Evolving Ethics in Psychedelic Drug Taking

Psychedelics are distinct from other drugs because the experiences they provide often compel an ethical approach to living, with spiritual, therapeutic, or exploratory ethics arising spontaneously from the transcendental nature of the experience. Contemporary psychedelic use peaked around 1972 and declined by 1979, but a slow resurgence is indicated as irrational hysteria recedes and new information emerges. Users often adopt ethics similar to those in societies where such drugs are culturally accepted, integrating the experience constructively into ongoing life.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics are unique from other drugs in that the experiences they make available often demand an ethic of living. Ethics of a spiritual, therapeutic, or exploratory quality develop spontaneously because of the transcendental nature of the experience. Contemporary psychedelic drug taking went through a cycle which peaked in 1972 and declined about 1979. A slow resurgence of interest is indicated by receding irrational hysteria and the emergence of new information. Psychedelic drug takers often adopt ethics similar to those in societies where such drugs are already an accepted part of culture, ethics which constructively integrate the experience with ongoing life.