From Drugs to Medicine: How the U.S. Changed Its Perception of Psychedelics Over Half a Century

“"At the end of 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use."”, However, this story began back in the 70s. During this time, the perceptions of MDMA and psilocybin have changed dramatically. First of all, the military played a key role in this shift. How did this happen?

How did it all start?

Psychedelic plants and mushrooms have been used in indigenous healing traditions for thousands of years. Modern psychedelic research began when Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) in 1938. Five years later, he became the first person to take LSD. This case was a turning point in the history of psychedelic research.

In the 1950s and 1960s, psychedelics were actively researched in the United States. One of the main directions was to study their potential for psychotherapy. They were used to treat a variety of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use disorder.

In the mid-1960s, psychedelics became popular among young people, leading to their unregulated use and association with the counterculture.

This led to a government response. Political concerns about widespread recreational use led to the introduction of regulatory barriers. LSD, psilocybin and other psychedelics were banned as Class I drugs. Research into the use of psychedelics was essentially halted after the passage of the(Controlled Substances Act (CSA) The scientific community was limited in its ability to continue researching these potentially beneficial substances.

The 1990s and 2000s saw a new wave of interest in psychedelic research. Research on psychedelic substances was revived by non-profit organizations. Organizations such as MAPS and theJohns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research,are actively conducting clinical trials and research in an effort to legalize the use of psychedelics for medical purposes. Current research is focused on their therapeutic potential, particularly in the treatment of depression, PTSD, and addictions.

The problem of PTSD in the United States

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 6.8% of the US adult population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. The problem of PTSD is particularly acute among military personnel and veterans.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans, more than a quarter of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder causes serious health problems, including a high mortality rate among veterans. For many of them, returning to civilian life becomes a difficult challenge due to difficulties in adaptation, mental disorders and social isolation.

Over the centuries, the United States has been involved in numerous military conflicts, shaping a unique experience in caring for veterans. From the first soldiers who returned from World War I with "battle shock" (as PTSD was called at the time) to veterans of modern conflicts, each generation has brought new challenges, knowledge, and insights. This rich historical experience allows us to create effective assistance and support programs for combat survivors.

In recent years, new methods of treating PTSD have emerged, including therapies aimed at integrating veterans into society, medical treatment, and psychological support. Rehabilitation programs, support groups, and specialized clinics for veterans are working to provide them with the help they need.

One of the innovative PTSD treatments gaining popularity in the U.S. is the use of psychedelics. Studies have shown that substances such as MDMA and psilocybin can have a positive impact on the treatment of PTSD. Under the supervision of specialists, these substances are used to reduce the symptoms of the disorder, helping veterans to relive and integrate traumatic memories.

Thus, understanding the problem of PTSD among both civilians and war veterans is key to providing effective care and support. The United States has a long history of caring for its veterans, and this experience helps to create effective strategies to support those who have been through military conflicts.

In the period from 2020 to 2024, the United States will see an active development of PTSD treatment methods and an increase in the number of clinical centers specializing in this problem.

Particular attention is paid to the treatment of PTSD in veterans. Specialized programs and centers offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating this problem.

Given the significant number of veterans with PTSD as a result of participation in wars and conflicts, specialized programs and centers for diagnosis, treatment, and support of veterans have been established in the United States, such asNational Center for PTSD, Heroic Hearts, VETS, Veterans of War, Client Care Continuum.

A new era in PTSD treatment

At the beginning of the 21st century, clinical trials on the use of psychedelics in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) began in the United States. Particularly noteworthy are studies using MDMA and psilocybin.

Over the past years, the results of numerous animal and human studies, including large multicenter clinical trials of psilocybin in the treatment of resistant depression and MDMA in PTSD, have confirmed the safety and medical efficacy of psychedelics and have sparked growing interest.

MAPS is one of the leading groups studying the potential of MDMA in the treatment of PTSD. They have completed phase 3 clinical trials. MDMA is now on its way to becoming the first psychedelic medicine. Phase 3 clinical trials have been conducted since 2018, confirming the results of previous studies. Up to 68% of patients treated with MDMA no longer met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis one year after treatment.

FDA has called MDMA therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder a "revolutionary therapy".

The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Studies is leading the way in exploring innovative treatments using psilocybin. Their research is focused on developing effective psychedelic psychotherapy for those suffering from PTSD.

Psilocybin, an active component of certain types of mushrooms, has shown promising results in the treatment of PTSD. Its effect is to change perception and consciousness, which can help patients rethink traumatic events. Current research confirms that psilocybin can be effective in treating not only PTSD, but also other mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Therefore, the results of these studies indicate that psychedelics can be effective tools in the treatment of PTSD. They allow patients to reduce the impact of traumatic memories and improve their quality of life. However, it is important to note that these treatments should only be carried out under the supervision of qualified professionals, as they may have potential risks and side effects.

In May 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city to decriminalize psilocybin.

In late 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use. In this regard, the Oregon legislature created an advisory board that recently provided recommendations on education, administration, and client education about the risks and benefits of psilocybin therapy. Under current law, the use of psilocybin is only allowed in licensed facilities with trained counselors.

Legalizing and regulating the use of psychedelics in the treatment of PTSD in the United States is a complex process that involves scientific research, medical expertise, and legislative changes. Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has proven to be an effective method of treating PTSD.

The use of PAT is accompanied by strict rules and regulations that are designed to prevent abuse and ensure patient safety. This includes control over dosages, the conditions of therapy sessions, and the qualifications of medical personnel. Regulators closely monitor compliance with these rules to minimize risks to patients.

Thus, the legalization and regulation of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes in the U.S. is the result of a decades-long evolution in attitudes toward these substances. Changes in attitudes, backed by numerous studies and successful clinical trials, show the significant potential of psychedelics in the treatment of PTSD and other mental disorders. Oregon has become a pioneer in this process, and its example may inspire other states to make similar legislative changes. In general, the use of psychedelics in the treatment of PTSD in the United States is a promising field that continues to develop and be researched as part of modern trends in psychotherapy practice.