients and others can attest to that. The slow moving, overly cautious, conservative FDA approach to testing and approving psychedelics, or insurance companies covering ‘off label’ uses of legal drugs (like ketaine), does a disservice to society and only prolongs the suffering of millions of people worldwide. Some may find these comments superficial, ‘hype’, or naive. I have no ‘conflicts of interest’ that distort my views or opinions, and freely admit that, as a private investor, I have invested in several companies that my research has shown are on the right track, based on a healthy respect for their research, and on evidence that has existed for over 75 years. Also, I have had the experience of knowing the effects, firsthand, of the benefits of the responsible use of these drugs. In any event, maybe these comments will generate some more viewpoints and opinions … I welcome the opportunity to address them …. regards
A great response Len.
After a while the “nuance and skepticism” will continue to fade. I find myself wondering what the effects will be of increasing use.
After living outside usa for 16yrs and not following what is going on it is returning to a land where the landscape was draconian. Now it is lit up by woods lamps and glow posters. decriminalization is full steam ahead.
Prohibition doesn’t work. It does nothing but create a lucrative Black Market. Attempts to legislate what a person can do with their consciousness will never work.
Drdave … I see 2 different paths of ‘increased use’ when it comes to psychedelics. Increased medical use, and increased ‘recreational’ use. Both paths lead to the same destination, that being better health. The medical path will lead to better treatments and outcomes for a myriad of debilitating mental health conditions caused by defects in brain functioning and biology. The ‘recreational’ path, which has been a path well worn for 100’s if not 1000’s of years, will lead to exponential gains in human understanding of consciousness and other mysteries of brain function. Those of us who have experienced, responsibly, the powers that these chemicals have to alter consciousness know that they have the potential to open brave new worlds of neurological knowledge and to eventually solve the current medical and scientific unknowns and mysteries of how the brain functions, down to the circuit and molecular levels. Solving these unknowns and mysteries will, eventually, in my opinion, lead to solving all of mankind’s maladies and diseases, both mental and physical. The longer it takes for our current systems of drug approval to legalize and medically integrate these drugs into modern society, the longer needless suffering will take place and needless repression of advances in neuroscience will continue. Bold, powerful, life changing drugs like psychedelics take bold, intelligent, compassionate people to ensure that they are exploited to their full potential to benefit mankind. Of course, these are just my personal views on the power of psychedelics … others may have different, more ‘nuanced’ or ‘skeptical’ views … I hope to hear from some of them …