Psychedelic-assisted therapy research is growing, but racial and ethnic minority groups remain underrepresented in clinical trials. This article traces the history of psychedelics and their recent resurgence, explains how psychedelic medicine has been racialized, and documents current inequities in the field. It proposes an antiracism framework to decolonize psychedelic research by dismantling White power structures and returning authority to Indigenous cultures. The authors argue that the psychedelic movement has a rare opportunity to improve inclusion and show how to achieve it.
Alcohol and tobacco are legal but carry well-documented risks of misuse and disease, with alcohol dependence also contributing to opioid overdoses that kill 130 people daily. Despite growing awareness of the opioid epidemic, most Americans do not receive FDA-approved addiction medications. Effective medications exist for alcohol use disorder, and medications for opioid use disorder have validated benefits. Recently, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin have shown potential for alleviating depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. A comprehensive, integrated public health approach is essential for treating substance use disorders.