Do Psychedelic Drug Therapies Actually Require Getting High?

Researchers can't yet untangle how exactly substances like MDMA and psilocybin affect the brain, and some are working to take the tripping out of treatment.

By Conor Feehly
Feb 22, 2022 9:15 PMFeb 25, 2022 1:59 PM
psilocybin in lab
(Credit: 24K-Production/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

When seeking a treatment for a pathology or disorder, medical researchers typically look for an effective substance that is neither toxic nor addictive. Things get even more complicated when trying to treat an aspect of one’s consciousness.

But after decades of stigmatization and criminalization, a number of psychoactive substances, including MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and ketamine, have shown significant therapeutic benefits in clinical trials to address post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and alcoholism, along with end-of-life anxiety in cancer patients.

The controlled use of these substances, coupled with therapy sessions led by trained guides, are set to become a legitimate treatment alternative. Top U.S. academic institutions have already set up psychedelic research centers, with Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Yale and Berkeley investing heavily into this new line of research. 

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.