BOOTLEGGED ECSTASY
JAMA March 7, 1964 DOI: 10.1001/jama.1964.03060230096025 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD MDMA Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Gratification Pleasure Pimozide Publicity Hallucinogen Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key findings | Research on LSD-25 and psilocybin has not provided clues to the etiology or therapy of natural psychoses, and the drugs' recreational use for gratification and social belonging has become an untoward byproduct. |
Abstract
For several years, quietly and without publicity, several scientists have been studying the behavioral pharmacology of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25), and lately psilocybin, on experimental animals and human subjects. The psychotic effects of these drugs have some but not complete similarity to the schizophrenic psychoses, which has resulted in their classification as psychomimetics. Yet the study of their effects has not given a clue to the etiology or therapy of the naturally appearing psychoses, although a wealth of information regarding abnormal mental states has accrued. We are now confronted with two untoward byproducts which have no relation to legitimate scientific endeavors. The first is the widespread use of these drugs by irresponsible lay persons for their "kick" effect, for the gratification derived from vivid hallucinatory experience, and the pleasure of belonging to a "superior" social group which transcends the mundane existence of ordinary people. The second is the experimentation with