It’s a ‘psychedelic renaissance,’ as scientists identify medicinal qualities of hardcore drugs
Morgan has just received approval for a trial on how ketamine can treat alcohol dependency. But, though she’s optimistic about growing scientific research in this area, she says “it’s very slow and very hard work” and there tends to be even more red tape than in standard clinical trials. “I don’t know why that is because it’s not a scientifically rational,” she says. “It certainly makes it harder to do research, which is a shame because these drugs have the potential to be really powerful medicines.”
There’s no doubt that all illegal drugs (and some legal ones) can have serious negative consequences. But it’s hardly farfetched that the same drugs considered enjoyable but risky in clubs could be put to better use in hospitals—after all, such substances became popular for their strong effects. Morgan points out that many of the studies use such drugs alongside psychotherapy. “That stems from the idea that these drugs give you a different perspective on your experience, which can be really helpful from a psychological perspective if you use that in the right context,” she adds.
Original Article (Quartz):
It’s a ‘psychedelic renaissance,’ as scientists identify medicinal qualities of hardcore drugs
Artwork Fair Use: Alex Proimos
