Chemical evidence for the use of multiple psychotropic plants in a 1,000-year-old ritual bundle from South America Melanie J. Miller, Juan Albarracin-Jordan, Christine Moore, and José M. Capriles PNAS June 4, 2019, 116 (23) 11207-11212; first published May 6, 2019 https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1902174116 Significance Humans have a long history of using natural resources, especially plants, to induce nonordinary states of consciousness. Imbibing substances derived from plants have been linked to ancient and elaborate knowledge systems and rituals. While archaeological evidence of the consumption of psychotropics, such as alcohol or caffeine, dates back thousands of years, evidence of the use of other psychoactive substances has been more [...]
Lire la suiteAn exploratory study of experiences with conventional eating disorder treatment and ceremonial ayahuasca for the healing of eating disorders Marika Renelli, Jenna Fletcher, Kenneth W. Tupper, Natasha Files, Anya Loizaga‑Velder, Adele Lafrance Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 2018 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-018-0619-6 Abstract Purpose : Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian medicine that is currently being researched for its potential in treating a variety of mental disorders. This article reports on exploratory qualitative research relating to participant experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca drinking and conventional treatment for eating disorders (EDs). It also explores the potential for ayahuasca as an adjunctive ED treatment. Methods : Thirteen [...]
Lire la suiteThe link between childhood trauma and dissociation in frequent users of classic psychedelics and dissociatives Sascha B. Thal, Judith K. Daniels & Henrik Jungaberle Journal of Substance Use, may 2019 https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2019.1614234 ABSTRACT Background : Childhood trauma severity is associated with the level of subsequent substance use as well as with the self-reported severity of dissociation. Classic psychedelics and dissociatives target neurotransmitter systems thought to be involved in the onset of dissociative symptoms and may evoke severe and long-lasting symptoms of depersonalization in some users. However, it is currently unclear whether drug use puts people with a history of childhood trauma at higher risk of developing [...]
Lire la suiteEffects of Schedule I drug laws on neuroscience research and treatment innovation. Nutt D.J., King L.A., Nichols D.E. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2013, 14, 577-585 DOI : 10.1038/nrn3530 Abstract Many psychoactive drugs are used recreationally, particularly by young people. This use and its perceived dangers have led to many different classes of drugs being banned under national laws and international conventions. Indeed, the possession of cannabis, 3,4‑methylenedioxy- N‑methyl-amphetamine (MDMA; also known as ecstasy) and psychedelics is stringently regulated. An important and unfortunate outcome of the controls placed on these and other psychoactive drugs is that they make research into their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic [...]
Lire la suitePsychedelic drugs in the treatment of anxiety, depression and addiction Tor-Morten Kvam, Lowan H. Stewart & Ole A. Andreassen Tidsskriftet, Den Norske Legeforening, November 2018 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332136512 B A C K G R O U N D There is growing interest in the use of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of mental disorders. The drugs are considered safe when administered within a clinical framework. Older studies performed prior to 1970 had methodological shortcomings, but studies in recent years have shown promising results regarding the use of psychedelic drugs in unipolar depression, depression in life-threatening illness, anxiety and addiction. The aim of this literature review is to [...]
Lire la suiteHow do hallucinogens work on the brain? Robin Carhart-Harris, Mendel Kaelen and David Nutt The Psychologist, 2014, 27, 9, 662-665 What do we know about how hallucinogens work on the brain to produce their characteristic subjective effects? This question can be approached from a number of different levels. At the lowest functionally relevant level, how do the hallucinogenic compounds themselves interact with a certain neurotransmitter receptor to alter neuronal activity? Then at the neuronal population level, how does a drug-induced change in neuronal firing interact with the integrated oscillatory activity of large populations of neurons? Finally, how does this all play out at [...]
Lire la suiteIntérêt de la psilocybine, de l’acide lysergique diéthylamide (LSD) et de la diméthyltryptamine (DMT) dans la dépression : une revue de la littérature THÈSE MÉDECINE SPÉCIALISÉE CLINIQUE en Psychiatrie Présentée et soutenue publiquement par Sami SERGENT le 22 février 2019 ANNÉE 2019 (2019 TOU3 1503) Directeur de thèse : Dr François MONTASTRUC JURY Monsieur le Professeur Christophe ARBUS Président Monsieur le Professeur Laurent SCHMITT Assesseur Monsieur le Professeur Nicolas FRANCHITTO Assesseur Monsieur le Docteur François MONTASTRUC Assesseur Madame le Docteur Bénédicte JULLIAN Suppléant Monsieur le Docteur Nicolas NAVARRO membre invité RESUME EN FRANÇAIS : La psilocybine, l’acide lysergique diéthylamide et la diméthyltryptamine sont des psychédéliques agonistes sérotoninergiques. Les sociétés humaines en font usages depuis [...]
Lire la suiteCan psychedelics be the treatment for the crisis in psychopharmacology ? Genís Ona, José Carlos Bouso ICEERS Foundation, Preprint · January 2019 DOI: 10.20944/preprints201901.0249.v1 Keywords : Mental health, psychedelics, psychopharmacology, psychiatry, innovative 1. Introduction For the past few years, we have been witnessing a crisis in the field of psychopharmacology. Generally, it takes a decade and up to a billion dollars in investment to get a drug on the market. Furthermore, the majority of new drugs are ruled out during the pre-clinical phase. Less than 20% of the selected drugs make it to Phase-III evaluation involving humans. Drug development has never been an easy task. However, [...]
Lire la suiteEDITORIAL Should addiction researchers be interested in psychedelic science ? Stephen Bright, Martin Williams & David Caldicott Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs, Drug and Alcohol Review, 2017 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12544 As recently noted by Strauss, Bright and Williams [1], while much of the Western world has been experiencing a renaissance in research into ‘psychedelic science’ over the past decade [2], there has been no such research conducted in Australia. In Europe and the USA, studies have been conducted into lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) that have improved our understanding of brain function [3] and reduced existential anxiety associated with dying [4], while psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has [...]
Lire la suiteThe psychedelic renaissance and the limitations of a White-dominant medical framework: A call for indigenous and ethnic minority inclusion JAMILAH R. GEORGE, TIMOTHY I. MICHAELS, JAE SEVELIUS and MONNICA T. WILLIAMS Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 2019 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2019.015 In recent years, the study of psychedelic science has resurfaced as scientists and therapists are again exploring its potential to treat an array of psychiatric conditions, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. The scientific progress and clinical promise of this movement owes much of its success to the history of indigenous healing practices; yet the work of indigenous people, ethnic and racial minorities, women, [...]
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