We exists, by the grace of our fellow man, and we are, because we remember. But, hidden behind the façade of everyday existence, there are people who suffer from deep and sometimes fatal depression, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) and ADAD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), as well as a host of other psychological conditions. Traditionally, and more so in recent times, most of these conditions can be effectively treated and controlled with anti-depressants such as serotonin uptake inhibitors, given in concert with psychological counselling.
There are also those that cannot be treated traditionally, and the suffering of our brothers and sisters can have devastating consequences on their lives. In recent years, and particularly in the last five years, a few bold psychological practitioners have looked elsewhere for alternative treatments, and, inevitably, this has let them to psychoactive substances such as MDMA (Ecstasy), peyote, ayahuasca, psilocybin and LSD. Early results, of strict clinical trials, have shown remarkable results, where, for instance, untreatable chronic depression has been arrested in its tracks, and patients that have given up all hope of recovery, have been given a new opportunity to live a functional and meaningful life.
It is my conviction that we have, for much too long, written off these alternative treatments as unregulated and dangerous drugs, with scenes of rave parties, addicts lying on pavements, and ghoulish scenes from drug dens, clouding our clinical judgement. Now is the time to give some of these ancient rituals and treatments a chance to prove itself. Not for one minute am I suggesting reckless and unregulated experimentation with dangerous drugs such as heroin and Fentanyl, but I am suggestion an open mind.
I have no medical training, and as such have little qualification to remark on this highly complex matter. But, as a humanist, I feel it my duty to address this matter. We all know someone suffering from these disorders, and also know the devastation it can cause.
Listen carefully to the podcast in the link provided, and you will realise that this research is an earnest attempt to help desperate patients, and not a reckless exercise.
I shall retain this conviction until I am proven wrong, in which case I will apologise.
