Hallucinogens and redemption

Marlene Dobkin de Rios, Charles S Grob, John R Baker

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 2002, 34, 3, 239-248.

 

Abstract :

This article examines drug substitution with regard to hallucinogens (ayahuasca, ibogaine, peyote and LSD) set within the concept of redemption. The model examines both religious and secular approaches to the contemporary use of hallucinogens in drug substitution, both by scientists and in religious setting worlwide. The redemptive model posits that the proper use of one psychoactive substance within a spiritual or clinical context helpsto free an individual from the adverse effects of their addiction to another substance and thus restores them as functioning members of their community or group. Data is drawn from the U.S., Brazil, Peru, and West Africa. Two principle mechanisms for this are proposed : the psychological mechanism of suggestibility is examined in terms of the individual reaching abstinence goals from addictive substances such as alcohol and opiates. Neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanism to understand the efficacy of such substitution are highlighted from ongoing research on hallucinogens.Research by two of the authors with the Uñaio do Vegetal (UDV) Church n Brazil is examined in terms of the model.

(…)

Hallucinogens_and_Redemption