In a time when once-demonized substances are being recognized for their potential health benefits, what role should psychedelics play in our treatment of mental health?
Psychedelics therapy is an area receiving much attention in academic circles today. Some of the substances like LSD, MDMA, and DMT, are being used by individuals to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
This type of therapy is actually quite well established with experiments dating back to the 50s and 60s. Many of those engaging this type of drug-enhanced psychotherapy report incredible results. Despite reports from users of the benefits, there is a widespread resistance to the use of the substances thought of by many as a party enhancement drugs.
For that reason, much of the resources for practitioners hoping to integrate this type of enhancement into their practice goes into promoting research. Sufficient research can help to legitimize the practice and hopefully get a jumpstart on the implementation of these enhanced therapies.
The above video from VICE goes into greater depth about this type of mental health treatment and the struggles it currently faces.
Sources: VICE News, International Review on Psychiatry
