Is Society Tripping?: Insight into the World of Psychedelics

Author: Mira Mathur

This essay is my Citizen Rhetor Symposium Competition submission which earned me a Finalist title among five other girls. Enjoy...

Sharm Murugiah

From a young age, I was told by superior figures that mental health didn’t exist and that it was a choice. I grew up thinking that anytime I felt depressed or anxious that I could just snap out of it and be okay. Aging only made my problems worse, as it did for many of my friends and peers. Although having illnesses such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD are becoming more socially accepted, the severity behind these conditions has not properly been acted upon. In attempts to suppress the spiritual demons people struggle against, doctors have chemically produced solutions with only temporary relief, always leaving you craving more. But what if there was a way to make it go away? A long-lasting solution for curing depression? Believe it or not, there is. Developments in the world of psychedelics have been scientifically groundbreaking, demonstrating deep psychological rewiring that trains the brain to be happier. The possibility for a mental illness free society is within arm’s reach and for too long now, people have been bearing the weight of mental disorders with no hope for a better future. Without reasoning, individuals claim that psychedelics are harmful to our health and pharmaceutical companies, media, and false stereotypes only nurture that belief; therefore, we must destroy the negative stigma surrounding psychedelics and educate the public in hope for a well-rounded society.

Slander continues to surround the use of Psychedelic drug therapy even though it has been proven medically beneficial. Like all drugs, there is a research process to test the positive and negative effects of the drug. They go through lab tests, exams, and government approval to rule whether they are safe for societal use. The problem with “socially accepted” drugs is that they are chemically produced in labs and do not contain natural ingredients, for example, sertraline hydrochloride which is found in Zoloft. The chemicals trick your brain into releasing serotonin, a natural chemical in your body, to give you temporary happiness. Although these medications are effective, they do not cure long term issues the way psychedelics do. In fact, M.D. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin claims that suddenly quitting an anti-depressant causes withdrawal symptoms “such as: Anxiety, Insomnia, headaches, and return of depression symptoms” (Hall-Flavin). On the other hand, psychedelic hallucinogens such as LSD, DMT, Mescaline, psilocybin, MDMA, and even THC found in marijuana, have been scientifically proven to better treat mental illnesses such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. Now, you may be wondering, if both drugs work, then why are psychedelics considered a better alternative to anti-depressants? According to Austin Lim, Ph.D. and professor of neuroscience at DePaul University, at the right dosage, “psychedelics produce only minor side effects such as transient fear, perception of illusions, nausea/vomiting or headaches” (Lim). Although it sounds hazardous, these side effects pale in comparison to the severe side effects of commonly prescribed antidepressants which can create change in heart rate, “paradoxical increases in suicidality, and withdrawal symptoms” (Lim). Along with exhibiting less severe side effects, psychedelics in combination with psychotherapy are astonishingly efficient for treating depression. Psychedelics have a faster effect on patients showing results within a single therapy session whereas SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) anti-depressants can often take weeks before changes are observed.

To make matters worse, pharmaceutical companies are steering people away from psychedelic treatment because psychedelic benefits could harm the companies’ profit margins. Having been proven to heal and cure sick minded patients, psychedelic treatments have the potential to make greater profits than that of big pharma companies. Patients who are currently feeding pharmaceutical companies billions of dollars would no longer need routine anti-depressant treatments. Because these companies convince their patients that they need consistent anti-depressant medicines, the vicious cycle of product and demand continues. These companies are selfishly tricking people into trusting their drugs because they are strategically marketed as the only option. However, psychedelic therapy has existed for much longer than most anti-depressants and have been proven to be more beneficial. Pharmacies brainwash their customers to rely on them as crutches for chemically produced medicine that only provides a temporary fix. In fact, “50% of the people prescribed these dubious drugs derive no benefit. Of those who do report some benefit, roughly 1/3rd of that is just a placebo effect” (Nielson). To further expand on the placebo concept, I interviewed people who have personally experienced the effects of anti-depressant and psychedelic therapies including psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and ecstasy (MDMA). The first interviewee, Ursuline Student Coco Bowhill, has only taken prescription anti-depressants and reported that when on the drugs she felt the following side effects: sleepless nights, emotional numbness, nausea, and shakiness (Bowhill). She is currently taking Zoloft, which is prescribed to most patients reporting depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Her experience on Zoloft has not improved her lifestyle or mental wellbeing, however, she feels she cannot stop taking the drug because of the withdrawal symptoms. Between switching medication and trying new ones, Coco explains the drugs don’t make her happy or euphoric, but instead help her react more realistically with her emotional responses. Although her experience sounds beneficial, most people who need anti-depressant treatment want to feel happy, not emotionally indifferent. This concept of emotional numbness leads to my second interviewee who wishes to remain anonymous as they talked about their experience comparing anti-depressants to psychedelic treatments: “I do something called micro-dosing, which is taking small amounts of psychedelic mushrooms to give you a small euphoric high. The high I’ve received from mushrooms lasts longer than the effects of my anti-depressants because it rewires my brain” (Anonymous). Their response left me wondering, how do psychedelic plants rewire your brain as opposed to giving you a temporary relief? Studies at Yale University found that administering small doses of psilocybin to mice lead to long lasting increase in the strength connections between neurons in a specific region of the medial frontal cortex. Although it is still unclear exactly how psilocybin works on the brain, it is proven that “serotonergic psychedelics produce an atypical state of consciousness characterized by altered perception, cognition, and mood” (Ktori). The Anonymous interviewee also reported “not having a depressive episode since [they] first micro-dosed on mushrooms which was six months ago” (Anonymous). Since trying mushrooms, they have stopped taking anti-depressants, and no longer feed into the pharmaceutical companies who brainwashed them before. Having tried both anti-depressant therapies, the anonymous source prefers the effects of psychedelic drugs over prescription anti-depressants because of the long-lasting benefits, minimal negative effects, and euphoric sensations that cured their depression.

At this point, the controversy over psychedelics boils down to why it matters. Why should someone care that psychedelic are shunned illegal substances? While people are suffering from chronic illnesses, life changing medical developments in the world of psychedelics are being gatekept from society thus preventing their benefits from making a difference in the world of mental health. Chronic mental illnesses have been dated back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans who first described feelings of melancholia and spiritual demons. To this day, the same spiritual demons haunt the minds of millions of people who often do not know how to fight back. Depression alone affects an estimated 3.8% of the world’s population which translates to 280 million people. In 2017, 792 million people were documented to be suffering from 1 of 8 mental illnesses that psychedelics have been proven to remarkably reduce (Dattani, Ritchie, Roser). Not only would eliminating the negative stigma of psychedelics help broaden the medical possibilities, but it would also greatly reduce the number of suicides. A study done by J Environ Res Public Health in 2018 shows that suicide amounts to 1.4% of all deaths worldwide (Bradvik). Most of these suicides correspond with psychiatric diseases such as depression, addiction, and psychosis. To further expand on this theory, a study was done on women to see if ever using “a psychedelic drug could have protective effects on incidence of suicidality” (Argento, Strathdee, Tupper, Braschel, Wood, Shannon). Within the study, a “multivariable analysis, reported lifetime psychedelic drug use was associated with a 60% reduced hazard for suicidality” (Argento, Strathdee, Tupper, Braschel, Wood, Shannon). These long-term suicide preventing effects that psychedelics demonstrated on these women could completely change the world’s approach to mental health. The normalization and inclusion of psychedelic drugs on communities could mean a lower population of depressed and suicidal individuals, possibly saving thousands of lives.

Although countless studies proving the benefits of psychedelics would seem convincing, most of society remains ignorant to the idea of psychedelic therapy because of its association with the word “drug”. Immediately upon hearing this word, people stand back and relate it to dangerous substances such as heroin or cocaine. Yes, heroin and cocaine are drugs, however, so is the caffeine in your coffee or the alcohol in your cabinet, both of which are deemed “normal” by society. The negative connotation of the word “drug” does have value because it is used to scare people away from serious substances, nonetheless, the word “drug” should not always be linked to highly addictive medicines. Stigmatization is common in society and people often join hateful bandwagons without evidence to support their reasoning. The negative reputation surrounding psychedelics began in the 60’s when “President Nixon declared a War on psychedelic drugs which was highly sensationalized, politicized and not based on scientific evidence” (Andrews, Roy). Psychedelic pioneers assert that they are illegal because they “dissolve opinion structures and culturally [lay] down models of behavior and information processing” thus opening “you up to the possibility that everything you know is wrong” (Mckenna). The power psychedelics have to expand your consciousness and spirituality scare the public into categorizing them as a schedule 1 drug. Although psychedelic medicines are experiencing a glimmer of hope to those with serious conditions, the “poor media portrayal of such hallucinogens coupled with the tiresome war on drugs and protest from medical professionals, has tainted the name of psychedelics” (Andrews, Roy). A new 2020 Netflix production, Have A Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics directed by Donick Cary embraces the “hippie-drug” stigmatism around psychedelics through animations and real-life interviews with celebrities. While simultaneously informing the public about psychedelics, Cary brings comic relief to the topic in attempts to mellow the cloud of judgement surrounding these drugs. In a harmless way, Cary mocks common assumptions made about psychedelics through funny skits, personal experiences, and animations that lightheartedly describe the spiritually euphoric effects one feels during a high. Multiple celebrities have claimed to have gained a lot of insight about the way they view reality and since trying psychedelics see “the entire universe cracked open” (Sting). In the case of this documentary, real people are used to share real experiences about their spiritual awakenings to persuade the public into trusting psychedelics rather than categorizing them as dangerous.

In addition to the debate surrounding psychedelics, an often-forgotten factor is the laced drug problem. A large reason why so many people steer clear of psychedelics is they are often laced with much more dangerous drugs such as Methamphetamine, Ketamine, laundry detergent, Cocaine, Heroin, PCP, lead, glass, and fungus, if not properly sourced. Because psychedelics, other than psilocybin, are illegal everywhere in the US, people who are interested in trying the drugs source them from untrustworthy places. Cannabis, although not technically a psychedelic, is among the most laced drugs. The risk laced drugs pose, is a serious threat to society because most people aren’t educated on how to source from reputable dispensaries. According to American Addiction Centers, laced psychedelics can result in a person experiencing over stimulating effects on the central nervous system with increased feelings of sedation or lethargy. Hallucinogenic drugs added to psychedelics can produce severe hallucinations and delusions. If the person consuming the laced drug is already anxious or in distress, the drugs can intensify those feelings while also adding nausea, vomiting, dizziness, irritability, decreased appetite, and many more unpleasant side effects (MA.M.F.T Watkins). Without professional knowledge and guidance, psychedelics can be abused, only creating worse stigma around their name.

The first step to settling the controversy over psychedelics is legalizing them for medical use. Society is not short of studies proving the medical benefits from psychedelics, and it can be agreed that the medical world is long overdue for new treatments. Although legalizing all psychedelics for recreational use would be hasty and unwise, in the hands of trained professionals, they should slowly be introduced into communities. Cities such as Denver, Colorado, Oakland and Santa Cruz, California are the first cities in the United States to legalize psilocybin. Within the government, State Senator Scott Weiner’96 has already proposed “legislation to decriminalize the use and possession of psychedelic drugs in the state by those over 21” (Milano). He proposed the Senate Bill 519 which almost made it all the way through state legislature before it stalled until next year. It would be impossible to change the minds of everyone concerning psychedelic therapy, however despite whether one hates or loves them, is it fair to be arresting and prosecuting those who use them? If they pose no real threat to society, it is only fair that the government gives medical officials the chance to test the benefits legally. As for Dallas, Brandon Friedman shares his opinion as to why there’s no real reason why Dallas shouldn’t decriminalize psychedelics. Brandon claims the legalization of marijuana for recreational use has opened doors for the social acceptance of these plants. In addition, he argues that the emerging clinical research over psychedelics’ curing ability for mental disorders could dramatically change the medical industry. To support his claim that Dallas specifically should legalize psychedelics drugs, Brandon compares the dangers of psychedelics to common Dallas issues such as crashing on the Central Expressway and the murder spike. Unlike alcohol and nicotine, mushrooms are not addictive and do not cause liver or brain damage. In fact, entrepreneurs, and celebrities such as Steve Jobs and George Harrison of the Beatles, arguably claim that psychedelics were a leading factor to their great success. Brandon ends his argument by contrasting the bigger American issue, America’s war on drugs, and the amount it has cost taxpayers to incarcerate mistargeted minorities. If psychedelics were decriminalized and approved by the government through ongoing FDA tests, more Americans would open their minds to the idea of psychedelic treatment.

Adding on to legalization, awareness needs to be spread about the new developments regarding psychedelic treatment. Only a small percent of the population knows about the spiritual and health benefits of psychedelics. Luckily, as more information is being discovered and released, Youtubers and Bloggers such as Nuero Transmissions, are making posts to spread their knowledge of psychedelics. Society needs more people like Michael Pollan, author of “This is Your Mind on Plants” to answer the internet’s most burning questions. In a video with Wired, Pollan responds to tweets that everyday people submitted asking common questions about psychedelics that our education system and government has failed to teach us. In this video he uses simple terms to explain how psychedelics work and incorporates his own personal experiences while advising how to avoid bad trips. Videos like his are important because they come across personable, which a controversial topic like psychedelics, really needs. In correlation with awareness, Rick Doblin and Jennifer Altman, writing for New York Times stress the importance of informing health care workers of new psychiatric developments. This rise in popularity causes patients to turn to their health care providers and ask if the drug is safe to take. However, these providers are failing to be educated on the evolution of psychedelics, hence, they cannot give accurate advice to their patients. Rick Doblin and Jennifer Altman discuss the proven facts that psychedelics help cure/aid mental disorders that past medicines have not worked on. In contrary to medication, “the psychedelic experience can spark deep reflection that motivates behavioral change” rather than suppressing symptoms (Doblin and Altman). They further analyze the reports stating that 30% of adults have symptoms of anxiety and depression and more than half do not respond to current approved treatment. Even though psychedelics could provide astounding results, the authors declare their difference cannot be made without standardized education that could break the negative stigma.

What we as a community need to do is mitigate the stigma around psychedelic therapy to convince stubborn minds that the benefits could potentially cure thousands of cases of mental illnesses. “Petition2Congress”, a free petitions website that sends emails to Capitol Hill recently featured a petition to legalize psychedelic drugs & marijuana in all 50 states for medical use. “As you know, psychedelics such as “psilocybin mushrooms/magic mushrooms, LSD, MDMA, ect and marijuana are schedule 1 drugs” (Petition2Congress). The petition informs that a schedule 1 drugs has to have high potential for substance abuse which is a common misunderstanding about psychedelics. They are in fact non-addictive substances, and they also build up a quick tolerance, meaning if you take it everyday it won’t harm your body. Among other ways we can take action is by incorporating topics concerning psychedelic therapy in our education system. Natural chemicals such as psilocybin should be included in psychology classes because of its intriguing effects on the brain. This argument challenges the work of those critics who have long assumed that psychedelic are harmful to society, when in fact, they provide indisputable benefits. By taking these steps, we will guide communities to embrace the idea of psychedelic therapy in hopes to create a future free of mental illness and full of happy individuals.

Sources:

• Andrews, Eleanor, and Alana Roy. “Breaking down the Stigma and Shame of Psychedelics by Eleanor Andrews and Dr Alana Roy · Mind Medicine Australia.” Mind Medicine Australia RSS, 23 Oct. 2020, mindmedicineaustralia.org.au/breaking-down-the-stigma-and-shame-of-psychedelics/.

• Anonymous, Personal Interview. 9 March 2022.

• Argento, Elena, et al. “Does Psychedelic Drug Use Reduce Risk of Suicidality? Evidence from a Longitudinal Community-Based Cohort of Marginalised Women in a Canadian Setting.” BMJ Open, BMJ Publishing Group, 21 Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5623475/.

• Bowhill, Coco. Personal Interview. 9 March 2022.

• Brådvik, Louise. “Suicide Risk and Mental Disorders.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI, 17 Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165520/.

• Cary, Donick. Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics. (2020). Netflix . Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.netflix.com/browse?jbv=80231917.

• Colman, Rachel, and Frances Tingle. “A Case for Dallas to Decriminalize Psychedelic Plants.” Central Track, 21 Apr. 2020, https://www.centraltrack.com/a-case-for-dallas-to-decriminalize-psychedelic-plants/.

• Dattani, Saloni, et al. “Mental Health.” Our World in Data, 20 Aug. 2021, ourworldindata.org/mental-health.

• Doblin, Rick, and Jennifer Ouyang Altman. “Op-Ed: Psychedelic Treatments Are Here, but Doctors Aren't Prepared.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2021, https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-08-29/op-ed-psychedelic-treatments-are-here-but-doctors-arent-prepared.

• Hall-Flavin, Daniel K. “Abruptly Quitting an Antidepressant May Cause Symptoms.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 29 Jan. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressant-withdrawal/faq-20058133#:~:text=Quitting%20an%20antidepressant%20suddenly%20may,Headaches

• Ktori, Sophia. “Psychedelic Compound in ‘Magic Mushrooms’ Prompts Growth of Neural Connections Lost in Depression.” GEN, 7 July 2021, www.genengnews.com/news/psychedelic-compound-in-magic-mushrooms-prompts-growth-of-neural-connections-lost-in-depression/#:~:text=Imaging%20studies%20in%20rodents%20have,the%20drug's%20reported%20antidepressant%20effects.

• “Laced Weed: Marijuana Laced with LSD, Coke & Heroin.” Edited by Meredith Watkins, American Addiction Centers, 7 Jan. 2022, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/what-can-marijuana-be-laced-with.

• “Legalize Psychedelic Drugs & Marijuana in All 50 States.” Petition2Congress, 26 Aug. 2015, https://www.petition2congress.com/ctas/legalize-psychedelic-drugs-marijuana-in-all-50-states.

• Lim, Austin. “Psychedelics as Antidepressants.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 2021, www.scientificamerican.com/article/psychedelics-as-antidepressants/.

• Milano, Brett. “The Obstacles to Decriminalizing Psychedelic Drugs Are Political, Not Legal, Say Experts.” Harvard Law Today, 13 Oct. 2021, today.law.harvard.edu/the-obstacles-to-decriminalizing-psychedelic-drugs-are-political-not-legal-say-experts/.

• Nielson, Jeff. “Why Psychedelic Medicine Cures Will Have Greater Profit Potential than Big Pharma Bandaids.” Psychedelic Stock Watch, Source: Psychedelic Stock Watch, 13 Sept. 2021, psychedelicstockwatch.com/psychedelic-stock-news/why-psychedelic-medicine-cures-will-have-greater-profit-potential-than-big-pharma-bandaids.

• WIRED. “Expert Answers Psychedelics Questions from Twitter (Ft ...” YouTube, 14 Sept. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBLnSl8Q1NQ.