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Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

LastWeekTonight・17 minutes read

Psychedelics are being explored for spirituality, healing, and therapy, with promising results in treating conditions like addiction and PTSD. Veterans, like C.J. Hardin, have seen significant symptom reduction with psychedelic therapy, and the FDA is expected to approve MDMA for clinical use soon, followed by possibly psilocybin and LSD later on.

Insights

  • Psychedelics, such as LSD and MDMA, are being increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like PTSD, addiction, and depression, with promising results from clinical trials and real-life experiences like that of veterans like C.J. Hardin.
  • The path to widespread acceptance and accessibility of psychedelic therapy faces challenges due to concerns over cost, aggressive patent-seeking behavior by companies like Compass Pathways, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and effectiveness in treatment settings.

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Recent questions

  • What are some potential uses of psychedelics?

    Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA have shown promise in spirituality, healing, and recreational purposes. They have been used in therapy to treat conditions like addiction, depression, and trauma, with clinical trials demonstrating positive results in treating PTSD. Veterans, in particular, have seen significant symptom reduction with psychedelic therapy, making it a promising avenue for addressing mental health issues.

  • How have psychedelics been historically used?

    Psychedelics have a long history in Indigenous communities and gained popularity in the mid-20th century, with substances like LSD and magic mushrooms becoming well-known. They were once used for mental health treatment before being associated with the counterculture and facing anti-psychedelic hysteria. The U.S. military even experimented with LSD for incapacitating enemy troops, showcasing the diverse historical uses of these substances.

  • What is the current status of psychedelic therapy?

    The FDA is expected to approve MDMA for clinical use in the near future, with psilocybin and possibly LSD to follow later. Therapy sessions involving psychedelics should be administered in controlled settings, with safety measures like having two people present at all times and videotaping the session. However, concerns over accessibility and affordability have arisen, as companies like Compass Pathways aggressively seek patents for aspects of psychedelic therapy, potentially limiting access to these treatments.

  • How do psychedelics affect the brain?

    Psychedelics can alter the way the brain processes things, making them promising for treating conditions like addiction, depression, and trauma. This alteration in brain function during therapy sessions is what contributes to the potential efficacy of psychedelics in addressing mental health issues. Veterans, who often struggle with PTSD at higher rates than the general population, find this form of therapy particularly appealing due to its potential benefits.

  • What are the regulatory challenges surrounding psychedelic therapy?

    Regulation of psychedelic therapy is a crucial issue, as the FDA oversees drugs but not the practice of medicine. This leaves questions about who will regulate these treatments and ensure safety. With companies like Compass Pathways seeking patents and potentially limiting accessibility and affordability, the regulatory landscape for psychedelic therapy remains complex and uncertain. Addressing these challenges will be essential in ensuring the responsible and effective use of psychedelics in therapeutic settings.

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Summary

00:00

Psychedelics: History, Healing, and Potential

  • Psychedelics, like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, are the focus of the discussion.
  • A$AP Rocky shares a humorous experience with LSD involving a rainbow.
  • Psychedelics are used for spirituality, healing, and recreational purposes.
  • Veterans, like C.J. Hardin, have seen significant symptom reduction with psychedelic therapy.
  • Clinical trials show promising results in treating PTSD with MDMA therapy.
  • Psychedelics have shown potential in treating addiction and depression.
  • Psychedelics have a long history in Indigenous communities.
  • LSD and magic mushrooms gained popularity in the mid-20th century.
  • The U.S. military experimented with LSD for incapacitating enemy troops.
  • Psychedelics were once used for mental health treatment before being associated with the counterculture and facing anti-psychedelic hysteria.

12:42

Psychedelic Therapy: Promising, Expensive, and Controversial

  • Therapy sessions involving psychedelics can alter the way the brain processes things, making them promising for treating conditions like addiction, depression, and trauma.
  • Veterans find this form of therapy particularly appealing due to the urgent issue of PTSD among them, with rates higher than the general population.
  • The FDA is expected to approve MDMA for clinical use in the next year, with psilocybin and possibly LSD to follow later.
  • Psychedelic therapy should be administered in controlled settings, with two people present at all times, and even videotaping the session for safety.
  • Concerns over accessibility arise as these treatments are likely to be expensive, with some companies, like Compass Pathways, aiming to make them even more costly.
  • Companies like Compass Pathways are aggressively seeking patents for various aspects of psychedelic therapy, potentially limiting accessibility and affordability.
  • Regulation of psychedelic therapy is a crucial issue, as the FDA oversees drugs but not the practice of medicine, leaving questions about who will regulate these treatments and ensure safety.
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