Can psychedelic drugs help people overcome major behavioral and mental problems like depression and (even more surprisingly) addiction? According to some medical experts, this concept is grounded in truth. While you will definitely remember reading about the wild exploits of acid culture and LSD trips that took place in the 1960s and 70s, you may find this concept very confusing. How could drugs that are potentially addictive and can be very harmful to the human mind be used as an essential form of therapy to people who are attempting to break away from drugs altogether? How did this practice come to be? Let’s take a closer look at the situation and find out more from the medical professionals.
One Trippy Bike Ride
Back in 1938, Albert Hoffman (a Swiss chemist) identified a compound called Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-25, which he synthesized from the parasitic ergot fungus. By sheer accident, he accidentally splashed a few drops of the substance on his skin (or eyes), which ultimately caused a bizarre series of sensations. However, nothing could have prepared him for what he experienced after taking a higher dose.
Later, on April 19, 1943, Hoffman intentionally ingested 250 micrograms of the substance before riding a bicycle with his lab assistant. Ultimately, he experienced the world’s first “acid trip” and opened the floodgates for a counterculture and (unusually) medical science.
Medical Microdosing
Back in 2011, James Fadiman published a book called The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, which included a small section about microdosing LSD, expounding on the original concept for the substance. Initially, Albert Hoffman believed that, if people consume small amounts of acid, their cognition and moods would greatly improve. According to Fadiman, patients who have taken LSD for medical trials have experienced extremely positive changes in their lives. So, can we expect a push for LSD legalization in the likeness of the pro-marijuana movement? In short, the possibility at this point is slim.
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.