What about psychedelics?

[Emergent, RN]

What are you all know about the use of psychedelic drugs to help people? The whole movement got shut down in the 60s because people were having too much fun with it. But apparently there are some useful things that can be done with drugs like LSD.

Now with the liberalization of drug laws in many states, some of these things might become available. I don't know too much about magic mushrooms but they are legal in Oregon now I think.

I have heard that LSD is making a comeback and being used to help people with psychiatric problems. Of course the danger is always abuse, because people just get addicted to various substances. Thoughts?

[Guest 1152923]

      The active compound, psilocybin, found in “magic mushrooms” apparently is showing promise in treating addiction and mental illness.  I'm not sure about dependence/abuse issues with the mushrooms but know that many antidepressants and antipsychotic medications also have some very unpleasant side effects; significant weight gain, sexual dysfunction, tardive dyskinesia, akathesia.  Personally, I think for the worst sufferers, dependence would probably be a small trade off.  Perhaps one day, "magic mushrooms" will offer relief and hope for these individuals without the attendant side effects of traditional medications used to treat these illnesses.