"Magic mushrooms": take once a year as prescribed by a doctor
American researchers have found that the positive psychological effects of a single dose of psilocybin contained in "magic mushrooms" last more than a year. Taking this hallucinogen under the supervision of a specialist increased the volunteers' sense of well-being and satisfaction with life.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, investigated the long-term effect of a single dose of psilocybin on healthy volunteers. 36 people were selected on the basis of physical health, sufficient education and lack of family history of psychoses and bipolar (manic-depressive) disorders. The volunteers were psychologically prepared for the upcoming experiment, during the action of the substance (about eight hours) they were under the supervision of a specialist. Some of them noted episodes of fear or anxiety, but these unpleasant sensations were not long-lasting, and a medical examination did not reveal clinically significant violations. After the experiment, the volunteers were asked to fill out a questionnaire.
Most of the subjects described the sensations of taking psilocybin as "the most or one of the five most significant personal and spiritual experiences in life" with an obviously increased sense of well-being and satisfaction with life after the experiment. After 14 months, all volunteers were asked to fill out the same questionnaires with questions about the long-term effects of the experience. It turned out that positive changes in the perception of life and a high personal assessment of experiences persisted during the specified period.
According to the head of the study Roland Griffiths (Roland Griffiths), such a long–lasting effect from a single exposure is a rarity in psychological practice. Given that psilocybin has not demonstrated addiction (the ability to cause drug dependence) and toxicity in experiments on humans and animals, it can be considered as a promising means of helping cancer patients with anxiety or depression, as well as people with drug addiction. Further efficacy and safety studies are needed to develop specific recommendations. The researchers also note that without proper preparation and supervision in proper conditions, taking psilocybin can lead to dangerous consequences for the patient and others.
Psilocybin is a natural alkaloid that acts on the serotonin receptors of the brain. Causes hallucinations, a feeling of depersonalization, deepens mystical and spiritual experiences. Refers to controlled substances in most countries of the world. Fungi of the genera Psilocybe, Stropharia, etc. containing it. for centuries, they have been used in some cultures for religious, visionary and medicinal purposes.