Showing papers in "Journal of Psychoactive Drugs in 2019"
TL;DR: The findings suggest that KAP is an effective method for decreasing depression and anxiety in a private practice setting, especially for older patients and those with severe symptom burden.
Abstract: Currently, ketamine is the only legal psychedelic medicine available to mental health providers for the treatment of emotional suffering. Over the past several years, ketamine has come into psychiatric use as an intervention for treatment resistant depression (TRD), administered intravenously without a psychotherapeutic component. In these settings, ketamine's psychedelic effects are viewed as undesirable "side effects." In contrast, we believe ketamine can benefit patients with a wide variety of diagnoses when administered with psychotherapy and using its psychedelic properties without need for intravenous (IV) access. Its proven safety over decades of use makes it ideal for office and supervised at-home use. The unique experience that ketamine facilitates with its biological, experiential, and psychological impacts has been tailored to optimize office-based treatment evolving into a method that we call Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). This article is the first to explore KAP within an analytical framework examining three distinct practices that use similar methods. Here, we present demographic and outcome data from 235 patients. Our findings suggest that KAP is an effective method for decreasing depression and anxiety in a private practice setting, especially for older patients and those with severe symptom burden.
102 citations
TL;DR: The study demonstrates that a single administration of psilocybin in a social setting may be associated with sub-acute enhancement of creative thinking, empathy, and subjective well-being.
Abstract: Creative thinking and empathy are crucial for everyday interactions and subjective well-being. This is emphasized by studies showing a reduction in these skills in populations where social interact...
75 citations
TL;DR: A description of the combination of Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD and MDMA is offered, and it is demonstrated that it can produce reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in relationship satisfaction.
Abstract: Treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have evolved significantly in the past 35 years. From what was historically viewed as a pervasive, intractable condition have emerged multiple evidence-based intervention options. These treatments, predominantly cognitive behavioral in orientation, provide significant symptom improvement in 50-60% of recipients. The treatment of PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy using a supportive, non-directive approach has yielded promising results. It is unknown, however, how different therapeutic modalities could impact or improve outcomes. Therefore, to capitalize on the strengths of both approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT) was combined with MDMA in a small pilot trial. The current article provides a case study of one couple involved in the trial, chosen to provide a demographically representative example of the study participants and a case with a severe trauma history, to offer a detailed account of the methodology and choices made to integrate CBCT and MDMA, as well as an account of their experience through the treatment and their treatment gains. This article offers a description of the combination of CBCT for PTSD and MDMA, and demonstrates that it can produce reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in relationship satisfaction.
61 citations
TL;DR: Using a psychedelic in the microdose range (10 micrograms) every three days was determined to be safe across a wide variety of individuals and conditions.
Abstract: Albert Hoffman suggested that low doses of LSD might be an appropriate alternative to Ritalin. Following this possibility, a systematic exploration of the effects of "microdoses," comprising hundreds of lengthy descriptive reports, was undertaken. Based on these reports, using a psychedelic in the microdose range (10 micrograms) every three days was determined to be safe across a wide variety of individuals and conditions. Over 18 months, more than a thousand individuals from 59 countries did a daily evaluation of negative and positive emotional state using the PANAS checklist plus written reports for between one week and four months. Participant reports suggested that spaced but repeated microdoses were followed by improvements in negative moods, especially depression, and increases in positive moods. Increased energy, improved work effectiveness, and improved health habits were observed in clinical and non-clinical populations. Smaller samples described alleviation of symptoms in migraine headaches, pre-menstrual syndromes, traumatic brain injury, shingles, and other conditions not previously associated with psychedelic use.
57 citations
TL;DR: Clinicians need to be aware of the withdrawal symptomatology and implement a similar approach as for opioid withdrawal with long-term maintenance to prevent relapse.
Abstract: Recent years have seen a widespread increase in kratom use, not just for the purpose of easing opioid withdrawal, but also for management of emotional and mental health concerns by individuals without histories of opioid use. Chronic use can lead to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal on cessation, and clinicians are seeing an increasing number of presentations involving the latter. Although there is literature discussing the use of kratom to assist in opioid withdrawal, this article comprehensively examines independent withdrawal from kratom. We systematically review existing evidence and provide our own clinical cases. Clinicians need to be aware of the withdrawal symptomatology and implement a similar approach as for opioid withdrawal with long-term maintenance to prevent relapse.
51 citations
TL;DR: De facto medical use of cannabis for symptom relief was common among adult-use dispensary customers and the majority reported that cannabis decreased their medication use.
Abstract: Medical cannabis patients consistently report using cannabis as a substitute for prescription medications; however, little is known about individuals accessing cannabis through adult-use markets. A survey at two retail stores was conducted in Colorado, United States. Between August 2016 and October 2016, store staff asked customers if they wanted to participate and, if so, provided an electronic survey link. All customers reporting medical certification were excluded. Of 1,000 adult-use only customer respondents, 65% reported taking cannabis to relieve pain and 74% reported taking cannabis to promote sleep. Among respondents taking cannabis for pain, 80% reported that it was very or extremely helpful, and most of those taking over-the-counter pain medications (82%) or opioid analgesics (88%) reported reducing or stopping use of those medications. Among respondents taking cannabis for sleep, 84% found it very or extremely helpful, and most of those taking over-the-counter (87%) or prescription sleep aids (83%) reported reducing or stopping use of those medications. De facto medical use of cannabis for symptom relief was common among adult-use dispensary customers and the majority reported that cannabis decreased their medication use. Adult use cannabis laws may broaden access to cannabis for the purpose of symptom relief.
50 citations
TL;DR: The main conclusion of this study is that a respectful and controlled use of hallucinogenic/psychedelic drugs taken in communitarian settings can be incorporated into modern society with benefits for public health.
Abstract: Assessing the health status of ayahuasca users has been challenging due to the limitations involved in randomized clinical trials and psychometric approaches. The main objective of this study is th...
48 citations
TL;DR: A systematic review of the published literature in English and Spanish on psychedelic-assisted group therapies aims to stimulate hypotheses to be tested in future research on LSD-assisted psychotherapy, group process, and interpersonal functioning.
Abstract: Contemporary research with classic psychedelic drugs (eg, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin) is indebted to the twentieth-century researchers and clinicians who generated valuable clinical knowledge of these substances through experimentation Several recent reviews that highlight the contributions of this early literature have focused on psychedelic-assisted individual psychotherapy modalities None have attempted to systematically identify and compile experimental studies of psychedelic-assisted group therapy In therapeutic settings, psychedelics were often used to enhance group therapy for a variety of populations and clinical indications We report on the results of a systematic review of the published literature in English and Spanish on psychedelic-assisted group therapies Publications are characterized by their clinical approach, experimental method, and clinical outcomes Given the renewed interest in the clinical use of psychedelic medicines, this review aims to stimulate hypotheses to be tested in future research on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, group process, and interpersonal functioning
44 citations
TL;DR: Clinical trials with MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD, alcoholism, and social anxiety, and psilocybin clinical studies for depression and addiction, as well as the ability of psychedelics to catalyze spiritual or mystical experiences and inspire creativity, are studied.
Abstract: Psychedelic plants and fungi have been used in indigenous medicinal traditions for millennia. Modern psychedelic research began when Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD...
36 citations
TL;DR: First indications for significantly improved SUD symptoms after the Amazonian medicine-based treatment are provided, which strongly encourage further investigation of this therapy, which in the long term may open new therapeutic avenues for SUDs.
Abstract: Chronic illness management today commonly involves alternative medicines. Substance use disorder (SUD), as a chronic psychosomatic illness, might benefit from a similar approach. The accredited Takiwasi Center offers such an SUD treatment program involving Amazonian medicine combined with psychotherapy. The current study assessed this integrative program's short-term therapeutic effects. We measured baseline data from 53 dependence-diagnosed males admitted to treatment (T1) and repeated clinical outcome variables at treatment completion (T2). Paired samples t-tests were used to assess changes between T1 and T2 (n = 36). Nearly all participants (age M= 30.86, SD= 8.17) were dependent on multiple substances, most prominently cannabis, alcohol, and cocaine-related drugs. A significant decrease (T1 to T2) was found for addiction severity outcomes drug use (p < .001), alcohol use (p < .001), psychiatric status (p < .001), and social/familial relationships (p < .001). Emotional distress also diminished significantly (p < .001), as did substance craving (p < .001). Quality of life increased significantly from T1 to T2 (p < .001). Our results provide first indications for significantly improved SUD symptoms after the Amazonian medicine-based treatment. These findings are preliminary given the design, but strongly encourage further investigation of this therapy, which in the long term may open new therapeutic avenues for SUDs.
35 citations
TL;DR: Higher intake of kratom juice did not appear to impair motor, memory, attention or executive function of regular kratom users, and the performance of k Mitragyna speciosa using groups were comparable on all neuropsychological domains.
Abstract: Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) is a medicinal plant of Southeast Asia. As a result of its opioid-like effects, it remains unknown whether consumption of kratom tea is associated with impaired cognitive function. We assessed the cognitive function of 70 regular kratom users and 25 control participants using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Participants performed six neuropsychological tasks that assessed motor, learning and memory, attention and executive function. Relative to control participants, higher consumption (>3 glasses daily or mitragynine doses between 72.5 mg and 74.9 mg) of kratom tea was selectively associated with impaired performance on the Paired Associates Learning task, reflecting deficits in visual episodic memory and new learning. Overall, the performance of kratom users compared to control participants, and the performance of high (>3 glasses per day) as well as low (≤3 glasses per day) kratom using groups, were comparable on all neuropsychological domains. Higher intake of kratom juice (>3 glasses daily) did not appear to impair motor, memory, attention or executive function of regular kratom users.
TL;DR: A range of treatment benefits beyond symptom reduction is explored to highlight the utility of qualitative investigations of the process and effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and to better understand the outcomes experienced in this trial.
Abstract: We present select findings from a long-term follow-up qualitative study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans, firefighters, and police officers suffering from chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted at participants' one-year follow-up after a recently completed phase 2 clinical trial. Available interviews from 19 of 24 participants were analyzed. This qualitative analysis sought to complement, clarify, and expand upon the quantitative findings obtained from the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-IV) and supported by the Long-Term Follow-Up (LTFU) Questionnaire. Pertinent data from interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodological framework. We explore prominent thematic elements from participant accounts to better understand the outcomes experienced in this trial. All participants reported experiencing lasting personal benefits and enhanced quality of life that extend beyond quantifiable symptom reduction. We explore a range of treatment benefits beyond symptom reduction to highlight the utility of qualitative investigations of the process and effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Limitations and challenges encountered in conducting this study are discussed along with recommendations for improved qualitative research protocols in future clinical trials.
TL;DR: An evidence-based approach is needed to shape policies and practices regarding medical cannabis, thereby reducing harm and maximizing benefits to individuals and society, according to medical cannabis users.
Abstract: An evidence-based approach is needed to shape policies and practices regarding medical cannabis, thereby reducing harm and maximizing benefits to individuals and society. This project assesses attitudes towards and utilization of medical cannabis and the mainstream healthcare system among medical cannabis users. The research team administered brief hard copy surveys to 450 adults attending an annual public event advocating for cannabis law reform. Among usable responses (N = 392), the majority (78%) reported using cannabis to help treat a medical or health condition. Medical cannabis users reported a greater degree of use of medical cannabis and a greater degree of trust in medical cannabis compared to mainstream healthcare. In comparison to pharmaceutical drugs, medical cannabis users rated cannabis better on effectiveness, side effects, safety, addictiveness, availability, and cost. Due to the medical use of cannabis, 42% stopped taking a pharmaceutical drug and 38% used less of a pharmaceutical...
TL;DR: The need for payers and policymakers to increase the number of buprenorphine prescribers to make best use of funding available to fight the opioid epidemic is highlighted.
Abstract: Buprenorphine partial opioid agonist pharmacotherapy, a key treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs), is underutilized in the United States. Qualitative interviews, conducted in 2012/2013 and repe...
TL;DR: Results indicated that polydrug (SAM and CAM) users reported greater alcohol involvement and earlier alcohol initiation than AO, and polydrug use was associated with more alcohol- related problems, including sexual risk taking and alcohol-related blackouts.
Abstract: Alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly used substances for college-attending young adults. This study evaluated differences in substance-specific consequence attribution by alcohol-marijuana use patterns (concurrent alcohol and marijuana [CAM; use of both substances, not at same time] and simultaneous [SAM; use of both, at same time]) as well as alcohol-only (AO). First-year college students with prior alcohol use (N = 610, 50.9% women, 71% White, Mage = 18) completed an online assessment of past-three-month substance use, including SAM, and related consequences. Results indicated that polydrug (SAM and CAM) users reported greater alcohol involvement and earlier alcohol initiation than AO, and polydrug use was associated with more alcohol-related problems, including sexual risk taking and alcohol-related blackouts. When restricted to SAM/CAM users, logistic regressions indicated that SAM users reported an increased incidence in two marijuana-related problems relative to CAM (driving after using and academic difficulties), but lower rates of social problems. SAM users were also less likely to attribute substance-related social problems to alcohol. Overall, findings highlight variations that exist within alcohol-marijuana polydrug users and show areas to consider for intervention development and future research.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that individuals believe using cannabis might positively influence their sleep quality and believing so may be protective against cannabis problems, and Randomized control trials of cannabis for insomnia appear justified.
Abstract: Up to 35% of adults in the United States suffer from sleep disturbances, which covary with a host of negative mental and physical health outcomes. Previous research suggests that cannabis' sedative effects may be associated with improved sleep. The present study examined the self-reported effect of cannabis use on individual's sleep-related problems. Participants included 311 individuals recruited online, who reported both sleep-related problems and cannabis use. Analyses revealed that participants expected cannabis to decrease the incidence of sleep-related problems, including allowing participants to have an earlier bedtime, to fall asleep more quickly, and to have a longer night's sleep. Moreover, expectancies about the influence of cannabis on sleep negatively covaried with cannabis-related problems. These findings suggest that individuals believe using cannabis might positively influence their sleep quality and believing so may be protective against cannabis problems. Randomized control trials of cannabis for insomnia appear justified.
TL;DR: This study examined whether those who support, oppose, or are unsure about legalization differed based on demographics, marijuana use, and perceived risk associated with marijuana use in Michigan.
Abstract: Support for legalization of marijuana has increased over the past several years. While studies have examined correlates of favoring marijuana legalization, less attention has been placed on those who are unsure about legalization, despite the potentially important role of this group as states vote on legalization in upcoming elections. Using data from a statewide sample of adults in Michigan, this study examined whether those who support, oppose, or are unsure about legalization differed based on demographics, marijuana use, and perceived risk associated with marijuana use. Those who were older and perceived marijuana use to pose a greater risk had lower odds of being unsure about legalization (relative to opposing legalization); those who were politically left of center or centrist and those who reported lifetime marijuana use had higher odds of being unsure about legalization. Older respondents, women, and those who perceived marijuana use to be risky had lower odds of supporting legalization; those who were politically left of center or centrist, and those who reported recent or lifetime marijuana use had higher odds of supporting legalization. Better understanding correlates of being unsure about marijuana legalization may help inform political and prevention efforts as states continue to vote on these issues.
TL;DR: The reported experiences of 44 participants from two observational treatment studies for opioid use disorder are proposed to support the meaningfulness of ibogaine’s oneiric effects as a discrete element in its capacity for healing, which is distinct from pharmacological actions associated with reduced withdrawal and craving.
Abstract: This article examines the therapeutic potential of ibogaine, a powerful oneiric alkaloid derived from Tabernanthe iboga, through exploring the subjective experiences of 44 participants from two observational treatment studies for opioid use disorder. Following treatment with ibogaine HCl, the participants (Mexico, n = 30; New Zealand, n = 14) completed the States of Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ) to quantify the magnitude of their psychotropic experience. Participants were asked to provide written transcripts of their experiences, with those supplied being analyzed thematically through an iterative process, to produce a set of coded themes. Mean SCQ scores in many domains exceeded 0.6, the cutoff score for a "complete mystical experience," with 43% of participants achieving this in more than five of seven domains. Qualitative data described multiple phenomenological themes, including auditory and visual phenomena. Ibogaine's strong oneiric action promoted cyclic visions leading to confronting realizations involving remorse and regret for participants' actions towards others, but also release from feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Many participants reported feeling a sense of spiritual transformation. We propose that the reported experiences support the meaningfulness of ibogaine's oneiric effects as a discrete element in its capacity for healing, which is distinct from pharmacological actions associated with reduced withdrawal and craving.
TL;DR: The patient received supportive care and, by day 10, pupillary reflexes returned to normal and he was extubated by day 14, and the potential dangers of overdose on the regulated dietary supplement were elicited.
Abstract: This case report describes an overdose on kratom, and elicits the potential dangers of overdose on the regulated dietary supplement. A young male presented to the emergency department intubated after being found unresponsive. He was found by his family to be unarousable and agonal breathing with minimal response to naloxone administered by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Urine toxicology and blood alcohol content were negative. Physical exam was significant for tachycardia, hypotension, and pinpoint pupils with sluggish reactivity to light. Laboratory studies were significant for elevated liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lipase, amylase, troponins, and lactic acid. Family members revealed that the patient consumed kratom, which he obtained through an e-commerce business, and had consumed over 500 grams the previous day. Urine sample for kratom on day 3 tested positive with levels of more than 500 ng/dL. The patient received supportive care and, by day 10, pupillary reflexes returned to normal and he was extubated by day 14. Most of the medications/drugs labelled under herbal supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are not regulated and can be purchased over the counter. The safety and side-effect profile of kratom is not well-studied, especially in an overdose scenario.
TL;DR: Rates of opioid overdose deaths are clustered in New York, and rates of prescription opioids were associated with rates of overdose from any opioid, prescription pain relievers, and synthetic opioids.
Abstract: Over the last decade, New York State has experienced one of the greatest increases in opioid overdose deaths in the United States, particularly from heroin and synthetic opioids. This study investigated spatial patterns in the distribution of county-level rates of overdose deaths in New York State and associations between prescriptions for opioid pain relievers, race, and overdose deaths from 2013-2015. Global and local Moran's I tests for spatial autocorrelation examined Bayesian smoothed rates of overdose for clusters of counties with high and low rates of overdose mortality. Getis Ord* analyses identified local hotspots of high and low clusters of overdose. Model performance indicators selected the best-fitting spatial regression model to examine associations between prescriptions for opioid pain relievers, race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, Black, and Hispanic) after adjusting for spatial dependence in the data. Socio-demographic characteristics of clusters were examined. Findings suggest rates of opioid overdose deaths are clustered in New York. Rates of prescription opioids were associated with rates of overdose from any opioid, prescription pain relievers, and synthetic opioids. Greater populations of African Americans were associated with greater rates of heroin overdose death rates. Findings from this study inform public health opioid overdose prevention interventions and policies.
TL;DR: The study supported the efficacy of BCBT for methamphetamine use and associated harms among methadone-maintained women and found significant improvements in readiness to change, psychological well-being, and social functioning in the treatment group.
Abstract: This study evaluated the efficacy of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) for regular methamphetamine use among methadone-maintained women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in four ...
TL;DR: While the role of endogenous DMT remains unclear, ayahuasca has promising results in anxiety, depression and substance dependence, and it is crucial to conduct further research aimed at developing new treatments for psychiatric disorders.
Abstract: N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid produced by a number of plants and animals, including humans. Its psychoactive effects were first described in 1956 by Stephen Szara, but have been exploited for centuries by South American indigenous populations in the form of ayahuasca. In the present review, we assess the state of the art regarding a putative role for endogenous DMT and potential clinical applications of ayahuasca and DMT. A review assessing the pharmacological profile of DMT and its clinical effects in humans was performed using the PubMed data base until 5 August 2018 with the words: ayahuasca and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. While the role of endogenous DMT remains unclear, ayahuasca has promising results in anxiety, depression and substance dependence. Since ayahuasca has a good safety profile, it is crucial to conduct further research aimed at developing new treatments for psychiatric disorders.
TL;DR: MDA induced robust increases in heart rate and blood pressure and increased cortisol and prolactin to a similar degree as MDMA and shared features with MDMA as well as with classical psychedelics, suggesting that the greater duration of MDA effects is due to pharmacodynamics rather than pharmacokinetics.
Abstract: Entactogens such as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "molly", "ecstasy") appear to have unusual, potentially therapeutic, emotional effects. Understanding their mechanisms can benefit from clinical experiments with related drugs. Yet the first known drug with such properties, 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), remains poorly studied and its pharmacokinetics in humans are unknown. We conducted a within-subjects, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 1.4 mg/kg oral racemic MDA and compared results to those from our prior similar studies with 1.5 mg/kg oral racemic MDMA. MDA was well-tolerated by participants. MDA induced robust increases in heart rate and blood pressure and increased cortisol and prolactin to a similar degree as MDMA. MDA self-report effects shared features with MDMA as well as with classical psychedelics. MDA self-report effects lasted longer than those of MDMA, with MDA effects remaining elevated at 8 h while MDMA effects resolved by 6 h. Cmax and AUC0-∞ for MDA were 229 ± 39 (mean ± SD) and 3636 ± 958 µg/L for MDA and 92 ± 61 and 1544 ± 741 µg/L for the metabolite 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyamphetamine (HMA). There was considerable between-subject variation in MDA/HMA ratios. The similarity of MDA and MDMA pharmacokinetics suggests that the greater duration of MDA effects is due to pharmacodynamics rather than pharmacokinetics.
TL;DR: Historical discussions about LSD’s potential for easing the anxiety associated with dying are looked back at, and how those early conversations might offer insights into today's more articulated discussions about psychedelics in palliative care are considered.
Abstract: This article examines the historical relationship between psychedelics and palliative care. Historians have contributed to a growing field of studies about how psychedelics have been used in the past, but much of that scholarship focused on interrogating questions of legitimacy or proving that psychedelics had therapeutic potential. Palliative care had not yet developed as medical sub-specialty, more often leaving dying care on the margins of modern, pharmaceutical-based treatments. As psychedelic researchers in the 1950s began exploring different applications for psychoactive substances such as LSD and mescaline, however, dying care came into clearer focus as a potential avenue for psychedelics. Before that application gained momentum in clinical or philosophical discussions, psychedelics were criminalized and some of those early discussions were lost. This article looks back at historical discussions about LSD's potential for easing the anxiety associated with dying, and considers how those early conversations might offer insights into today's more articulated discussions about psychedelics in palliative care.
TL;DR: For all participants, the likelihood of victimization, using drugs, and meeting the criteria for HIV/AIDS risk decreased by 46% by the eight-month follow-up; however, results did not differ significantly by intervention group.
Abstract: Using data from a randomized controlled trial of 319 women mainly recruited from a Municipal Drug Court System in St. Louis, MO, this study evaluates substance use, victimization, and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors over time. The results indicated that, for all participants, the likelihood of victimization, using drugs, and meeting the criteria for HIV/AIDS risk decreased by 46% by the eight-month follow-up; however, results did not differ significantly by intervention group. Women who were sexually abused as a child, had 4+ arrests, or believed they had sexual and drug-using behaviors that need changing at baseline were more likely to experience these issues over time.
TL;DR: It is argued that while the discovery of LSD may have been a catalyst for psychedelic research in the 1950s and ‘60s, there was a broader psychedelic zeitgeist that deserves acknowledgement for setting the stage.
Abstract: During the 1950s and 1960s, there was a tremendous surge in research into the effects of psychedelic drugs. When discussing this period of research, the discovery of the psychoactive properties of LSD in 1943 is often presented as the main, and sometimes only, driving force of the boom in research. This "Great Person," or "Great Chemical," historiographical lens fails to acknowledge other factors that were fundamental in setting the stage for the research. In particular, other psychedelic drugs, such as mescaline, were already being probed for their uses in psychotherapy and as models for psychosis before the effects of LSD had been discovered. Psilocybin and other classical psychedelics had also been discovered by Western researchers around the same time as the synthesis of LSD. Additionally, many of the dominant zeitgeists (e.g., pharmacological, psychoanalytic, and humanistic) in psychology during this period were congruent with psychedelic research. This article argues that while the discovery of LSD may have been a catalyst for psychedelic research in the 1950s and '60s, there was a broader psychedelic zeitgeist that deserves acknowledgement for setting the stage.
TL;DR: Depressive symptomology is prevalent and associated with distinct motivations for engaging in NMPO use and represents a potential subgroup for intervention and improving guidelines with tools such as screening for depressive symptomology among young adult NMPo users may help prevent N MPO-related harms.
Abstract: Non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use and depression frequently co-occur and are mutually reinforcing in adults, yet NMPO use and depression in younger populations has been under-studi...
TL;DR: The Go-VAR!
Abstract: Substance use disorders (SUD) are prevalent among veterans, and the relapse rate is estimated at ≥60% within one year of treatment. Exercise’s broad health benefits make it an appealing adjunctive ...
TL;DR: A significant association was found between CTA and use of MNPS among the entire sample and among non-medical use of prescription stimulants (NPS) and attitudes toward cannabis and MNPS, such that students with higher CTA had more positive attitudes towards MNPS.
Abstract: This research investigates associations between cognitive test anxiety (CTA) and use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and medical and non-medical prescription stimulants (MNPS) among undergraduate st...
TL;DR: The use of illicit psychoactive drugs by frequent nightclub visitors in a club setting in Tbilisi is described to help investigate the prevalence and context of club drug use in the country, to assess health risks associated with it, and to propose strategies to mitigate those risks.
Abstract: Tbilisi is fast becoming a regional hub for electronic dance music. This study describes the use of illicit psychoactive drugs by frequent nightclub visitors in a club setting. We conducted 16 qualitative in-depth interviews with young nightclubbers with a history of drug use in Tbilisi. The majority of respondents had experience with two or more drugs consumed in a club setting, with the most prevalent substances being MDMA/ecstasy, amphetamines, and synthetic cannabinoids. Most respondents had limited information regarding the drugs they consumed. Often this information was provided by dealers or friends and was limited to the name of the drug (but not the substance) and its expected effects. Receiving often unknown substances from unknown people was prevalent. The majority of respondents reported combining psychoactive substances with alcohol, or mixing the use of other substances. Participants by their own account indicated a lack of knowledge about the adverse effects of drugs, as well as an ignorance of overdose signs and response strategies. Study findings may guide future efforts to investigate the prevalence and context of club drug use in the country, to assess health risks associated with it, and to propose strategies to mitigate those risks.