Journal of Substance Use
July 30, 2010
R. L. Carhart-Harris, D. J. Nutt
108 citations
Users of hallucinogenic drugs report less harm from classic hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin compared to MDMA, cannabis, ketamine, and alcohol. Over 600 web-based survey responses indicated benefits including help with mood disorders, addictions, and migraines, along with long-term wellbeing improvements. Symptoms of hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder were most associated with LSD, though few users found them troubling. Eighty-one percent reported a spiritual experience on a hallucinogen, and over 90% considered access to the unconscious mind a specific property of classic hallucinogens. These findings cautiously support calls for systematic investigation of the therapeutic potential of classic hallucinogens.
Journal of Substance Use
February 20, 2018
Khary K. Rigg, Amanda Sharp
42 citations
MDMA-related deaths are increasing in several countries, yet misinformation about their causes remains widespread. These deaths are often mislabeled as overdoses in media and government reports, implying they result from ingesting too high a dose. In reality, most MDMA-related deaths stem from hyperthermia, dehydration, drug interactions, or hyponatremia. Obscuring the true causes hinders effective drug education and risk reduction. This paper explores the issue by reviewing MDMA's history, summarizing international death rates, discussing contributing factors, and identifying promising interventions to reduce fatalities. The topic is timely given the resurgence of recreational MDMA use and renewed interest in its therapeutic potential.
Journal of Substance Use
May 21, 2019
S. Thal, J. Daniels, H. Jungaberle
11 citations
Childhood trauma severity and substance use each independently predict higher levels of depersonalization, but substance use does not amplify the link between childhood trauma and depersonalization. In a sample of 297 participants (80.2% active users), neither the quantity nor the one-year prevalence of substance use moderated the relationship. The findings suggest that the quality and context of substance experiences, rather than sheer quantity, may be more relevant to the development of depersonalization symptoms.
Journal of Substance Use
January 20, 2016
Stéphanie Baggio, Stanislas Spilka, Joseph Studer et al.
9 citations
Among French 17-year-olds, patterns of illicit drug use fall into two distinct groups: one including amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, magic mushrooms, poppers, and solvents; the other including crack, GHB, heroin, LSD, and ketamine. Trajectories typically involve the first group before the second. Preventive efforts should target early teens, as very young users are more likely to progress to illicit drug use. The findings suggest that future studies should distinguish these two groups rather than lumping all illicit drugs together.
Journal of Substance Use
March 4, 2019
Tamonud Modak, Roshan Bhad, Ravindra Rao
7 citations
A case report describes a person who used LSD continuously for two years as his primary drug, developing craving and tolerance that did not disappear rapidly upon discontinuation, contrary to typical understanding. The individual experienced both physical and psychological symptoms when stopping LSD, factors that contributed to continued use. The authors state this is the first report of physical dependence to LSD, as the literature has previously indicated that LSD causes only psychological dependence and that continuous use is unknown.