INTRODUCTION: Psychedelics induce a wide range of sensory distortions and hallucinations (henceforth 'distortions'). Yet, little is known about factors that influence the occurrence of certain distortions. Extra-pharmacological variables including personality traits have been found to correlate with the occurrence of different subjective features during the acute psychedelic state. The current...
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are notoriously difficult to treat due to complex biopsychosocial underpinnings and high relapse rates. Recent evidence positions ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) as a promising intervention for treatment-resistant addiction. This review explores ketamine’s neurobiological mechanisms, its synergistic effect with psychotherapy, and clinical data supporting its...
While interest in psychedelic research has recently increased globally, little is known about use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Therefore, we sought to explore motivations, features of subjective experience, and impact of use. We also aimed to explore and compare positive, typical, and worst experiences. An online survey was completed by 997 individuals who had used at least one classical...
Purpose Psychedelic drugs can induce altered states of consciousness characterised by changes in visual perception, tactile sensation, cognition, and emotion. Although there is a history of misinformation surrounding these drugs, recent investigation has reinvigorated interest. However, little research has assessed the attitudes of psychedelic consumers regarding these substances. The current...
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular drug worldwide and use is prevalent in Aotearoa New Zealand. Although associated with some significant harms, including fatalities, MDMA is ultimately less harmful than other commonly consumed drugs. We aimed to expand the understanding of MDMA harm and harm reduction strategies from a consumer perspective so that national harm reduction efforts...
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is drug of high prevalence in Aotearoa New Zealand and is the primary drug analysed by legal drug checking services. We aimed to address the gap in literature pertaining to MDMA-related harm reduction behaviour and harm experiences within the country. An online survey was used to assess the harm reduction behaviours (e.g., limiting consumption, planning...
TikTok has quickly gained popularity through its platforming of large amounts of short video content. Given its widespread popularity, unrestricted access and poor content monitoring may allow 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related content to influence perception of MDMA use. We aimed to investigate how MDMA-related videos are portrayed on TikTok and explore MDMA-related harm...
The prevalence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) consumption is relatively high in Aotearoa New Zealand, but MDMA use has not been investigated in detail. We explored consumption behaviours and a range of MDMA-related factors, including motivations, subjective effects, and reflections about personal MDMA use via a cross-sectional survey. A total of 1180 respondents (59.2% female, 15%...
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction abilities. While there are various therapeutic options available for autism, there is growing evidence suggesting that ketamine therapy could be a promising treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in anesthesia and pain management,...