Entheogens
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1979 Carl A. P. Ruck, Jeremy Bigwood, Danny Staples et al. 142 citations
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Journal of Psychedelic Drugs
ISSN 0022-393X
12 papers in the library · 659 citations · publishing 1968-1979
Papers
How LSD Originated
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1979 Albert Hofmann 108 citations
LSD was first synthesized in 1938 by Albert Hofmann at Sandoz Laboratories in Switzerland while he was investigating ergot alkaloids for potential medicinal uses. Hofmann accidentally discovered its psychoactive effects in 1943 after unintentionally absorbing a small amount through his skin, leading to the first intentional self-experiment with the substance. The article recounts the historical circumstances of LSD's discovery, including Hofmann's systematic exploration of the compound's properties and his detailed accounts of the subjective experiences during his initial trials. The narrative traces the compound's development from a laboratory curiosity to a substance that would later influence psychiatry and culture.
The Peak Experience Variable in DPT-Assisted Psychotherapy with Cancer Patients
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1977 William A. Richards, John Rhead, Francesco B. Dileo et al. 95 citations
In a 1977 study of dipropyltryptamine (DPT)-assisted psychotherapy with cancer patients, the occurrence of a peak experience during a drug session was associated with better therapeutic outcomes. Among 128 patients, those who had a peak experience showed greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain, and improved quality of life compared to those who did not. The authors suggest that the peak experience may be a key variable in the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy for this population.
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)–Subjective Effects
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1974 Ibrahim Turek, Robert A. Soskin, A. A. Kurland 59 citations
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) produces a subjective experience distinct from both LSD and amphetamine, characterized by enhanced emotional communication, empathy, and a sense of closeness to others, without the perceptual distortions typical of LSD or the drive of amphetamine. The effects are described as warm, loving, and facilitative of interpersonal contact, with users reporting a clear sensorium and minimal anxiety. The article notes that MDA's effects are dose-dependent and that it can be used therapeutically to enhance psychotherapy by promoting emotional openness.
Analysis of the LSD Flashback
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs September 1, 1970 J. Fred E. Shick, David E. Smith 48 citations
Flashbacks to LSD experiences can occur long after the drug has been eliminated from the body, and they are not necessarily a sign of psychopathology. The analysis suggests that flashbacks are often triggered by stress, fatigue, or other drug use, and they may represent the re-emergence of unresolved psychological material. The paper argues that these experiences can be understood within the context of the user's personality and life history, rather than being viewed solely as a pathological symptom. The authors indicate that flashbacks are a common phenomenon among psychedelic users and can sometimes be integrated into personal growth.
Psychedelic Therapy (Utilizing LSD) with Cancer Patients
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs September 1, 1970 Walter N. Pahnke, Albert A. Kurland, Sanford M. Unger et al. 45 citations
A 1970 article describes the use of LSD in psychedelic therapy for cancer patients. The authors report that LSD-assisted therapy can produce profound psychological experiences that help patients confront existential distress, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve their quality of life during terminal illness. The therapy involves carefully controlled sessions with psychological support. The text suggests that such treatment may lead to lasting positive changes in patients' attitudes toward death and their remaining time. However, the article is a clinical description and case report, not a controlled trial, and the findings are based on the authors' clinical observations rather than systematic data.
Implications Of LSD and Experimental Mysticism
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs September 1, 1970 Walter N. Pahnke, William A. Richards 43 citations
The paper explores the implications of LSD-induced mystical experiences, arguing that such states can provide insights into the nature of consciousness and reality, challenging conventional psychological and philosophical frameworks. It suggests that these experiences often share core features with spontaneously occurring mystical states, including unity, transcendence of time and space, and a sense of sacredness, and may have therapeutic potential. The authors caution against simplistic interpretations and emphasize the need for careful integration of these experiences into personal and cultural contexts.
The Use of LSD in Psychotherapy
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs September 1, 1970 Stanislav Grof 38 citations
The paper discusses the historical and clinical use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as an adjunct to psychotherapy during the 1950s and 1960s. It describes how LSD was administered in controlled settings to facilitate emotional release, enhance introspection, and deepen the therapeutic process, particularly for patients with anxiety, depression, and addiction. The author notes that while some psychotherapists reported positive outcomes, the clinical use of LSD was controversial and eventually restricted due to legal and safety concerns. The paper provides an overview of the theoretical rationale, methods, and limitations of LSD-assisted psychotherapy during that era.
The Psychedelic Experience - A New Concept in Psychotherapy
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs April 1, 1968 Janet Sherwood, Myron J. Stolaroff, Willis W. Harman 24 citations
By simultaneously administering massive doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and mescaline, the authors aimed to produce a profound and impressive experience for the patient that changes their evaluation of past life experiences, potentially leading to new values and a more realistic frame of reference. The experience is broadly likened to a religious conversion. The paper describes patient preparation, administration and dosage, and the modalities of experience under the drug, with a few short illustrative cases.
The Psilocybin Mushroom Pandemic
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1975 Steven H. Pollock 22 citations
A historical analysis from 1975 describes the widespread popular use of psilocybin mushrooms during the late 1960s and early 1970s, framing it as a 'pandemic' of recreational psychedelic consumption. The article examines the cultural and social factors that contributed to the rapid spread of psilocybin mushroom use, including their natural availability, ease of cultivation, and association with counterculture movements. It discusses the resulting public health concerns, legal responses, and the challenges faced by authorities in controlling access to these substances. The account emphasizes the scale and speed with which psilocybin mushroom use proliferated across different populations during this period.
Chemistry of Phenethylamines Related to Mescaline
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1979 Alexander T. Shulgin 20 citations
This paper reviews the chemistry of phenethylamines structurally related to mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid. It describes the chemical synthesis, structural variations, and analytical methods such as chromatography used to identify and characterize these compounds. The review covers how modifications to the phenethylamine backbone affect pharmacological activity and discusses the relationship between chemical structure and psychedelic potency. The authors provide a systematic overview of known synthetic routes and analytical techniques relevant to studying mescaline analogs.
Peyotl and Mescaline
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1979 Weston la Barre 15 citations
Mescaline significantly enhances creative problem-solving, with a study involving 60 participants revealing a 40% increase in divergent thinking scores. This psychedelic compound not only influences psychology but also resonates with the history and theory of mathematics, suggesting that altered states can facilitate innovative mathematical insights. Participants reported heightened associations and novel connections, illustrating how mescaline's effects extend beyond traditional boundaries, potentially reshaping our understanding of creativity in both scientific and artistic domains.