Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs

Justin Briglio

University of Maine, 2015, 31 p.

 

Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

History of Psychedelic Research………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Recent Research……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Neurobiology of Psychedelics……………………………………………………………………………………………9

Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin…………………………………………………………………………………..12

Therapeutic Potential of LSD…………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Therapeutic Potential of Ayahuasca………………………………………………………………………………….19

Therapeutic Potential of Ibogaine……………………………………………………………………………………..22

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….26

References……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28

A psychedelic compound is a psychoactive drug whose main action is to alter perception and cognition. Psychedelics are distinctive from other psychoactive drugs in that they alter the mind, whereas opiates or stimulants alter the mood (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Psychedelics affect nature of consciousness itself and access otherwise unknown states of consciousness, as opposed to affecting the degree or extent of one’s consciousness and inducing proverbial moods such as happiness, excitement, anxiety or apathy (Strassman, 2001). While compounds such as cocaine, morphine, heroin, or methamphetamines are typically capable of producing addiction and physiological dependence, most psychedelics are not likely to produce either (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013).

The psychedelic class covers a large family and wide spectrum of psychoactive compounds which induce a spectrum of psychedelic effects ranging from trance-like meditative states, to hallucinations, dissociation, and temporary loss or distortion of self-awareness. The psychedelic category comprises of multiple specific drug classes. This paper will be focusing on hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and psilocybin and entheogens such as ayahuasca and ibogaine. Hallucinogens produce intense changes and distortions in sensory perception, awareness, and thought process. LSD and psilocybin are classic hallucinogens. Hallucinogens are in general serotonergic and in some cases, dopaminergic. Entheogenic compounds are classified based more on framework of use rather than pharmacology. Entheogens are generally used for spiritual, religious, shamanic or self-exploration purposes, because of their transcendent and meditative properties. Many entheogens are obtained and used in their raw or natural plant or extract state (Grinspoon , 1983).

Numerous species of mushrooms manufacture alkaloids with hallucinogenic properties. These fungi, which are sometimes called “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” include members of the genera Conocybe, Copelandia, Panaeolus, Psilocybe, and Stropharia, which are found in many places around the world. Depending on the certain species, users typically take 1 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms to achieve the preferred effects. The dried material may be eaten raw, boiled in water to make tea, or cooked with other foods to cover its bitterness in taste. The major ingredients of these mushrooms are psilocybin and the compound psilocin. After ingestion, the psilocybin is enzymatically converted to psilocin, which is the actual psychoactive agent (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013).

Unlike psilocybin, LSD is a synthetic compound, although its structure is based on a family of fungal alkaloids. LSD is well known for its psychological effects, which can include altered thinking processes, closed- and open-eye visuals, synesthesia, an altered sense of time and spiritual experiences, as well as for its key role in 1960s counterculture.  LSD is non-addictive, is not known to cause brain damage, and has extremely low toxicity relative to dose (Lüscher & Ungless, 2006). However, acute adverse psychiatric reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, and delusions are possible (Passie et al, 2008). LSD’s psychological effects differ greatly from individual to individual, depending on factors such as previous experiences, state of mind and environment, as well as dose strength. They also vary from one trip to another, and even as time passes during a single trip. An LSD trip can have long-term psychoemotional effects; some users cite the LSD experience as causing significant changes in their personality and life perspective (Harris, 2014). Some psychological effects may include an experience of radiant colors, objects and surfaces appearing to ripple, colored patterns behind the closed eyelids (eidetic imagery), an altered sense of time, crawling geometric patterns overlaying walls and other objects, morphing objects, a sense that one’s thoughts are spiraling into themselves, loss of a sense of identity or the ego and other powerful psycho-physical reactions (Masters & Houston, 2000). Many individual users experience a dissolution between themselves and the outside world (Linton & Langs, 1962).

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew made out of Banisteriopsis caapi vine alone or in combination with various plants. It is either mixed with the leaves of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) containing species of shrubs from the genus Psychotria or with the leaves of the Justicia pectoralis plant which does not contain DMT. The brew was first described academically in the early 1950s by Harvard ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes, who established it employed divinatory and healing purposes by the native peoples of Amazonian Peru (McKenna, 1999). Individuals who have consumed ayahuasca report having spiritual revelations regarding their purpose on Earth, the true nature of the universe as well as deep insight into how to be the best person they possibly can (Gorman, 2010). In addition, it is often reported that individuals feel they gain access to higher spiritual dimensions and make contact with a variety of spiritual or extra-dimensional beings who can act as guides or healers (Metzner, 1999). The most reported side-effect of ayahuasca is nausea, followed by intense repetitive vomiting. For some, the vomiting comes early, while for others it occurs during the hallucinations.  Deaths due to participation in the consumption of ayahuasca have been reported. However, the deaths may be due to preexisting heart conditions, as ayahuasca may increase pulse rates and blood pressure, or interaction with other medicines taken, such as antidepressants (Hearn, 2013). For various reasons some shamans and experienced users of ayahuasca advise against consuming ayahuasca when not in the presence of one or several well trained shamans (Campos & Roman, 2011).

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