Psychedelic drugs

Psychedelic drugs can, under certain conditions, provide one of the most direct and effective ways to self-discovery and personal growth and have a long history of use in the cultures of India, Iran and of the American Indians, although adequately controlled clinical studies of psychedelic therapy are not yet complete. Under the influence of such agents, the normal inhibitors to the [superconscious]

seem themselves to be inhibited, so that areas of consciousness beyond normal ego-consciousness are available. Under these conditions, the ego changes its usual context of perception and may even seem so under attack that a feeling of impending death is experienced.

Psychedelic drugs do not, however, automatically and necessarily facilitate changes in behavioural and personality patterns. When and if such changes take place, they are functions of: the basic intentions of the individual using the drug, the skill of the therapist (or other mentor), the environment and cultural milieu within which the drug is taken, and other factors. Such drugs are subject to abuse and may, in the case of individuals, have dangerous consequences for either physical or mental health. The apparent abuser of drugs may unwittingly be actually treating himself for some distressing psychological problem as much as for the achievement of euphoria or relief from dysphoria, but continuing use of the drug leads to diminishing mood-elevating effects and the need to increase the quantity taken even to remain what was previously regarded as normal. The dangers of this situation are aggravated by the fact that the drugs are distributed and sold illegally in most countries and are in consequence frequently adulterated by the substitution of either inert materials or active materials such as smaller quantities of more dangerous drugs, or even toxic substances.

Use of these drugs may give rise to any of a very large range of experiences. From a therapeutic point of view, an individual may develop increased ability to examine non-defensively his habitual actions and responses, to reinterpret experiences of the past, and to accept new insights (effectively from himself) regarding such matters. Research has indicated (Stanislav Grof) that use of, for example, LSD may be a useful tool in psychotherapy for activating and intensifying symptoms so that they can be recognized, accepted and resolved. Symbols having universal or integrative meanings may be projected onto external objects or perceived within, thus leading to an integrative change of self-image, personality characteristics and life pattern. A form of higher awareness resembling the characteristics of mystic experience may also be experienced. This may include:< 1. An awareness of inner undifferentiated unity through a fading away of the multitude of external and internal sense impressions (including time and space) and the usual sense of identity or individuality, leaving only pure consciousness, possibly without empirical content or distinctions.

2. An awareness of external unity or underlying oneness behind the empirical multiplicity of external sense impressions; the essences of external objects are experienced intuitively at the deepest level.

3. A loss of the usual sense of space and time (and possibly past and future) providing a transcendent experience of eternity and infinity.

4. A deeply positive mood defined by a sense of joy, blessedness, peace, and possibly love.

5. A sense of sacredness, namely a nonrational, intuitive, response of awe and wonder, and possibly a sense of reverence.

6. A sense of insightful knowledge or illumination felt at an intuitive, non-rational level and gained by direct experience. This is reinforced by a sense of the authoritative nature of the objectivity and reality of the experience. This may relate to being and existence in general or to the individual himself.

7. A paradoxical quality to the experiences which render them mutually contradictory according to conventional logic.

Such essentially transient experiences tend to lead to: increased integration of the personality, a strengthening of inner authority and dynamism of life, creativity and efficiency, optimism, happiness, joy, and peace; increased tolerance, sensitivity, love, and authenticity; improved philosophy of life, values, meaning and purpose, commitment, reverence for life, and appreciation of life.

Chemically the drugs are classified under indalkaloids (derivates of lysergine, dimethyltryptamine, bufotenin, psilocybin, ibogaine, harmine), derivates of phenylethylamine (mescalin), derivates of piperidine (belladonna-alkaloids and other anticholinergic substances, phencyclidine), and tetracannabinnols. The pattern of action of these drugs is similar but the time required to reach peak effect and the duration of that effect vary between the drugs.