...Summer 2014 - Final Paper Treatment Issue Regarding the Possible Efficacy of Psilocybin on Depression For thousands of years, humans have been using psychedelic plants all over the world for healing purposes. Despite this fact, in 1971, these medicines were classified as schedule I drugs. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognized medical uses. After 40 years of almost-total prohibition, psychologists, psychiatrists and neuroscientists are reassessing the role of psychedelic drugs. This research paper will focus on the classical serotonergic psychedelic called psilocybin or the so-called ‘magic mushroom’ and it’s clinical potential in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. First, it is important to recognize certain facts about psilocybin that may be unknown due to misperceptions about the plant. Psilocybin is not known to cause damage to the brain or any other organs in the body and is regarded as non-addictive (Nichols, 2004; as cited in Krebs & Johansen, 2013). In fact, studies have found that psilocybin may lead to neurogenesis, or the regrowth of brain cells (Catlow et al., 2013). Psilocybin can cause sustained positive changes in attitudes, mood and behavior, and a recent study suggests it may be helpful in the treatment of anxiety (Grob et al., 2011; as cited in Young, 2013). Franz Vollenweider and his colleague Michael Kometer wrote about how research into psychedelics might identify therapeutic...
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...Psychedelics Can Change the World Imam Hassan ITT Technical Institute Psychedelics Can Change the World Psychedelics have been used by humans for thousands of years if not since the beginning of human history. They have been used for recreation, meditation and healing. From substances like Psilocybin Mushrooms to Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), these compounds seem to have a profound effect on the human mind and consciousness. The consumption of psychedelics has been a touchy and controversial subject for decades, especially since the beginning of the War on Drugs in 1971. Most people today go on throughout their entire lives from birth to death without knowing compounds like these psychedelic drugs even exist, let alone know how profoundly it can change their views on life forever. To understand how these drugs can change the world, this paper will address these following questions: 1. Why are these substances illegal in most civilized societies? 2. How do these compounds affect human consciousness? 3. What kind of experiences does one have while on these substances? 4. How can these substances change the mindset of an individual? This paper focuses on addressing these questions. Once addressed, one can see how these substances can change the world for the benefit of all living beings and the planet itself. Why Are These Substances Illegal In Most Civilized Societies? In society today, most countries on Earth have most psychedelic drugs added to their...
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...We Ate the Acid: A Note on Psychedelic Imagery “Symbols – symbols every where. All along my journey they flashed forth the apocalypse of utterly unimagined truths.” – Fitz Hugh Ludlow Psychedelic art typically contains a number of recurring motifs. Examples include circles, spirals, eyes, concentric shapes, grids, landscapes, nudity, long hair, skeletons and mushrooms. Other common motifs are various kinds of non-human animals, vegetation, space scenery and mandalas. And when humans and objects are featured, they are occasionally seen in x-ray. Furthermore, psychedelic art is usually – but not always – characterised by intense, contrasting colours. There may also be a liquid quality to objects, where it looks as if they are melting. Obviously,...
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...Abstract This investigation explores both short and long term effects of psychedelic drugs on the brain, citing research from fifteen peer-reviewed sources. Within the paper are biological explanations of how psychedelics trigger various effects by interacting with serotonin and dopamine receptors. Following this are case studies in psilocybin mushrooms, salvinorum A, and dextromethorphan. Medical studies administering these psychoactive substances to participants illustrate classic hallucinogenic symptoms in the short term, as well as a heightened state of well-being in the long term. Given no pre-existing disorders and a controlled environment, one dosage of each drug generally made a positive impact in the subjects’ lives, even months later. Further research into the subject reveals the potential of psychedelic therapy in fields such as addiction rehabilitation, depression, and anxiety management. However, with these benefits comes a risk of temporary intense fear and substance addiction. Knowing this, patients should weigh the pros and cons before deciding to try any drug....
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...Viewpoints In Context. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. John Leland’s article, ‘One Step Better than Reality (herbal drug use),’ tells about a young woman named Aniubis Castilla. She lives in Hialeah, California. Castilla enjoys dancing and going out to night clubs. She says that when she needed a “boost…she took the psychedelic drug MDMA,” otherwise known as ecstasy. Consequently, after taking a bad dose of ecstasy one night, she realized that the drug was just distracting her from her goals in life. Shortly after, she discovered a drug similar, but not near as dangerous, called herbal sex ecstasy. Castilla describes the drug as ‘one step better than reality.’ She says that herbal ecstasy is much healthier and safer than its rivals: cloud 9, ultimate xphoria and x. All of these are known as ‘Rave Energy,’ and have flourished in clubs and throughout teenagers and adults in the United States. Leland says that the herbal drug hit at a ‘ripe’ moment, emerging in an expanding drug culture. Other drugs such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine came about in the 90s, followed by herbal drugs about a decade later. But unlike other drugs, Leland says that “herbal’s play both sides, selling the promise of psychedelic euphoria while actually delivering just a mild, caffeine like boost.” Leland concludes his article by stating that overall, herbal drugs are safer than pure MDMA ecstasy, but it is still unhealthy. Leland is merely neutral in this argument. He does not think that the use of herbal drugs is a good...
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...Man and Nature Have you ever stopped to think about the relationship between yourself and Mother Nature? For most people chances are slim to none, in fact many may not even consider the fact that there might even be any kind of relationship between nature and themselves. As far as anyone might be concerned in today’s society, nature could just mean their backyard, or neighborhood park. In reality there is much more to you and I and this wilderness we refer to as nature. In this paper I argue that there exists a higher connection between man and nature that serves to unify all living things. Today, man and nature are commonly referred to in opposition of one another. Man destroys nature in order to expand and urbanize while nature destroys all man creates over time. People tend to see nature as some uncontrollable wild factor full of danger and chaos. Many think like Thomas Hobbes who would say that the very state of nature is chaotic; that if man were without society he would be inherently evil selfish with only self interest in mind and life would be lonely, difficult and short. However, if taken from a Rousseauian stand point, nature and man share an interest for self-preservation giving them a natural sense of compassion and the state of nature is calm and peaceful. I would have to say that the Rousseauian perspective makes more sense and ties into reality better than Hobbes’s state of nature. The main reason being that all nature moves towards a state of homeostasis...
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...In Defense of Recreational Drugs If illicit drugs are harmful to the mind, body and soul, than why do people continue to manufacture, distribute and use these substances? The prohibition of these illicit substances as outlined in the Controlled Substances Act of the United States goes against all logic. Propaganda across the United States promotes the myth that psychotropic drugs impair moral judgment and is a cause of destructive deviant behavior. There is evidence that refutes this claim, illustrated by findings in several of the government’s own studies. The truth is that the majority that dabbles with these intoxicants is misrepresented by the media and politicians as delinquents, but are respectable citizens with jobs to work, bills to pay, and classes to attend, and are indistinguishable from the general population. Their use is not accounted for as many are reluctant to admit to it, due to the illegality and prejudice against use of controlled substances in our society. Such illicit substances must have some intrinsic value because of their continued use. Just as prescription pharmaceuticals can prove to be valuable in a specific context, so can all classes of illegal drugs. The poison is in the dose not the chemical itself. The unconstitutional War on Drugs in the United States needs to cease, because it is based on heresy and fear mongering. This calls for reeducation of the American people about the true nature of drugs; for this legalization and regulation of all...
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...archeological dig. I was informed that what appeared to be an intact “time capsule” with a “1/1/1970” date-stamp was found in the rubble of Old Washington D.C. America was a different place then—people were free to eat red meat, the internal combustion engine was everywhere, and procreation was not regulated, to name just a few of the now seemingly barbaric practices that were commonplace in that America. Knowing this, the contents of this capsule should hopefully shed some light on our ancestors, and the information contained within will most certainly be invaluable to historians studying the era of the 1960’s. Item #1: An intact and remarkably well preserved newspaper dated August 8, 1964 with the headline “Johnson Declares War!” The paper is of course referring to President Lyndon B. Johnson and his declaration of war on Vietnam with the Tonkin Gulf Resolution (Chambers, 2000). While the United States had been gradually entering into war with Vietnam for approximately a decade by this point (Britannica.com, 2013), it was the incidents in the Tonkin Gulf and Johnson’s resolution immediately following that solidified the war in America’s psyche. Before this, the Vietnam conflict was simply just that—a “minor conflict” to the majority of America, and as this was a far more preferable way of looking at it than calling it the war that it was the U.S. government was content to leave it described as such. However, that all changed when American ships were attacked by the North...
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...natural to gravitate towards this type of research topic. My father’s younger brother had everything going for him – new wife, family. He suffered from alcohol abuse and at the age of 22, committed suicide. As an oldest child, I developed a propensity to self-medication in my early twenties and thankfully out grew it, but others are not so lucky. The question, “What role does birth order play in likelihood of occurrence or recurrence of substance abuse?” is interesting to me and I really did not know what to expect! With no preconceived theories, I remained open to all possibilities that research would show. For choosing research sources and materials, peer reviewed journals are considered unbiased, for the most part, and are respected resources for writing a research paper. There are of course top-tier journals and also vanity journals, but peer reviewed articles that are vetted by objective experts are normally considered very good sources for research projects. The authors are typically scientists and researchers in the field of study, and the content is closely reviewed and evaluated by other experts who will question research methods and findings. Scholarly journals like Journal of Alcohol and Drug Dependency and Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology are considered reputable journals in the field and were chosen for their reputation. One problem with the study of birth order and substance abuse is that some of the research is fairly old. The...
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...I mean i had no idea they where there or that they even had the slightest idea who I was. Let alone that they would show up on my behalf. It's a complete mystery to me." I’m pleased that it all turned out well, And that no body was hurt. No violent class with the police that is to say." After everything that had taken place in court this morning Frank had arranged to address the crowd. And pass on the good news that you had been given a bond. And that you would be getting released shortly. After he had a few people sort of pole the crowd to get an idea of what the demographic was. From what I was informed the majority of the people where students from UC Berkeley. peppered with some people from what's called "the psychedelic community" you'll have to forgive me tho where I’m not quite sure exactly what the latter is exactly." She said with a laugh. He couldn't help but notice her bright wide smile. it was clearly visible even in the darkish back seat. She had a gentile presences about her. unlike the typical demeanor of such an attractive woman. she made him feel comfortable and at...
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...Informational Seminar Ludaisha Washington SHB 5109 Scope of Addictive Behaviors and Eating Disturbances Table of Content Page 3--------- Audience selection Page 4 -------- Drug Classification Page 5 -------- Terms Page 6 -------- Cont. terms Page 7 -------- Signs and Symptoms Page 8 -------- Ethnic and Cultural Page 9 -------- Cont. Ethnic and Cultural Page 10 ------ Cont. Ethnic and Cultural Page 11 ------ Societal Attitudes and Stigma Page 12 ------ Cont. Societal Attitude and Stigma Page 13 ------ References Audience Teenagers abuse a variety of drugs, both legal and illegal. Legally available drugs include alcohol, prescribed medications, inhalants (fumes from glues, aerosols, and solvents) and over-the-counter cough, cold, sleep, and diet medications. The most commonly used illegal drugs are marijuana (pot), stimulants (cocaine, crack, and speed), LSD, PCP, opiates, heroin, and designer drugs (Ecstasy). The use of illegal drugs is increasing, especially among young teens. The average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use can start before age 12. The use of marijuana and alcohol in high school has become common. The audience for this informational seminar would be aimed to Middle school teachers and administrators prior towards the students entering high school. These are people who educate...
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...each other, becoming a serious national security risk as a new platform over which warfare can be carried out has been created (Solis, 1-3). Although businesses can leverage the Internet to achieve an incredibly high degree of globalization, the integration of Internet technology into businesses has opened them up to financially driven cyber attacks, resulting in net losses of millions each year ("Cybercrime Becoming More Professional." 3). The globalization brought with the Internet is not selective; it is inherent. Gritzalis and Gurvirender argue that a massive underground economy has birthed where criminals are achieving new levels of sophistication and organization, optimizing their gains and deepening the losses of society (1-2). This paper will explore the argument proposed by Gritzalis and Gurvirender. Criminals who have adapted to the cybercrime market are becoming increasingly complex in their methods. The rise of virtual marketplaces for illegal goods and services has proved effective in thwarting law enforcement agencies (Tor Project, 2011). The underground economy can be broken down into two primary markets: illegal narcotics and hacking related products and services. The growth of the narcotics marketplace has skyrocketed in the last few years, and especially in 2013. Silk Road,...
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...Driving to west from my address to Swallow Hill Music Center for 40 minutes one way at the evening was my first-time experience to the music concert in my life. I was a bit nervous when I arrived the place, but thanks to the receptionists at the front desk for warm welcoming and guidance. I took a middle row sit at the center of the hall and everything at the hall was a very nice, a well decorated light, attractive arts on the wall on the all the corners, the stage with five empty sits each with a microphone and a music stand at its front. Watching the performance and at the same time taking a note for my paper was also the only to do list for me. When time arrives, A young lady arrived a stage with a piece of paper and made a brief announcement about the concert and what they do, other notice like no photo graphs and others. Then Marrakech Express band arrived the stage with a full band instruments and after gaining the stage and awaiting the crowd’s silence, Samir El Yesfi begins picking the ‘ûd or lute which is what is called guitar in West accompanied by violin by Sandra Wong, Darbûka, the Moroccan bendir by Brett Bowen, and clarinet by Dexter Payne. After playing music for while Samir started singing “lama bada yatathana” which later I found on a YouTube being...
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...New Age Cash Crop Imagine you wake up on a Sunday fall morning. America’s economy is back on track, unemployment has dropped considerably, and we pay fewer taxes because the crime rate has gone down and jails aren’t overflowing with prisoners. Regular season NFL games are on today, after a stressful summer with football in a lockout. But first you go through your normal morning routine, go outside to get the paper, come back inside to eat, brush your teeth and what have you. You get in your car, drive to your neighborhood pharmacy, go through the drive through, and get your prescription. You get home and look in your little orange container, which is surprisingly light and quiet. You find three large, green with purple infused, marijuana buds. Right then it hits you, marijuana is illegal, you must be dreaming. But what if that dream could be the reality? Many people believe that the legalizing of marijuana would be good for our economy, good for helping people find jobs, and lowering our country’s crime rate. There will be nothing in the following pages that talks about the medicinal value of marijuana. There is no overwhelming data that shows that getting THC into your blood has a positive medicinal purpose. I, as an endurance athlete, am a firm believer that inhaling smoke is not healthy for you or your body regardless of what cure it may provide. It has been proven time and time again that inhaling smoke is one of the worst things you can do to your body, whether it is...
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...is considered an umbrella term for crimes such as drug-facilitated date rape, differs from many rapes in that it is not typically a crime of physical violence but rather of sexual hedonism and entitlement. Though flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is often cited as a date rape drug because of its high potency, strong effects and the ability to cause strong amnesia during its duration of action, investigations into its actual use as a date rape drug have contradicted popular belief. According to research conducted by Michael Robertson from the San Diego Medical Examiner's office and Dr. Mahmoud El Sohly of El Sohly Laboratories, test results indicated that flunitrazepam was only used in around 1% of reported date rapes according to Robertson and 0.33% according to urine lab tests done by El Sohly. In fact, the benzodiazepines midazolam and temazepam were the two most common benzodiazepines utilized for date rape. Ketamine is commonly known as: Black Hole, Bump, Cat Valium, Green, Jet, K, Kit Kat, Psychedelic heroin, Purple, Special K, Super Acid, Keller, Super C, etc. GBL or GHB are popular because "Victims may not be aware that they ingested a drug at all. GHB and its analogues are invisible when dissolved in water, and are odorless. They are somewhat salty tasting, but are indiscernible...
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