Should Psychedelic Drugs Be Offered as a Treatment for Mental Illness?

Abstract

Psychedelics are becoming increasingly popular as an entry point into difficult- to-treat psychiatric illnesses and a supplement to existing treatments. However, many people view these substances with caution due to increased incidents where they've been used illegally in unsupervised settings. This paper argues that adding psychedelics to the treatment of mental illness can be beneficial for both patients and society as a whole. These drugs could help those who suffer from conditions such as anxiety or depression by providing them with new perspectives on their problems. Additionally, psychedelic therapy may provide psychiatrists with additional options when treating more severe cases of disorders such as PTSD or bipolar disorder. This paper will discuss the clinical effects and physiological processes of action of psychedelic substances, which justifies their use in psychotherapy from three perspectives. First, it will cover the history of these drugs, explaining how they have been used throughout different cultures for centuries. Second, it will examine the safety and efficacy of using psychedelics in therapy. Third, this article provides arguments for why psychedelic therapies should be utilized by therapists across a variety of disciplines.