Psychology

The key to treating alcoholism with medical marijuana

In the nomenclature of recovery studies, cannabis aided alcoholism recovery is referred to as “Marijuana Maintenance”. The Harm Reduction Journal reports that cannabis can curb an addict’s alcohol cravings and it is a viable, natural alternative to prescription medications such as benzodiazepines. Secondly, a large quantity of drinkers medicate with alcohol to relieve psychological conditions…

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Psychology

A clear-eyed comparison of alcohol vs marijuana

One recent study found that for married couples, smoking weed may actually decrease the likelihood of violence. While studies show no direct link between alcohol and domestic abuse, it’s use is certainly present in many such cases. A study by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence found that “Two-thirds of victims who were…

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Psychology

The feds think pot is a greater threat than opioids

Most tellingly, at a time when more than 60 million Americans enjoy legal marijuana in their home states and when opinion polls show strong and increasing majorities in favor of legalization nationwide, drug agents and federal prosecutors are still devoting more resources to marijuana than to heroin. According to the data, only 14.2% of federal…

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Psychology

Study: alcohol is far worse for mental health than psychedelics

“Drug experts consistently rank LSD and psilocybin mushrooms as much less harmful to the individual user and to society compared to alcohol and other controlled substances.” These words from a study by Norway’s Research Council mimic the self-reported effects of psychoactives, as well: Most users report deep or meaningful experiences while using LSD or mushrooms.…

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Psychology

Medical Doctor (MD) : a history of psychedelics in psychiatry

In many ways psychiatry – biologic psychiatry or pharmacologic psychiatry – started with psychedelics. There were 2 studies done (on psilocybin). They were both randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies where people were blindly given either an active psilocybin or different placebos, but each study had a placebo. They got one treatment, and then they were followed…

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Psychology

The high road to beating addiction

I was intrigued to learn some so-called psychedelic, hallucinogenic or psychoactive drugs might actually cure some addictions. The mantra of most drug addiction programs and mainstream, alternative or luxury rehab centers has long been that you can’t cure addiction. Once an addict, always an addict. Even if you don’t use drugs or drink for 20…

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