Australia recently announced the legalization of ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushrooms to treat depression and post-traumatic stress.
Australia’s drug agency announced in early February that it was approving the use of ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushrooms to treat depression and post-traumatic stress. With the decision, psychiatrists will be able to prescribe the substances from July.
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration said it had found “sufficient evidence of potential benefit in some patients”. However, both drugs are currently banned and can only be used in controlled clinical trials.
The announcement thrilled part of the medical community and all the other curious ones. After all, now the question remains: what will this treatment be like? Postgraduate doctor of orthomolecular medicine and psychiatry, Vital Araújo, explained how ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushroom therapies should be prescribed.
According to Vital, the release may aid in treatment that involves decreasing inhibitory brain processes, which can help people process difficult images and memories.
“However, great care is needed in controlling these substances. Like any other medicine, it too must have control over its distribution and use,” he stresses.
Mushrooms and depression
Science has previously stated that hallucinogenic mushrooms help reduce depression. A 2022 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine points out that a single 25-milligram dose of psilocybin — a substance found in “psychedelic” mushrooms — reduced symptoms of depression in people who were unsuccessful with conventional treatments.
The research also found that around 100 million people worldwide suffer from a treatment-resistant condition of depression. This represents a significant number of patients who could be helped by the use of psychedelic mushrooms.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
