Why psychiatry needs psychedelics and psychedelics need psychiatry

J Psychoactive Drugs. 2014 Jan-Mar;46(1):57-62. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2014.877322.

Abstract

Without researching psychedelic drugs for medical therapy, psychiatry is turning its back on a group of compounds that could have great potential. Without the validation of the medical profession, the psychedelic drugs, and those who take them off-license, remain archaic sentiments of the past, with the users maligned as recreational drug abusers and subject to continued negative opinion. These two disparate groups--psychiatrists and recreational psychedelic drug users--are united by their shared recognition of the healing potential of these compounds. A resolution of this conflict is essential for the future of psychiatric medicine and psychedelic culture alike. Progression will come from professionals working in the field adapting to fit a conservative paradigm. In this way, they can provide the public with important treatments and also raise the profile of expanded consciousness in mainstream society.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Drug Users / psychology
  • Hallucinogens / adverse effects
  • Hallucinogens / history
  • Hallucinogens / therapeutic use*
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Patient Safety
  • Psychiatry / history
  • Psychiatry / methods*
  • Public Opinion
  • Risk Assessment
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology

Substances

  • Hallucinogens