How Psychedelic Drugs Can Help Terminal Patients Face Death

Alexandra

I came across this old NY Times article and found it interesting. Maybe you will too.

I'm neither advocating taking illegal drugs nor trying to offend anyone's religious feelings.

Hearty Pioneer

Interesting

this is a deep topic.  I too am not stepping on anyone's religious beliefs...

When facing the end of life, if a med helps you enjoy the present without anxiety and depression, isn't good?  

On a side note, do these meds cause constipation like the heavy duty pain meds?? 

Alexandra

Hearty Pioneer said:

Interesting

this is a deep topic.  I too am not stepping on anyone's religious beliefs...

When facing the end of life, if a med helps you enjoy the present without anxiety and depression, isn't good?  

On a side note, do these meds cause constipation like the heavy duty pain meds?? 

Psilocybin 'shrooms

Magic mushrooms described in the article are non-toxic in any quantity, not addictive, do not cause constipation or any other bad side effects. The only possible harm: they could trigger an already existing psychiatric condition. They are fairly cheap ($12 - 18 for 1/8 oz trip) and easily available off the street, however in US they are illegal under federal law.

anicca

Alexandra said:

Psilocybin 'shrooms

Magic mushrooms described in the article are non-toxic in any quantity, not addictive, do not cause constipation or any other bad side effects. The only possible harm: they could trigger an already existing psychiatric condition. They are fairly cheap ($12 - 18 for 1/8 oz trip) and easily available off the street, however in US they are illegal under federal law.

NYU Study in 2012

I was part of an NYU study on the effects of psilocybin in treating anxiety in cancer patients.  I was referred to the study by my doctor's NP, to whom I had confided my extreme anxiety, which had sent my appetite totally out of control.  After several weeks of therapy, each participant received 2 doses, one a placebo, and one the real thing.  Of course you knew which was which pretty quickly.  I had an amazing experience, parts of which are still with me today.  I have been an atheist for over 40 years, but the all encompassing feeling of love during my trip was so powerful, that if there had been an ounce of belief in me, I would have become a believer.  As a direct result of the experience, I made changes to the way I live that I have stuck with me, such as taking care to not have to hurry with anything I do.  I'm no longer an aggressive driver, which my husband is very happy about.  I've always been a control freak, and that has also eased, though it's creeping back in after two years.  Maybe most importantly, I am no longer anxious about a recurrence.  There have been times when I thought I might be having one because of certain symptoms, but the thoughts were calm, and I didn't start eating or doing any other anxiety linked behaviors.  My thoughts have remained rational regarding cancer, and for that, I'm truly grateful, and consider myself very lucky.  At the time of my participation, I asked and was given permission to post here, looking for more volunteers for the study.  I don't know if anyone was able to join it, and it is now closed and finished, but if anxiety is a big problem, do look around.  There may be other studies still in progress, or new ones starting.

I must caution, though, that there are physical side effects to psilocybin.  It can cause stomach pain and nausea, both of which I had for a few days.  It is also an extreme experience, and I would advise being careful of the environment you are in, and the company you are with, if you take it unsupervised.