During the 1950s and 1960s, thousands of Americans participated in research studies where they were given such psychedelic drugs as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline and psilocybin to fight addiction, depression and anxiety.
In the mid-‘60s, psychedelics found their way into the hands of young people who used the drugs recreationally. Psychedelics became associated with counterculture movements, and in 1971 President Nixon declared a “War on Drugs,” effectively ending psychedelic medical research.
But in 2000, research scientists at Johns Hopkins Medical School were the first in their field to obtain regulatory approval to resume psychedelic research. Since then, Hopkins has been a pioneer in this field.
Dr. Matthew W. Johnson is a professor of psychiatry and the Susan Hill Ward Professor in Psychedelics and Consciousness at Johns Hopkins Medical School. Since 2004, he has conducted research with psychedelics, and believes they have the potential to treat many disorders.
“Psilocybin [the active agent in what are commonly called magic mushrooms] is showing very encouraging early evidence in treating a number of distinct psychiatric disorders, including tobacco and alcohol addiction, depression and cancer-related existential distress,” says Dr. Johnson. “Some of these studies have shown very high rates of recovery that are much higher than results seen with typical treatments.”
Hopkins is no longer conducting psychedelic trials with cancer patients, although they are occurring elsewhere. During the time when those trials were taking place at Hopkins, Dr. Johnson says he observed life-changing impacts.
“There’s this kind of very drastic orientation shift around how [patients deal] with their cancer diagnosis,” he says. “For example, people opening up to their families for the first time about their impending death. After one session, a young father was able to tell his young children that he will die soon. Those conversations are important with age-appropriate language because it allows for processing rather than repression and can lead to deeper emotional connections with family members. It’s very important and very moving when it happens.”
The effects of psilocybin on smoking cessation are also dramatic. “The first study, an open-label non-randomized study, found an 80% success rate in quitting smoking when assessed six months after the treatment,” Dr. Johnson said. “At an average of 2.5 years, 60% were still confirmed as not smoking.”
Despite their promise, psychedelic trials are not appropriate for all patients, he says. Patients interested in participating in a research study with psychedelics are required to undergo a significant medical and psychiatric screening process before obtaining approved for inclusion. Some conditions, such as heart disease, may prevent the use of psychedelic therapy.
Similarly, Dr. Johnson says psilocybin can be dangerous for those with schizophrenia or who are predisposed to the mental illness. Other psychotic disorders may also be triggered by psychedelic use.
Once careful screening is performed, patients participate in four to eight hours of preparation.
“These are non-drug supportive visits that are didactic,” says Dr. Johnson. “It’s about how to handle a psychedelic experience, a description of what kinds of things can happen during a session. Some bad things can happen.”
Dr. Johnson says that anyone, even those without psychiatric illness, may have what is commonly referred to in popular culture as “a bad trip.” He prefers the term “challenging trip” since even those who have a negative or terrifying experience during a session with psychedelics typically say it was still meaningful and worthwhile. Many people who experience therapy-assisted psychedelic therapy say the experience was “one of the most meaningful of their lives,” Dr. Johnson says.
“The [psilocybin] sessions themselves are largely introspective,” he says. “The person wears eyeshades and headphones through which music is played, and there is not talk therapy going on during these sessions. There’s discussion afterwards and the next day. Usually, there are three people in the room — two so-called guides or therapists and the participant.”
In addition to his tobacco studies, Dr. Johnson says he is also preparing for a new study to test the effects of psilocybin on patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Another upcoming study led by Dr. Johnson will explore the usage of LSD to treat chronic pain.
Despite his enthusiasm about the promise of psychedelics for treating myriad health issues, Dr. Johnson discourages people to use these drugs outside of a medical setting.
“[Psychedelics are] really only legal in the United States for use in these very limited clinical trials.,” he notes.
While many of the reputed dangers associated with psychedelic drugs — such as the myth that psychedelic use causes chromosome damage — have been disproven, Dr. Johnson says, “It’s not like [concerns about negative experiences] was all propaganda.
“Future research is needed,” he says, encouraging individuals interested in trying psychedelics to treat a variety of disorders not to go it alone but participate in one of the many research trials held at Hopkins and other medical institutions.
For a list of current psychedelic trials, visit clinicaltrials.com.
Colorectal cancer rates are climbing among young people and Ashkenazi Jews.
The donation will be directed to help foster research conducted by faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and to advance innovative treatments.
The founder and owner of Catonsville Dental Care, "Dr. B" maintains a spirit of optimism that inspires friends, colleagues and patients.
The Northwest Baltimore hospital was recognized for its initiative to strengthen safety, enhance care coordination and build a deeply engaged workforce.