Abstract There are few medications with demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment guidelines have unequivocally designated psychotherapy as a first line treatment for PTSD. Yet, even after psychotherapy, PTSD often remains a chronic illness, with high rates of psychiatric and medical comorbidity. Meanwhile, the search for and development of drugs...
The relationship between ketamine's hallucinogenic- and dissociative-type effects and antidepressant mechanism of action is poorly understood. This paper reviewed the correlation between subjective effects defined by various psychometric scales and observed clinical outcomes in the treatment of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Based on PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed the...
‘Why is psychedelic culture dominated by privileged white men?’ asks historian Mike Jay, referring to a recent study of psychedelic users who are more than likely to be college-educated white males.1 This appears logical, given the figureheads (such as Timothy Leary) who attained cult-like status half a century ago. Many today continue to view psychedelics as a symbol of the hedonism of the...
AIMS To explore the feasibility of delivering community-based drug safety testing ('drug checking'), to trial service design characteristics and to compare with festival-based testing. METHODS 171 substances of concern were submitted on five dates at three venues in two UK cities and tested using up to six analytical techniques. Test results and harm reduction advice were distributed directly...
Mephedrone (4-MMC, mephedrone) is a synthetic cathinone derivative included in the class of new psychoactive substances. It is commonly used simultaneously with alcohol (ethanol). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions on subjective, cardiovascular and hormone effects and pharmacokinetics between mephedrone and alcohol in humans. Eleven male volunteers participated as...
Abstract This chapter describes cannabis use and risk for psychosis, the drug's long-term effects on IQ and the modification of THC-related effects by terpenes. These discussions of cannabis raise much wider issues that apply to the myriad of recreational drugs affecting mood and consciousness from legal everyday examples, such as caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol; through the illegal, including...
The article discusses the literary search for God as given in the novel The Transmigration of Timothy Archer by Philip K. Dick. Religious, theological and fantastic contexts of the novel are analyzed here. The author also presents some cultural aspects of the novel. Set in late 1960s and 1970s, it is one of the novels in his Valis triptych where the search for God and His hidden essence is...
Mysticism is a way of knowing, but one based solely on experience. It is basically knowledge through love. Although religions have visible differences, mysticism is only one. The yogi and the Kabbalah worshiper, the Sufi, the hesychast and the Western mystical, all go through the same route, have the same behaviour and follow the same purpose. In contrast to other ways of knowing, the mystical...
Anabolic-androgenic steroids, inhalants, hallucinogens, dissociative anesthetics and “club drugs” are a heterogeneous group of substances that have considerable potential for misuse and associated morbidity and/or mortality. Steroid use often goes undetected, even by addiction psychiatrists, though significant medical and psychiatric consequences often arise from chronic use. Inhalants, which...
Abstract Objective The number of novel psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines has continued to increase, but little academic research has focused on the effects of these substances. We sought to determine and compare the subjective effects of various substances. Methods We conducted in‐depth interviews with 39 adults (75.4% male and 87.2% White) who reported experience using psychedelic...