Emerging From the Dark Side: New Therapeutic Applications of Scheduled Psychoactive Substances

James, Edward; Robertshaw, Thomas L; Westwell, Andrew D.

doi:10.4155/fmc-2018-0447

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Due to the importance of set and setting in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, it is also likely that a widespread societal aversion to psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences could hinder the therapeutic viability of the treatment (Carhart-Harris et al, 2018;Hartogsohn, 2016Hartogsohn, , 2017. Public resistance could be challenging for future applications of psilocybin which, research suggests, have implications for improved mental (Carhart-Harris et al, 2016), physical (Bogenschutz et al, 2015) and societal wellbeing (Hendricks et al, 2018;James et al, 2019;Nour et al, 2017;Walsh et al, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using the pharmacy retail model to examine perceptions and biases of a UK population sample towards regulation of specific psychoactive drugs

James

Robertshaw

Chapman

et al. 2019

Drug Science, Policy and Law

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Background: Contemporary research indicates that the legal classifications of cannabis (Schedule 2, Class B), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (Schedule 1, Class A) and psilocybin (Schedule 1, Class A) in the United Kingdom are not entirely based on considerations of harm and therapeutic utility. The legal classifications of the substances discussed are typically determined by legislators such as Parliament and, therefore, may be a reflection of the views or perceived views of the general public. Objective: The aim of the study was to provide an indication of the underlying psychology regarding the legislated sale of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, MDMA and psilocybin in pharmacies according to a UK general population sample. Methods: A sample of 105 UK nationals was selected for the survey. Participants were asked questions on perceived relative harm of the five substances. After viewing contemporary information on reported relative harm and therapeutic applications, the participants were asked questions related to using the pharmacy retail model for the sale of the substances discussed. Participants who opposed the substances being sold primarily in pharmacies were asked to explain their rationale according to a predetermined list of options for each of the five drugs. Participants were also asked whether they consider it a human right to be legally permitted to consume the substances. Results: The participants' perceptions of relative harm (tobacco > MDMA > psilocybin > alcohol > cannabis) were not in agreement with the relative harm reported in the literature (alcohol > tobacco > cannabis > MDMA > psilocybin). Principal objections to the currently illicit substances being legally available in pharmacies include it sending the wrong message; it feels wrong; it is too dangerous; disliking the smell of cannabis; disapproval of the people; and not liking the idea of people using psychoactive drugs for entertainment or to have mystical/religious experiences. Overall, the participants determined that being legally permitted to consume the substances discussed is an issue of relevance to human rights. A majority of the male participants concluded that being legally permitted to consume alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and Psilocybe mushrooms is a human right in contrast to the majority of female participants who solely considered alcohol consumption to be a human right. Conclusions: The data suggest that the legal classifications may not simply be based on considerations of harm. Misperceptions of the dangers, biases and non-health-related aversions likely contribute to the continuation of policies that do not reflect the state of scientific research.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using the pharmacy retail model to examine perceptions and biases of a UK population sample towards regulation of specific psychoactive drugs

James

Robertshaw

Chapman

et al. 2019

Drug Science, Policy and Law

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“…Simple online tools (e.g., https://combo.tripsit.me) may aid users to better understand potential adverse interactions between substances, including some prescribed drugs, though could be expanded to include a larger number of substances. Information on potential interactions may be expected to improve in the coming years, as clinical trials involving MDMA as a therapeutic agent (for example to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) progress (James et al, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A rapid scoping review of self-initiated harm reduction strategies for ecstasy (MDMA) users in recreational settings

Edwards

Csontos

Pascoe

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can occur due to ecstasy use, and the number of people dying due to drug-related deaths has increased in the past 10 years. Self-initiated harm reduction strategies could help prevent ADRs or decrease the incidence of life-threatening health consequences due to ecstasy use. Methods: A rapid scoping review was conducted using adapted JBI methodology. The objectives were to describe the strategies employed by ecstasy users to minimise harm, the sources of information they rely on, and to assess the content of user-oriented websites regarding detrimental effects and harm reduction practices. Five databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL) were searched for English language records from database inception to August 2022. User-oriented websites were identified via the project’s stakeholder group and Google searches. Results: Twenty reports representing 19 studies (one RCT, nine quantitative descriptive studies and nine qualitative studies) were included. A wide variety of self-initiated harm reduction strategies were reported, including drug checking, dose control (including buying from trusted sources), seeking peer support (e.g., looking out for friends), hydration management and temperature regulation (e.g., monitoring water consumption, taking rest breaks, and avoiding alcohol), avoiding polydrug use, and pre- / post-loading. Information on ecstasy’s effects and/or harm reduction practices is obtained from a variety of sources including friends, nightclubs, drug leaflets, and user-oriented websites. Fourteen websites providing ecstasy-specific harm reduction information were also identified and quality assessed. However, only two webpages provided citations to the evidence used for the content. Conclusions: The provision and quality assessment of ecstasy harm reduction advice from various sources has been collectively analysed for the first time. We hope and anticipate that use of this rapid scoping review will facilitate more comprehensive, evidence-based harm reduction messaging, reducing the likelihood of future ADRs and life-threatening health consequences related to ecstasy use.

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“…Research has suggested that psilocybin use can lead to positive changes in personality and increased altruism such as enhanced nature‐relatedness (Lyons & Carhart‐Harris, 2018), pro‐environmental behaviour (Forstmann & Sagioglou, 2017), decreased violent and criminal behaviour (Hendricks et al, 2018; Walsh et al, 2016), reduced suicidal ideation (Hendricks, Thorne, Clark, Coombs, & Johnson, 2015), tempered politically authoritarian views (Lyons & Carhart‐Harris, 2018) and an increase in the personality domain of openness (MacLean et al, 2011; Nour, Evans, & Carhart‐Harris, 2017). In light of the previously highlighted research, it could be argued that use of psilocybin in positive psychology interventions to induce changes in domains of personality could have benefits to society and the global environment (Elsey, 2017; James, Robertshaw, & Westwell, 2019; Shelton & Hendricks, 2016; Watts et al, 2017).…”

Section: Future Directions For Psilocybin‐assisted Psychotherapymentioning

confidence: 99%

Psilocybin occasioned mystical‐type experiences

James

Robertshaw

Hoskins

et al. 2020

Human Psychopharmacology

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Objective Research into psychedelic therapy models has shown promise for the treatment of specific psychiatric conditions. Mystical‐type experiences occasioned by psilocybin have been correlated with therapeutic benefits and long‐term improvements in positive mental outlook and attitudes. This article aims to provide an overview of the topic, highlight strengths and weaknesses in current research, generate novel perspectives and discussion, and consider future avenues for research. Design This narrative review was designed to summarise and assess the state of research on psilocybin occasioned mystical‐type experiences and applications for the treatment of specific psychiatric conditions. Results Contemporary methods on the quantification of mystical‐type experiences and their acute subjective effects are discussed. Recent studies provide some understanding of the pharmacological actions of psychedelics although the neurological similarities and differences between spontaneous and psychedelic mystical‐type experiences are not well described. Applicability to modern clinical settings is assessed. Potential novel therapeutic applications include use in positive psychology interventions in healthy individuals. Conclusions Since 2006 significant advancements in understanding the therapeutic potential of psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy have been made; however, more work is required to understand the neuromechanistic processes and applicability in modern clinical settings. Despite promising results in recent studies, funding issues for clinical trials, legal concerns and socio‐cultural resistance provide a counterpoint to experimental evidence.

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Emerging From the Dark Side: New Therapeutic Applications of Scheduled Psychoactive Substances

Cited by 3 publications

References 20 publications

Using the pharmacy retail model to examine perceptions and biases of a UK population sample towards regulation of specific psychoactive drugs

Using the pharmacy retail model to examine perceptions and biases of a UK population sample towards regulation of specific psychoactive drugs

A rapid scoping review of self-initiated harm reduction strategies for ecstasy (MDMA) users in recreational settings

Psilocybin occasioned mystical‐type experiences

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