Can Psychedelic Drugs Trigger Mental Illness

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A psychedelic substance is a psychoactive drug that has the capacity to alter cognition and perception in an individual. It has been a matter of debate for a long time that a psychedelic substance can cause the onset of mental illness in an addict. In fact, psychiatrists are prejudiced against the use of psychedelic drugs blaming its use for causing mental illnesses and developing suicidal tendencies. However, according to a new study, there is no correlation between psychedelic drug use and mental illness.

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Can Psychedelic Drugs Trigger Mental Illness?
A psychedelic substance is a psychoactive drug that has the capacity to alter cognition and
perception in an individual. It has been a matter of debate for a long time that a psychedelic
substance can cause the onset of mental illness in an addict. In fact, psychiatrists are prejudiced
against the use of psychedelic drugs blaming its use for causing mental illnesses and developing
suicidal tendencies. However, according to a new study, there is no correlation between psychedelic
drug use and mental illness.
The authors of the study argue that the potential harms associated with these drugs are negligible
and psychedelic drugs do not cause addiction or compulsive use. It says that only 0.005 percent of
emergency department visits in the United States are linked to psychedelic drugs. According to the
researchers, even in countries like the Netherlands, where psilocybin (a psychedelic drug)
mushrooms are widely available and used, the rates of serious injuries related to a psychedelic drug
are quite low.
The methodology
The study done by Johansen and Krebs used the annual data from National Survey on Drug Use and
Health (NSDUH), which compiles figures related to substance use and mental health from a random
sample that is representative of the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population. The researchers
collated data from respondents who were 18 years and older from survey years 2008-2011.
The investigators studied a sample
comprising of 135,095 respondents, of
whom 19,299 reported lifetime use of
a psychedelic substance, including
LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, or peyote.
They were all classic cases of
serotonergic psychedelics. The authors
then investigated 11 self-reported
indicators of past year mental health
problems, which included depression,
anxiety disorders, and suicidal
thoughts, plans, and attempts.
The psychedelic users were found to
be younger, male, white, unmarried,
prone to carry out risky activities, and
to have used other drugs. They are even likely to report depression before the age of 18. Childhood
depression, thought the researchers, could be the reason why respondents tried psychedelic drugs.
The study found that lifetime use of psychedelic substances was not associated with any mental
health problems. On the contrary, the lifetime psychedelic use was associated with a lower
likelihood of past year inpatient mental health treatment in them. There was also a lower level of
suicidal behaviors among psychedelic drug users. However, that was not statistically significant.

But those with severe cases of addiction from psychedelic drugs need to go for detox, as its negative
impacts from long-term abuse are similar to any other substance of abuse. Even Arizona has some
good treatment centers in the country. Those looking for drug addiction treatment centers in
Arizona can choose from a host of treatment centers spread across the state.
Key takeaways
The study debunked several myths from the past and concluded that psychedelic drugs do not cause
mental illness themselves. For instance, in the past, especially in the sixties, using psychedelic drugs
was associated with “flashbacks” among addicts. But the authors said that people who allegedly
experienced so-called flashbacks were actually diagnosed with schizophrenia and they were already
obsessing about their drug experience. It had nothing to do with the use of psychedelic drugs.
Conclusions drawn by the study:




Using psychedelic drugs for long was not significantly associated with the majority of mental
health outcomes.
The past year use of LSD was associated with a borderline reduction in past year
psychological distress.
Using psychedelic drugs was not associated with higher risks for suicidal ideation, suicide
planning, or suicide attempts among the respondents.

However, if you or a loved one in the family is abusing any substance, the Arizona Drug Addiction
Helpline can help get rid of it. Call today at our 24/7 helpline number 866-576-4147. Our experts are
eager to guide you to the best drug addiction treatment centers, Arizona.
www.arizonadrugaddictionhelpline.com

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