A psychedelic substance is a psychoactive drug that has the capacity to alter cognition and perception in an individual. It has been a matter of debate for a long time that a psychedelic substance can cause the onset of mental illness in an addict. In fact, psychiatrists are prejudiced against the use of psychedelic drugs blaming its use for causing mental illnesses and developing suicidal tendencies. However, according to a new study, there is no correlation between psychedelic drug use and mental illness.

The authors of the study argue that the Buy Xanax 2mg online  potential harms associated with these drugs are negligible and psychedelic drugs do not cause addiction or compulsive use. It says that only 0.005 percent of emergency department visits in the United States are linked to psychedelic drugs. According to the researchers, even in countries like the Netherlands, where psilocybin (a psychedelic drug) mushrooms are widely available and used, the rates of serious injuries related to a drug are quite low.

The methodology

The study done by Johansen and Krebs used the annual data from National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which compiles figures related to substance use and mental health from a random sample that is representative of the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population. The researchers collated data from respondents who were 18 years and older from survey years 2008-2011.

The investigators studied a sample comprising of 135,095 respondents, of whom 19,299 reported lifetime use of a psychedelic substance, including LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, or peyote. They were all classic cases of serotonergic psychedelics. The authors then investigated 11 self-reported indicators of past year mental health problems, which included depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts.

The psychedelic users were found to be younger, male, white, unmarried, prone to carry out risky activities, and to have used other drugs. They are even likely to report depression before the age of 18. Childhood depression, thought the researchers, could be the reason why respondents tried psychedelic drugs. The study found that lifetime use of psychedelic substances was not associated with any mental health problems. On the contrary, the lifetime psychedelic use was associated with a lower likelihood of past year inpatient mental health treatment in them.

But those with severe cases of addiction from drugs need to go for detox, as its negative impacts from long-term abuse are similar to any other substance of abuse. Those looking for drug addiction treatment centers can choose from a host of treatment centers spread across the state.

Key takeaways

The study debunked several myths from the past and concluded that psychedelic drugs do not cause mental illness themselves. For instance, in the past, especially in the sixties, using psychedelic drugs was associated with "flashbacks" among addicts. But the authors said that people who allegedly experienced so-called flashbacks were actually diagnosed with schizophrenia and they were already obsessing about their drug experience.

Conclusions drawn by the study:

  • Using psychedelic drugs for long was not significantly associated with the majority of mental health outcomes.
  • The past year use of LSD was associated with a borderline reduction in past year psychological distress.
  • Using psychedelic drugs was not Buy Xanax in Germany associated with higher risks for suicidal ideation, suicide planning, or suicide attempts among the respondents.