Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
February 1, 2021
Rebecca L Rothberg, Nour Azhari, Nancy A Haug et al.
95 citations
In alcohol-dependent adults seeking treatment, a single sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine combined with motivational enhancement therapy produced greater mystical-type experiences and reduced at-risk drinking compared to an active control (midazolam). The mystical-type effects, measured by the Hood Mysticism Scale, mediated ketamine's effect on drinking behavior, whereas dissociation did not. Forty participants were randomized and followed for three weeks post-infusion. The findings suggest that the mystical-type psychoactive effects of ketamine may be important for its therapeutic benefit in addiction treatment.
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
July 2, 2023
Aileen Kucsera, Trisha Suppes, Nancy A Haug
27 citations
Mental health professionals in California report limited knowledge about the risks and benefits of psychedelic use, with average knowledge scores of 4.7 and 5.4 on a 10-point scale. 45% feel inadequately informed to counsel patients on psychedelic use. Despite this, 97% support additional research, 91% approve of medical use, and 89% believe in therapeutic benefits. 73% discuss psychedelics with patients, but 49% are uncomfortable addressing their effects. Greater knowledge correlates with more favorable attitudes and clinical practices. The findings indicate a need for better provider education on psychedelics.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 2024
Nancy A Haug, Richa Wadekar, Rachel Barry et al.
Among 1,732 adults who use ecstasy, 22% showed risk for ecstasy use disorder as measured by the modified UNCOPE. Younger individuals and those using ecstasy more frequently and in larger quantities were at higher risk. Risky ecstasy users also reported greater concurrent use of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, benzodiazepines, and ketamine. Participants from Great Britain and Nordic countries were about twice as likely to exhibit risk for ecstasy use disorder compared to those from the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia/New Zealand. Taking ecstasy at home was the most common setting, followed by electronic dance music events and music festivals.
Addictive behaviors
January 1, 2023
James E Sottile, Kathryn S Macia, Robert E Wickham et al.
MDMA/Ecstasy users are motivated by social, expansion, coping, and energy factors, distinct from the motives for alcohol, cannabis, or methamphetamine use. A new four-factor motives scale was developed from an international online sample of 1,754 adults. The scale showed good internal consistency and validity, with social, expansion, coping, and energy motives emerging as significant, while conformity and enhancement did not. The findings highlight the unique stimulating, emotional, and empathic effects sought by recreational MDMA/Ecstasy users, which can inform treatment interventions and harm reduction policies.