Hallucinogens Have Doctors Tuning In Again
By JOHN TIERNEY
Published: April 11, 2010
The New York Times online edition, April 12, 2010 link: //http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/science/12psychedelics.html?th&emc=th
As a retired clinical psychologist, Clark Martin was well acquainted with traditional treatments for depression, but his own case seemed untreatable as he struggled through chemotherapy and other grueling regimens for kidney cancer. Counseling seemed futile to him. So did the antidepressant pills he tried.
Nothing had any lasting effect until, at the age of 65, he had his first psychedelic experience. He left his home in Vancouver, Wash., to take part in an experiment at Johns Hopkins medical school involving psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient found in certain mushrooms.
Scientists are taking a new look at hallucinogens, which became taboo among regulators after enthusiasts like Timothy Leary promoted them in the 1960s with the slogan "Turn on, tune in, drop out." Now, using rigorous protocols and safeguards, scientists have won permission to study once again the drugs' potential for treating mental problems and illuminating the nature of consciousness.
After taking the hallucinogen, Dr. Martin put on an eye mask and headphones, and lay on a couch listening to classical music as he contemplated the universe.
"All of a sudden, everything familiar started evaporating," he recalled. "Imagine you fall off a boat out in the open ocean, and you turn around, and the boat is gone. And then the water's gone. And then you're gone."
Today, more than a year later, Dr. Martin credits that six-hour experience with helping him overcome his depression and profoundly transforming his relationships with his daughter and friends. He ranks it among the most meaningful events of his life, which makes him a fairly typical member of a growing club of experimental subjects.
Researchers from around the world are gathering this week in San Jose, Calif., for the largest conference on psychedelic science held in the United States in four decades. They plan to discuss studies of psilocybin and other psychedelics for treating depression in cancer patients, obsessive-compulsive disorder, end-of-life anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction to drugs or alcohol.
.........the article continues, but i thought maybe some spf folks might happen to be in San Jose for this interesting conference.
Click onto the link for the whole article (there's another chunk the size of what i've posted above)
best - judih
Thanks, sistah-j.
The whole concept of tending to one's psyche sounds a bit spiritual to me. :cool2
This therapy allows humans to work through life problems and personal faults as well as to deal with our mortality on a level not encountered in mainstream religion, imo. For these reasons, I consider psychedelic therapy to consist of spiritual meat allowing for true psychological growth while mainstream religions consistently offer up spiritual milk to Its followers, leading to malnutrition.
lw
The researcher speaks of one six-hour session changing his perception. self-exploration in a safe (and monitored) environment. He was ready. The dosage was appropriate - and hallelujah: intelligent, efficient therapy.
a hearty meal, as you put it, LW - hit the spot.
may this research bring the treatment to those suitable.
Feed your head...
lw