Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
August 4, 2020
Cecile Giovannetti, Sara García Arce, Brian Rush et al.
55 citations
Integrating ayahuasca and traditional Amazonian medicine with psychotherapy in an inpatient addiction treatment program for men significantly reduced anxiety and depression. Patients' Beck Anxiety Inventory scores dropped from 20.8 to 11.6, and Beck Depression Inventory scores fell from 30.9 to 13.7. Improvements in quality of life, spirituality, and treatment satisfaction correlated with these reductions. The results support the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca and Amazonian medicine in mental health treatments.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
October 20, 2014
James A. Wilcox
55 citations
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious psychiatric condition that often does not respond to standard treatments. Serotonin is thought to be involved in reducing OCD symptoms. A case is presented of a person who used psilocybin, a substance that affects serotonin, to successfully reduce core OCD symptoms for several years. The authors do not endorse this form of treatment but argue that the positive outcome highlights the role of serotonin in OCD and supports the need for legitimate research into psilocybin for anxiety disorders.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
September 1, 2013
Robin Lester Carhart-Harris, David John Nutt
55 citations
Experienced drug users who have personally used 11 different illicit drugs rank alcohol and tobacco as the most harmful substances, while MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, and cannabis are ranked as the four least harmful. When asked about potential benefits, these same four drugs are ranked highest, and users cite therapeutic applications—such as tools to assist psychotherapy—rather than just pleasure. The findings offer insight from a rare sample of 93 users with intimate knowledge of multiple drugs.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
September 8, 2020
Helle Kaasik, Rita C. Z. Souza, Flávia Da Silva Zandonadi et al.
54 citations
Ayahuasca brews from different traditions vary widely in their psychoactive components. Analysis of 102 samples from indigenous, religious, and neoshamanic communities showed that neoshamanic brews contain higher and more variable concentrations of DMT, likely from using larger or more variable amounts of DMT-containing plants. European samples included two instances of analog ayahuasca containing moclobemide, psilocin, DMT, and yuremamine, with very low levels of Banisteriopsis caapi alkaloids, and some used Peganum harmala and Mimosa tenuiflora. No analogs appeared in Brazilian or Santo Daime samples. The findings highlight the need for awareness and ethical self-regulation among practitioners.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 2003
Mark Mowry, Michael Mosher, Wayne Briner
54 citations
Salvinorin A, a hallucinogen used as a legal alternative to controlled substances, has low physical toxicity even at doses far exceeding typical human exposure. In anesthetized rats given 1600 mcg/kg, no effects were observed on cardiac conduction, temperature, or galvanic skin response, though a nonsignificant rise in pulse pressure occurred. Mice chronically exposed to doses up to 6400 mcg/kg for two weeks showed no significant histologic changes in brain, heart, kidney, bone marrow, blood, or spleen. These findings indicate minimal acute and chronic organ damage, but further research on blood pressure and psychological effects is warranted.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
July 1, 2011
Anette Kjellgren, Christophe Soussan
52 citations
Recreational use of the psychedelic Internet drug 4-HO-MET is characterized by drastic shifts in cognition, emotion, and bodily perception, driven primarily by curiosity. Analyzing 25 anonymous Swedish experience reports from public forums, nine themes emerged: motivation, initial effects, altered perception, unfiltered awareness, lateral cognition, blurred subject-object boundaries, heaven-like and hell-like experiences, and subsiding effects. Users described a chronological process and reported satisfaction despite intense positive and negative experiences. The effects closely resemble those of classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. The authors call for further research into potential health hazards and therapeutic uses.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
March 15, 2015
Rafael Lanaro, Débora Bressanim de Aquino Calemi, Loraine Rezende Togni et al.
51 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional beverage, contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (harmine, harmaline, tetrahydroharmine) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which produces visionary effects. Analysis of nine ayahuasca aqueous extracts and three seized powder samples using HPLC-DAD revealed DMT concentrations of 402–2070.3 μg/mL, harmaline 27.5–181.3 μg/mL, harmine 294.5–2893.8 μg/mL, and tetrahydroharmine 849.5–2052.5 μg/mL in the extracts. One powder sample contained only DMT (82% and 2% w/w), another only harmaline (16% w/w) and harmine (12% w/w). Ritual oral ayahuasca use reduces overdose risk via vagal stimulation causing vomiting, whereas recreational smoking or inhalation of DMT increases bioavailability and intoxication potential.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
March 1, 2006
Karl Jansen, Lynn Theron
49 citations
The traditional 'date rape drug' label applies to sedatives like GHB and Rohypnol that cause unconsciousness and amnesia. However, some law enforcement and prosecutors have extended the term to MDMA and methamphetamine, arguing that their empathy-generating, disinhibiting, or sensual effects can remove a person's ability to give reasoned consent, making them appear cooperative in sexual activity they would not have consented to without the drug. This interpretation is supported by toxicological data showing these drugs in sexual assault victims, leading to reliance on expert testimony from toxicologists and police rather than psychologists. Psychologists and psychiatrists often dismiss MDMA as an aphrodisiac or date rape drug as media myths. The article examines the strengths and weaknesses of these competing arguments.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
June 1, 2004
Robert G. Carlson, Rüssel S. Falck, Jill A. McCaughan et al.
49 citations
Most active Ecstasy users do not associate the drug with risks of neurotoxicity or psychological problems, beyond the danger of obtaining a deadly substitute. Based on audiotaped focus groups and individual interviews with 30 users in Ohio, users instead seek harm-reduction strategies for safe use and largely ignore prevention messages like "just say no." Because Ecstasy is often used in small friend groups, interventions involving peer leaders or social networks may be effective.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 2019
Thomas K Brown, Geoff Noller, Julie O Denenberg
48 citations
Ibogaine, a powerful oneiric alkaloid derived from Tabernanthe iboga, produces subjective experiences that may contribute to its therapeutic capacity for opioid use disorder. In 44 participants from two observational treatment studies, 43% achieved a "complete mystical experience" in more than five of seven domains on the States of Consciousness Questionnaire. Qualitative analysis revealed themes of auditory and visual phenomena, cyclic visions, confronting realizations of remorse and regret, and release from guilt and worthlessness. Many reported spiritual transformation. The oneiric effects appear to be a discrete element in ibogaine's healing capacity, distinct from its pharmacological actions that reduce withdrawal and craving.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
October 8, 2016
Noah W Sweat, Larry W. Bates, Peter S. Hendricks
48 citations
People who have used classic psychedelics and also had a mystical experience solved a creative problem-solving task faster than those who had not, with a large effect. However, the amount of lifetime mystical experience did not predict task performance, indicating that mystical experience does not explain the link between psychedelic use and creativity. The findings suggest that classic psychedelics may enhance creativity through mechanisms separate from those that produce mystical experiences, and that inducing mystical experiences may not be necessary for creativity-boosting interventions.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
February 28, 2022
Andrew Hodge, Suporn Sukpraprut‐braaten, Matthew R Narlesky et al.
47 citations
Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound naturally derived from certain fungi, is showing clinical efficacy in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms over time compared to control in multiple clinical trials. It has also been shown to reduce cigarettes per day and drinks per day in patients with substance use disorders. No significant adverse clinical events or verifiable recorded deaths have been reported from psilocybin use. Larger studies are needed before the drug can potentially become approved for use in the general population.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
September 30, 2019
Maha N. Mian, Brianna R. Altman, Mitch Earleywine
47 citations
Ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogen used as a spiritual medicine in South America, has shown antidepressant effects in at least one placebo-controlled trial, but the mechanisms remain unclear. A survey of 152 individuals examined changes in depressive symptoms, behavioral activation, and mindfulness after an Ayahuasca experience. Mindfulness was strongly linked to reduced depression severity, but behavioral activation—engaging in rewarding activities—was a stronger predictor of improvement. Changes in behavioral activation likely serve as a mechanism underlying Ayahuasca's antidepressant effects, suggesting future clinical trials could benefit from tracking behavioral activation.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
April 1, 2013
Rafael Guimarães Dos Santos
47 citations
Ayahuasca, a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups, is generally well tolerated in both acute and long-term ritual contexts. However, some scientific and media reports link ayahuasca or its alkaloids to severe intoxications. A critical evaluation of these reports reveals that many lack accurate forensic or toxicological information or are not directly relevant to traditional ayahuasca preparations, limiting accurate risk assessment. Despite these limitations, the cases suggest that pre-existing cardiac and hepatic conditions and concurrent use of serotonergic drugs or medications are contraindications for ayahuasca use, and that caution is warranted when using different botanical species or extracted or synthetic alkaloids to prepare ayahuasca analogues.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
June 1, 2008
O Hayden Griffin, Bryan Lee Miller, David N Khey
46 citations
The legal status of the hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum is rapidly changing in the United States, with state-level prohibitions emerging in a way not seen since the Controlled Substances Act. This article describes the plant, reviews the different legal mechanisms states have used to control it and the pending legislation proposing further controls, and discusses the implications of these various state laws.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
June 1, 2005
David E. Stuckey, Robert F. Lawson, Luís Eduardo Luna
43 citations
In two experienced ayahuasca users studied in a Brazilian jungle, EEG recordings showed increased global brain coherence in the 36-44 Hz and 50-64 Hz frequency bands during visual imagery compared to eyes-closed baselines. This widespread cortical hyper-coherence may relate to the intense synesthesia typical of ayahuasca experiences. Other findings included increased modal EEG alpha frequency and global power decreases across most frequency bands, consistent with prior psychedelic EEG literature. The exploratory case series suggests that analyzing single Hz bins rather than standard wide bands can be useful. The authors propose that increased global gamma coherence during peak psychedelic experiences may inform binding theory and invites comparison with advanced meditative states.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
December 1, 2009
Katy A. Jones, M. Blagrove, A. C. Parrott
41 citations
Chronic cannabis users generated more rare-creative responses on a test of creativity than non-drug users, a difference that remained after adjusting for gender. Ecstasy users did not differ from controls on behavioral creativity measures but tended to rate their own answers as more creative, though this trend was borderline. There were no group differences in remote-creative ideas or overall fluency. The study compared 15 abstinent cannabis users, 15 abstinent Ecstasy users, and 15 non-drug-user controls on three creativity measures.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 10, 2022
Nicolas G. Glynos, Jennifer Pierce, Alan K. Davis et al.
39 citations
In a survey of 354 North American adults with fibromyalgia, nearly 30% reported having used a psychedelic, most commonly LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. Most users rated their experience as neutral (59.4%) or positive (36.8%), and fewer than 3% reported negative effects on health or pain. Among the 12 participants who used a psychedelic specifically to treat chronic pain, 11 said their symptoms improved. Regardless of past use, most respondents believed psychedelics could help treat chronic pain and would join a clinical trial for such a treatment. The findings support further research into psychedelic-based therapies for fibromyalgia.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 2011
Brian C Kelly
39 citations
Young adults who use Salvia divinorum, a legally available hallucinogenic plant, typically consume it in home settings like apartments and houses, though some use it in parks, bars, or parties. The intense hallucinogenic experience is described positively by some users, while others find it too overwhelming to continue use. Most report no significant negative health effects, aside from occasional mental cloudiness, and no negative health events among peers. This lack of reported harm may reinforce favorable social norms toward salvia. Overall, users perceive a low risk profile for the substance, possibly influenced by its legal status.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 1994
Thomas J. Riedlinger, June E. Riedlinger
39 citations
A deficiency of serotonin in the central nervous system may underlie some forms of depression. Existing antidepressant treatments include serotonergic drugs, and psychedelic substances also affect serotonin systems, suggesting they could play a role in depression therapy. Past attempts using both indoleamine and phenylalkylamine psychedelics have shown encouraging results, warranting further research, especially on phenylisopropylamine compounds that are only peripherally psychedelic. These entactogens or empathogens cause less distortion of normal consciousness than classic psychedelics like LSD or mescaline, making them easier to integrate into psychotherapy. Their value would be at the start of therapy to reduce fear responses, improve communication, and accelerate the therapeutic alliance.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 1989
Gary Bravo, Charles S. Grob
38 citations
Psychedelic drugs have declined in psychiatric research because social reactions led to their classification as controlled substances. Three historical paradigms for their use are reviewed: the psychotomimetic approach, which aimed to temporarily induce psychoses but proved limited for understanding or treating mental illness; the psycholytic approach, using low doses to reduce defenses and release unconscious material, rooted in psychoanalysis; and the high-dose psychedelic paradigm, which often produced mystical or spiritual experiences and recast the psychiatrist as a modern shaman, alienating many in the profession. Future sanctioned clinical research should learn from traditional shamanic models to assess efficacy and safety.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 2023
Alexandre Augusto de Deus Pontual, H G Senhorini, C M Corradi-Webster et al.
37 citations
A systematic review identified nine psychometric instruments used to assess subjective states induced by psychedelic drugs, including the MEQ, 5D-ASC, HRS, PSI, EDI, CEQ, EBI, EDI, and PIQ. Of 857 articles screened, 15 met the criteria. Eight instruments measure phenomenological aspects of the psychedelic experience, and one screens for psychotic or manic episodes. The number of instruments is growing, but many aspects of the psychedelic experience still lack measurement.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 2023
Otto Simonsson, Simon B. Goldberg
37 citations
In a representative sample of 953 American adults, those who had used classic psychedelics in their lifetime or reported greater ego dissolution during their most intense psychedelic experience were more likely to also have experience with meditation. Among meditators, higher ego dissolution was linked to more frequent meditation practice. Both lifetime psychedelic use and ego dissolution were associated with enlightenment as a motivation to meditate and with fewer perceived barriers to meditation. Ego dissolution was also tied to finding meditation more effective. Neither psychedelic use nor ego dissolution was associated with a higher likelihood of meditation-related adverse effects. These findings suggest a potential synergy between psychedelics and meditation, but randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm causality.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
February 3, 2021
Bhanu Sharma, David W. Lawrence, Roland R. Griffiths et al.
37 citations
An analysis of the top-cited classic psychedelic publications found that recent highly cited work (published after 2010) focuses more on clinical trials and therapeutic applications, especially for affective and substance use disorders, while older highly cited work was dominated by basic science and preclinical studies. Psilocybin was the primary substance in recent top-cited articles, whereas LSD was more common in older ones. The recent cohort also had a much higher annual citation rate. The field is moving from foundational pharmacological understanding toward identifying clinical uses.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
January 1, 1989
Marlene Dobkin De Rios, Michael Winkelman
37 citations
Shamanism and altered states of consciousness (ASC) are reviewed across cultures and disciplines. Despite varied uses of these terms, conceptual and empirical grounds exist to distinguish different types of trance practitioners. Shamanism is argued to be a cultural adaptation of hunting and gathering societies to the biological potential for ASC, with its manifestations changing as societies become more complex. The role of ASC in shamanic phenomena, religious experience, and modern trance is examined. Western cultural avoidance of ASC has inhibited understanding and prevented integration of shamanistic and trance perspectives into psychology, consciousness, and knowledge of the world.