Jung, the Rebirth Motif and Psychedelics I: Documenting Jung's Contact with the British Pioneers.

C. G. Jung wrote very little about psychedelic drugs and he took a sceptical view of them. However, he was sufficiently impressed by Aldous Huxley's 1954 account of taking mescaline, The Doors of Perception, to invite Huxley to visit him in Switzerland. Huxley declined Jung's invitation but Huxley's collaborator Humphry Osmond met Jung instead. This paper documents Jung's contact with the British pioneers of psychedelics research and presents the scant material illuminating his views about these drugs. It also determines the efforts of British psychiatrist Ronald Sandison, who was the first to develop an "explicitly Jungian approach" to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (Hill, 2013), and it highlights a connection between Sandison's initiative and the Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP) through the involvement of two SAP members: Margot Cutner, Sandison's colleague, and Michael Fordham, who supervised a trainee working with one of Sandison's former patients. Despite Jung's objections to the use of psychedelics, Sandison and Cutner developed ground-breaking protocols during the 1950s and they were among the first to document the phenomenon of "spiritual rebirth symbolized in the birth experience known to many LSD therapists" (Sandison, 2001). In two companion papers, I consider Jung's treatment of the rebirth motif in his commentary on The Tibetan Book of the Dead, which later became a central text in the psychedelic movement, and I chart the evolution in psychedelics research from an association with schizophrenia during the 1950s to the mystical paradigms of the 1960s and beyond.

C.G. Jung a très peu écrit sur les drogues psychédéliques et il avait à leur égard une attitude sceptique. Cependant il fut suffisamment impressionné par le récit d'Aldous Huxley de son expérience avec la mescaline en 1954, Les Portes de la Perception, pour inviter Huxley à lui rendre visite en Suisse. Huxley déclina l'invitation de Jung mais son collaborateur Humphry Osmond rencontra Jung à sa place. Cet article rend compte des contacts de Jung avec les recherches des pionniers britanniques en matière de drogues psychédéliques. Il présente aussi le peu de matériel qui illustre ses opinions concernant ces drogues. L'article explore les efforts du psychiatre britannique Ronald Sandison ­ qui fut le premier à développer une « approche spécifiquement jungienne ¼ à la psychothérapie assistée par des drogues psychédéliques ­ et il souligne un lien entre l'initiative de Sandison et The Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP) par l'implication de deux de ses membres : Margot Cutner, collègue de Sandison, et Michael Fordham, qui supervisa un candidat sur son travail avec un des anciens patients de Sandison. Malgré les objections de Jung sur l'utilisation des drogues psychédéliques, Sandison et Cutner ont développé des protocoles très innovants durant les années 1950 et furent parmi les premiers à documenter le phénomène de la « renaissance spirituelle symbolisée par l'expérience de naissance, bien connue par la plupart des thérapeutes utilisant le L.S.D. ¼ (Sandison, 2001). Dans deux articles apparentés j'examine la manière dont Jung a traité le motif de la renaissance dans son commentaire sur Le Livre des Morts Tibétain, qui devint par la suite un texte central dans le mouvement psychédélique, et je retrace l'évolution dans la recherche sur les drogues psychédéliques à partir d'une association avec la schizophrénie dans les années 1950 et jusqu'aux paradigmes mystiques des années 1960 et au­delà.

C. G. Jung escribió muy poco sobre las drogas psicodélicas y adoptó una postura escéptica hacia ellas. Sin embargo, quedó lo suficientemente impresionado por el relato, Las Puertas de la Percepción, que Aldous Huxley hizo en 1954 en referencia a su consumo de mescalina, como para invitar a Huxley a visitarle en Suiza. Huxley declinó la invitación, pero en su lugar Jung se reunió con Humphry Osmond, colaborador de Huxley. Este artículo documenta el contacto de Jung con los pioneros británicos en investigación psicodélica y presenta el escaso material que da cuenta de las opiniones de estos, sobre dichas drogas. También determina los esfuerzos del psiquiatra británico Ronald Sandison, que fue el primero en desarrollar un "enfoque explícitamente Junguiano" de la psicoterapia asistida por psicodélicos (Hill, 2013), y destaca una conexión entre la iniciativa de Sandison y la Sociedad de Psicología Analítica (SAP) a través de la participación de dos miembros de la SAP: Margot Cutner, colega de Sandison, y Michael Fordham, quien supervisaba a un candidato a analista que trabajaba con uno de los antiguos pacientes de Sandison. A pesar de las objeciones de Jung al uso de psicodélicos, Sandison y Cutner desarrollaron innovadores protocolos durante la década de 1950 y fueron los primeros en documentar el fenómeno del "renacimiento espiritual simbolizado en la experiencia del nacimiento conocida por muchos terapeutas del LSD" (Sandison, 2001). En dos artículos complementarios, considero el tratamiento que Jung da al motivo del renacimiento en su comentario sobre El Libro Tibetano de los Muertos, que más tarde se convirtió en un texto central del movimiento psicodélico, y trazo la evolución de la investigación sobre psicodélicos desde su asociación con la esquizofrenia durante la década de 1950 hasta los paradigmas místicos de la década de 1960 y posteriores.

AA, Bill Wilson, Carl Jung and LSD.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an established resource for people suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, Bill Wilson, the co-founder of AA, in his second letter to Jung referred to its low success rate. One evidence-based alternative, dating back to the 1950s, is the clinical use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for treating AUD. Bill Wilson was a strong advocate of using LSD as a preparation for alcoholics who had difficulty grasping the spiritual aspect of the 12-step programme. Bill Wilson wrote a "secret" four-page letter to Carl Jung detailing his own use of LSD and the success two psychiatrists in Canada had in treating alcoholics and asked for his advice on using LSD to help alcoholics. Aniela Jaffé, a Jungian analyst and co-worker of Jung, replied to Wilson on May 29, 1961, "… as soon as Dr. Jung feels better and has enough strength to begin again his mail, I will show it to him." Jung died a week later. This article quotes Jung's previous hostile opinions on psychedelics and asks: Just as Jung overcame his negative views on groups when giving "complete instructions" on extending the 12-step programme of AA to "general neurotics", might he similarly have changed his mind when he saw the documented success of using LSD with recalcitrant alcoholics?

Alcooliques Anonymes (A.A.) est une ressource reconnue pour les personnes souffrant du Trouble de l'Usage de l'Alcool (TUA). Bill Wilson, co­fondateur des AA, dans sa deuxième lettre à Jung, a fait référence à son faible taux de réussite. Une alternative fondée sur des preuves, et qui remonte aux années 1950, est l'utilisation médicale de l'acide lysergique diéthylamide (LSD) pour le traitement du TUA. Bill Wilson a fortement préconisé l'utilisation du LSD pour la préparation des alcooliques qui avaient des difficultés à saisir l'aspect spirituel du programme en douze étapes. Bill Wilson écrivit à Carl Jung une lettre de quatre pages, « secrète ¼, exposant en détails sa propre utilisation du LSD et le succès de deux psychiatres canadiens dans le traitement de personnes alcooliques avec le LSD. Il demandait conseil à Jung sur l'utilisation du LSD pour aider les alcooliques. Aniela Jaffé, une analyste jungienne et collaboratrice de Jung répondit à Wilson le 29 mai 1961 : « … dès que le Dr Jung se sentira mieux et aura suffisamment de force pour recommencer à s'occuper de son courrier, je lui montrerai. ¼ Jung est mort une semaine plus tard. Cet article cite les opinions antérieures négatives de Jung concernant les drogues psychédéliques et pose la question suivante: tout comme Jung avait dépassé ses perspectives négatives sur les groupes en donnant des « instructions complète ¼ sur l'extension du programme en douze étapes pour les « névrosés de base ¼, aurait­il de la même manière changé d'avis s'il avait vu les résultats probants de l'utilisation du LSD avec les alcooliques récalcitrants?

Alcohólicos Anónimos (A.A.) es un recurso establecido para las personas que padecen Trastorno por Consumo de Alcohol (AUD). Sin embargo, Bill Wilson, cofundador de AA, en su segunda carta a Jung se refirió a su baja tasa de éxito. Una alternativa basada en la evidencia, que se remonta a la década de 1950, es el uso clínico de la dietilamida del ácido lisérgico (LSD) para tratar el AUD. Bill Wilson era un firme defensor del uso del LSD como preparación para los alcohólicos que tenían dificultades para captar el aspecto espiritual del programa de 12 pasos. Bill Wilson escribió una carta "secreta" de cuatro páginas a Carl Jung en la que detallaba su propio uso del LSD y el éxito que habían tenido dos psiquiatras en Canadá en el tratamiento de alcohólicos con LSD y le pedía consejo a Jung sobre el uso del LSD para ayudar a los alcohólicos. Aniela Jaffé, analista Junguiana y compañera de trabajo de Jung, respondió a Wilson el 29 de mayo de 1961: "…tan pronto como el Dr. Jung se sienta mejor y tenga fuerzas suficientes para mirar de nuevo su correo, se lo mostraré". Jung murió una semana después. Este artículo cita las anteriores opiniones hostiles de Jung sobre los psicodélicos y pregunta: Del mismo modo que Jung superó sus opiniones negativas sobre los grupos al dar "instrucciones completas" sobre la extensión del programa de 12 pasos de A.A. a los "neuróticos en general", ¿podría haber cambiado de opinión de forma similar cuando vio el éxito documentado del uso del LSD con alcohólicos recalcitrantes?

Classical psychedelics in psychiatry - renaissance of interest and therapeutic perspectives. / Klasyczne psychodeliki w psychiatrii ­ renesans zainteresowania i perspektywy terapeutyczne.

Substances that change the states of consciousness have been used in the therapeutics of traditional cultures for hundreds of years. In the Western cultural circle, scientific curiosity and hope for a breakthrough in the treatment of various mental disorders constituted the basis of the first wave of research on humans with the use of psychedelics. After synthesizing LSD, psychedelic substances aroused intense but short-term interest among mental health specialists at the beginning of the second half of the 20th century. In the preliminary studies, substances such as psilocybin or LSD, used as a supplement to psychotherapy, showed promising therapeutic effects, however, due to legal and political reasons, all research work was stopped in the 1970s. The last two decades have been a period of renaissance in the interest in using sychedelic substances in psychiatry. Despite the early stage of work, the clinical research conducted so far has indicated the potential benefits of using psychedelics in the treatment of anxiety, affective disorders, or addictions. Moreover, so far, no serious side effects of this form of therapy have been reported. However, due to a number of barriers of both medical and legal nature, the creation of the first psychiatric drug with psychedelic properties appears to be extremely complicated. Further, precisely constructed studies on large groups of patients are needed to determine whether psychedelics can find practical applications in psychiatric therapy (or even become a long-awaited breakthrough in the treatment of mental disorders).

Neuroimaging in psychedelic drug development: past, present, and future.

Psychedelic therapy (PT) is an emerging paradigm with great transdiagnostic potential for treating psychiatric disorders, including depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and potentially others. 'Classic' serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which have a key locus of action at the 5-HT2A receptor, form the main focus of this movement, but substances including ketamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ibogaine also hold promise. The modern phase of development of these treatment modalities in the early 21st century has occurred concurrently with the wider use of advanced human neuroscientific research methods; principally neuroimaging. This can potentially enable assessment of drug and therapy brain effects with greater precision and quantification than any previous novel development in psychiatric pharmacology. We outline the major trends in existing data and suggest the modern development of PT has benefitted greatly from the use of neuroimaging. Important gaps in existing knowledge are identified, namely: the relationship between acute drug effects and longer-term (clinically-relevant) effects, the precise characterisation of effects at the 5-HT2A receptor and relationships with functional/clinical effects, and the possible impact of these compounds on neuroplasticity. A road-map for future research is laid out, outlining clinical studies which will directly address these three questions, principally using combined Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods, plus other adjunct techniques. Multimodal (PET/MRI) studies using modern PET techniques such as the 5-HT2A-selective ligand [11 C]Cimbi-36 (and other ligands sensitive to neuroplasticity changes) alongside MRI measures of brain function would provide a 'molecular-functional-clinical bridge' in understanding. Such results would help to resolve some of these questions and provide a firmer foundation for the ongoing development of PT.

The Varieties of Psychedelic Expertise in 1960s Canada: The Psychiatrists behind the Addiction Research Foundation's Study of LSD Therapy.

In 1962, Ontario's Addiction Research Foundation launched the first double-blind randomized controlled trial of LSD therapy as a treatment for alcoholism. The study, which found that LSD was not effective, was heavily criticized by other therapists working with the drug. These critics argued that the Toronto researchers who carried out the study were biased against LSD and used an anti-therapeutic method that was destined to produce negative results. Instead of creating a comfortable and supportive environment, they stressed, the Toronto group restrained patients to a bed in a hospital ward, used an unusually large dose of LSD, and hardly provided any careful therapeutic support. Some even compared this method to a "form of torture." Historians have paid little attention to the study, mentioning it only as an example of flawed or naïve LSD therapy that contrasted with the more advanced "psychedelic" approach developed in Saskatchewan. In this paper, I take a closer look at the Toronto psychiatrists who carried out the study and created the unique method that was employed. I show that they were actually quite excited about LSD and were more sophisticated in their approach to its use than has been appreciated by historians and critics. In many ways, they had their own brand of LSD expertise that differed from that of the Saskatchewan group. Some of the problems with the ARF study, then, did not stem from negative bias or a lack of competency, but instead resulted from the awkward relationship between LSD therapy and controlled trials.

Résumé. En 1962, la Fondation pour la recherche sur la toxicomanie de l'Ontario lançait son premier test aléatoire et contrôlé en double aveugle de thérapie par le LSD pour traiter l'alcoolisme. L'étude, qui concluait que le LSD n'était pas efficace, a fait l'objet de critiques sévères de la part d'autres thérapeutes qui utilisaient cette drogue. Ces thérapeutes soutenaient que le groupe de recherche torontois avait un parti pris défavorable au LSD et avait employé des méthodes antithérapeutiques dans le but de produire des résultats négatifs. Ainsi, selon eux, au lieu de créer un environnement offrant un réel soutien, le groupe de Toronto attachait les patients à leur lit d'hôpital, employait des doses inhabituellement élevées de LSD et ne fournissait à peu près aucun soutien thérapeutique. La méthode a même été comparée à « une forme de torture ¼. Les historiennes et les historiens ont accordé peu d'attention à l'étude, sauf pour la citer comme exemple déficient ou naïf de thérapie par le LSD, en l'opposant à l'approche « psychédélique ¼ plus avancée mise au point en Saskatchewan. Dans cet article, je m'intéresse aux psychiatres qui ont mené l'étude de Toronto et conçu la méthode originale employée à la Fondation. Je montre que l'usage du LSD suscitait beaucoup d'enthousiasme dans le groupe et que son utilisation de cette drogue était plus complexe que l'ont reconnu jusqu'ici l'histoire et la critique. À plusieurs égards, le groupe de Toronto disposait de sa propre expertise en matière de LSD, différente de celle de ses collègues de la Saskatchewan. J'en conclus qu'une partie des problèmes attribués à l'étude conduite par la Fondation ne provient pas d'un préjugé défavorable ou d'un manque de compétence, mais plutôt des liens complexes entre la thérapie par le LSD et les essais cliniques.

Psychosis and psychedelics: Historical entanglements and contemporary contrasts.

Experiences of psychedelics and psychosis were deeply entangled in scientific practices in the mid-20th century, from uses of psychedelic drugs that could model psychosis, to detailed phenomenological comparisons of endogenous and drug-induced madness. After the moral panic of the 1960s shut down psychedelic research, however, these two phenomena became disentangled. In the decades following, the science of psychosis transformed, shedding the language of psychoanalysis, and adopting the new scientific veneer of psychiatry. Today, as psychedelic science re-emerges, the research programs surrounding psychosis and psychedelics now stand in stark contrast. Here, I look closely at how these research programs respond to questions related to what is worth measuring, what is worth investigating, and how we ought to respond to these experiences. This comparison reveals radically different assumptions and values that guide each research paradigm and shape clinical practice. While psychedelic research often includes scales that seek to capture experiences of mysticism, meaningfulness, and ego dissolution, research related to psychosis focuses on the measurement of pathological symptoms and functioning. Research into psychosis primarily seeks universal and reductionist causal explanations and interventions, while psychedelic research embraces the importance of set and setting in shaping unique experiences. Responses to psychedelic crisis involve warmth, compassion, and support, while responses to psychotic experiences often involve restraint, seclusion, and weapons. I argue that these differences contain important lessons for psychiatry. However, as psychedelic research struggles to meet regulatory requirements and fit within the paradigm of evidence-based medicine, these differences may quickly dissolve.

Modalities of the psychedelic experience: Microclimates of set and setting in hallucinogen research and culture.

Mid-20th-century American research on psychedelics evinced a stunning diversity of interpretations of hallucinogenic effects. While some researchers viewed psychedelics as invaluable tools for psychotherapy, others persisted in treating them as psychosis-inducing agents. As some groups considered psychedelics as catalysts for artistic creativity, others investigated their potential use as psychochemical weapons in the battlefield, or conversely as tools for spiritual ecstasy and revelation. This bewildering array of perceptions regarding the nature of hallucinogenic effects led to stark contrasts in the contexts (set and setting) of psychedelic research and experimentation, leading to wildly divergent outcomes and reports on the effects of the drugs, and strident disagreements between the actors in the field. Examining this remarkable historical moment of epistemological unclarity regarding psychedelics and their effects, this article describes how distinct scientific and cultural trends and moments of mid-20th-century America contributed to the creation of diverse microclimates of set and setting that reproduced investigator beliefs and attitudes and brought about a beguiling Pygmalion effect that left researchers befuddled and perplexed. I propose the concept of psychedelic modality to describe how distinct sociocultural microclimates lead to thematic aggregates in which distinct types of expectations, intentions as well as physical, social, and cultural environments all tend to cluster, producing characteristic outcomes and results. By exploring the historical context and consequences of the emergence of seven psychedelic modalities (psychotomimetic, military, psychotherapeutic, spiritual, artistic-creative, tech-innovative, and political) in mid-20th-century America, this article outlines the varieties of psychedelic experiences in their relationship with culture at large, and subcultures in particular.

Psilocybin Conspectus: Status, Production Methods, and Considerations.

Psilocybin is a psychoactive alkaloid that is produced naturally by approximately 200 species of mushrooms. The potential medical use of this molecule for the treatment of mental illness is gaining renewed momentum. As demand grows and clinical trials progress, appropriate methods for producing a quality pharmaceutical product are needed. This review highlights the methods currently available, such as the prominent synthetic method and its biosynthetic alternatives, as well as others on the near horizon. This article further seeks to discuss the rapid and evolving nature of the psilocybin industry in the 21st century.

¿Es posible desarrollar investigaciones clínicas utilizando sustancias psicodélicas en Uruguay?: pasado y presente de las investigaciones sobre el potencial medicinal de los psicodélicos / Is it possible to develop clinical research using psychedelic substances in Uruguay ?: past and present of research on the medicinal potential of psychedelics

Los psicodélicos son sustancias capaces de alterar la conciencia, a través de su efecto sobre la transmisión serotoninérgica en el sistema nervioso central. En sus formas de ingesta tradicional son utilizados en rituales, con fines espirituales y medicinales. En el campo científico, dichas sustancias fueron estudiadas para posibles aplicaciones psicoterapéuticas en el período 1950-1970, y luego fueron excluidas de la investigación clínica durante las posteriores décadas. Sin embargo, desde 1990 asistimos a un «renacimiento de los estudios sobre psicodélicos¼, donde estas sustancias están siendo estudiadas en su potencial clínico para el tratamiento de distintos trastornos menta-les. El presente artículo describe y reflexiona sobre la historia de estas investigaciones en Uruguay y en el mundo, tanto en su primera etapa (1950-1970) como en su renacimiento posterior (1990-actualidad), dejando planteado un escenario en el que sea posible avanzar en el campo de las investigaciones clínicas con psicodélicos en nuestro país.

Psychedelics are substances capable of altering consciousness, through their effect on serotonergic transmission within the central nervous system. In their traditional uses, psychedelics are consumed during rituals, for spiritual and medicinal purposes. In the scientific field, these substances were studied because of their possible psychotherapeutic applications in the period 1950-1970. Afterwards, psychedelics were banned from clinical research for decades. Nevertheless, since 1990 we are witnessing a "renaissance of psychedelic studies", where these substances are being studied because of their clinical potential applications for the treatment of different mental disorders. The current article describes and analyzes the history of these research in Uruguay and in the world, both in its first stage (1950-1970) and in the present "renaissance" (1990-present). The article suggests a future scenario, where Uruguay could play a major role in the field of psychedelic research.

Supporting the Patient on LSD Day.

Editor's note: From its first issue in 1900 through to the present day, AJN has unparalleled archives detailing nurses' work and lives over more than a century. These articles not only chronicle nursing's growth as a profession within the context of the events of the day, but also reveal prevailing societal attitudes about women, health care, and human rights. Today's nursing school curricula rarely include nursing's history, but it's a history worth knowing. To this end, From the AJN Archives highlights articles selected to fit today's topics and times. During the 1960s, the therapeutic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) were studied in psychiatric clinical settings. In this February 1964 article, nurse Kay Parley writes enthusiastically about this work at one such research hospital. She describes the benefits of LSD therapy for patients with alcoholism, as well as the richness of the experience for the nurse who guides the patient through treatment. "No role is so welcomed on our psychiatric unit than that of 'sitting' with a patient during LSD therapy." Parley vividly describes the nurse's role in these treatments. Her own long hospitalization for "manic-depressive psychosis" and treatment with LSD undoubtedly framed her approach to this therapy. Today there is renewed interest in the therapeutic use of psychoactive substances such as LSD. Penn and colleagues provide an update in "Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy" in this issue.-Betsy Todd, MPH, RN.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Emerging Treatments in Mental Health Disorders

Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that were studied extensively between 1943 and 1970 as potential therapies for treating a host of mental health disorders, including addiction. Despite promising early results, U.S. psychedelic research was halted in the early 1970s with the enactment of the Controlled Substances Act. As the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy develops, nurses can decide the role they will play in the continuing clinical and scholarly research of these substances, which may soon be used in controlled settings to treat some of the most widespread mental health disorders. To prepare for this task, this article proposes that nurses * become familiar with the history, relevant language, and scientific findings related to the field of psychedelic research. * learn about existing psychedelic-assisted therapy and research resources. * examine their thoughts, judgments, and opinions about therapeutic psychedelic use. * consider the potential role of nursing in psychedelic-assisted therapies going forward.

Psilocybin: from ancient magic to modern medicine.

Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is an indole-based secondary metabolite produced by numerous species of mushrooms. South American Aztec Indians referred to them as teonanacatl, meaning "god's flesh," and they were used in religious and healing rituals. Spanish missionaries in the 1500s attempted to destroy all records and evidence of the use of these mushrooms. Nevertheless, a 16th century Spanish Franciscan friar and historian mentioned teonanacatl in his extensive writings, intriguing 20th century ethnopharmacologists and leading to a decades-long search for the identity of teonanacatl. Their search ultimately led to a 1957 photo-essay in a popular magazine, describing for the Western world the use of these mushrooms. Specimens were ultimately obtained, and their active principle identified and chemically synthesized. In the past 10-15 years several FDA-approved clinical studies have indicated potential medical value for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in treating depression, anxiety, and certain addictions. At present, assuming that the early clinical studies can be validated by larger studies, psilocybin is poised to make a significant impact on treatments available to psychiatric medicine.

A dangerous method? Psychedelic therapy at Modum Bad, Norway, 1961-76.

After many years of disregard, the use of psychedelic drugs in psychiatric treatment has re-emerged in recent years. The prospect that psychedelics may again be integrated into mainstream psychiatry has aroused interest in long-forgotten research and experience from the previous phase of psychedelic therapy, which lasted from the late 1940s to the 1970s. This article will discuss one large-scale psychedelic therapy programme at Modum Bad Nervesanatorium, a psychiatric clinic which treated 379 inpatients with psychedelic drugs during the years 1961-76. The psychiatrists there initially regarded the psychedelic treatment as efficacious and without serious negative reactions, but reports of long-term harm have since surfaced. This article discusses how insights from Modum Bad might benefit the new generation of psychedelic treatment efforts.

Psychedelic crossings: American mental health and LSD in the 1970s.

This article places a spotlight on lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and American mental health in the 1970s, an era in which psychedelic science was far from settled and researchers continued to push the limits of regulation, resist change and attempt to revolutionise the mental health market-place. The following pages reveal some of the connections between mental health, LSD and the wider setting, avoiding both ascension and declension narratives. We offer a renewed approach to a substance, LSD, which bridged the gap between biomedical understandings of 'health' and 'cure' and the subjective needs of the individual. Garnering much attention, much like today, LSD created a cross-over point that brought together the humanities and arts, social sciences, health policy, medical education, patient experience and the public at large. It also divided opinion. This study draws on archival materials, medical literature and popular culture to understand the dynamics of psychedelic crossings as a means of engendering a fresh approach to cultural and countercultural-based healthcare during the 1970s.

The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This Issue.

Psychedelic plants and fungi have been used in indigenous medicinal traditions for millennia. Modern psychedelic research began when Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) in 1938. Five years later, became the first person to ingest LSD. Hofmann was unaware of the significance of his actions, and the effects they would set in motion. After a burgeoning period of scientific and cultural exploration in the1950s and '60s, psychedelic research was slowed to a near halt. Throughout the 1970s and '80s governmental interventions severely hampered global psychedelic research, despite evidence of the limited medical risks and therapeutic potential of psychedelics. After decades of persistent education and advocacy, rigorous research employing psychedelics as tools of discovery and healing are abundant today. Studies are taking place in research institutions and in private practice sites supported by non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as individual investigators. This research includes clinical trials with MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD, alcoholism, and social anxiety, and psilocybin clinical studies for depression and addiction, as well as the ability of psychedelics to catalyze spiritual or mystical experiences and inspire creativity, and into the neuroscientific understanding the effects of psychedelic substances on our nervous system.

Psychedelic-assisted therapies: The past, and the need to move forward responsibly.

Recent clinical studies illustrate that psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin may represent much-needed new treatment options for mood disorders and alcohol and other drug use disorders. More clinical studies are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies, but the cultural stigma that has surrounded psychedelics since the 1960s has hindered research. This problem is amplified in Australia. There has been a complete absence of research into psychedelic therapies, and Australian-based research advocates claim to have encountered a number of barriers. In this commentary, we provide a brief account of the historical stigma associated with psychedelics, and an overview of the contemporary context of research into psychedelic-assisted therapies, including the purported barriers to research in Australia. In light of the complex history of psychedelics, we identify a number of pressing questions relating to the social and legal context that need to be addressed so that clinical studies can proceed. Research is needed to address such questions so that the nature and extent of purported barriers to clinical studies with psychedelics can be properly elucidated, and strategies developed - with practitioners, patients, families and other stakeholders - to responsibly address these barriers. This is important because it will enable Australian researchers to contribute robust evidence about the possible efficacy and safety of psychedelic therapies, and to facilitate local expertise needed to implement psychedelic-assisted therapies, should they prove efficacious.

Psychedelics and Dying Care: A Historical Look at the Relationship between Psychedelics and Palliative Care.

This article examines the historical relationship between psychedelics and palliative care. Historians have contributed to a growing field of studies about how psychedelics have been used in the past, but much of that scholarship focused on interrogating questions of legitimacy or proving that psychedelics had therapeutic potential. Palliative care had not yet developed as medical sub-specialty, more often leaving dying care on the margins of modern, pharmaceutical-based treatments. As psychedelic researchers in the 1950s began exploring different applications for psychoactive substances such as LSD and mescaline, however, dying care came into clearer focus as a potential avenue for psychedelics. Before that application gained momentum in clinical or philosophical discussions, psychedelics were criminalized and some of those early discussions were lost. This article looks back at historical discussions about LSD's potential for easing the anxiety associated with dying, and considers how those early conversations might offer insights into today's more articulated discussions about psychedelics in palliative care.