The year 2016 has had many unexpected events that has left many people shocked and speechless. Amid the chaos that has seemingly engulfed society, an amazing phenomenon has taken place—psychedelic drugs have planted their flag and received the recognition they deserve as powerful mental tools that can truly help people; they’re not just strange drugs for hippies and ravers.
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON ACID: SCIENTISTS PEER INTO THE TRIPPING MIND
Perhaps one of the most impressive and groundbreaking pieces of research this year was a study that analyzed the MRI’s of individuals tripping on LSD. Even when their eyes were closed, they observed activity in the visual cortex and connections between different parts of the brain that don’t normally talk to each other.
MUSHROOMS REDUCE THE FEELING OF SOCIAL REJECTION
This study found psilocybin, the active component of hallucinogenic mushrooms, may one day help as a supplementary treatment in low doses for social anxiety.
PSILOCYBIN HELPS SMOKERS QUIT LONG TERM
Researchers found psilocybin helps cigarette smokers stay clean even for 16 months after stopping treatment. Controlled doses of psilocybin during addiction therapy is enough to keep addicted smokers away from their vice.
MDMA APPROVED FOR FINAL STAGE OF CLINICAL TRIALS
This flagship project of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has advanced considerably over the years, but the news that it was approved for the latest stage of research made headlines all over the world as people realized MDMA isn’t just a party drug anymore.
ONE-TIME MUSHROOM TRIPS IMPROVES DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN CANCER PATIENTS
Two back-to-back clinical trials showed that single treatment sessions with psilocybin improved terminal cancer patients outlook on life and helped them with anxiety and depression about their illness.
A LOOK INTO THE BRAIN UNCOVERS HOW PSILOCYBIN MIGHT HELP PSYCHOTHERAPY
This latest research showed how and why psilocybin causes people to take longer to recognize a negative image as being what it is, which implies it may help rid memories of their negative emotions and serve as a tool for psychotherapists.
(Image: Deserts Became Skies by prettypsychedelic via Reddit)
