Benjamin LaDue

Debra Nicols

HLTH 1050

April 14, 2024

The international drug trade is a multifaceted problem, from law enforcement to farmers

down to the users. The complex systems of production, distribution, and use affect millions

worldwide. This research paper aims to examine the different sides of drugs. The treatment of

depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction through psychedelic therapy. The history of

psychedelics in the United States, the legality, and other destinations that people suffering from

these psychological issues are willing to travel to—also, the numerous visitors to Latin America

seeking a recreational experience.

Modern psychedelic research began when Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid

diethylamide (LSD-25) in 1938. Five years later, became the first person to ingest LSD. (Doblin

et al. 93). Hofmann was researching ergot alkaloids when he accidentally ingested a small

amount of LSD or Lysergic Acid Diethylamide on April 19th, 1943; as he was riding his bike

home from a Swiss lab when he noticed a sense of euphoria and slight hallucinations. This

anecdotal event has created a celebration known as Bicycle Day, which is celebrated by

enthusiasts worldwide.

The precise number of LSD users is unknown, mainly as most studies are self-reported.

“Individuals of all ages use LSD. Data reported in the National Household Survey on Drug

Abuse indicate that an estimated 20.2 million U.S. residents aged 12 and older used LSD at least

once in their lifetime. The survey also revealed that many teenagers and young adults use LSD--
742,000 individuals aged 12 to 17 and 4.5 million individuals aged 18 to 25 used the drug at least

once.

LSD use among high school students is a particular concern. More than 8 percent of high

school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in their lifetime, and nearly 4

percent used the drug in the past year, according to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the

Future Survey.” (LSD Fast Facts)

Swiss pharmaceutical company Sandoz Laboratories sent Lysergic Acid Diethylamide,

created by Hoffman, to research facilities as LSD was gaining interest in psychiatric circles for

its therapeutic effects. While The United States was first introduced to LSD in the late 1940s for

research at Harvard University, the abuse and recreational use were not widespread until the

counter-culture hippies in the 1960s.

Timothy Leary was a research scientist at Harvard University but was later dismissed for

his views on LSD. He was a large advocate and proponent of LSD during the 60’s. He was

quoted saying, "Turn on, tune in, drop out." he also emphasized the use of set and setting,

referring to mindset and physical space when using the substance. Leary advertised the drug as a

way to expand your conscious mind and challenge social norms.

Currently, LSD Lysergic Acid Diethylamide is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic; it is

illegal to possess, use, or distribute in most countries around the world, with few exceptions for

medical research or religious ceremonies. People who use LDS might use it out of curiosity to

expand their “minds” for spiritual awakening or as a tool for creativity. LSD is not considered

addictive; while it does react with serotonin levels in the brain, it does not create a tolerance

where the same dose can produce the same effects without increasing over time.
 Risks of using LSD. 'Flashbacks' following use of hallucinogenic drugs have been

reported for decades; they are recognized in DSM-IV as 'Hallucinogen Persisting Perception

Disorder (Flashbacks)', or HPPD. (HG;) Flashbacks are experienced by a few individuals

following the use of LSD or hallucinogenic drugs; flashbacks can occur a few days after use,

weeks, or even years later. It's important to note that LSD itself isn’t dangerous; however, the

user may put themselves in danger because of hallucinations. This is why Timothy Leary

emphasized set and setting before use.

While LSD is the most recognized hallucinogenic on the market, other drugs have come

into the scope with the potential to treat psychiatric issues. Ketamine, Psilocybin, MDMA and

DMT. These drugs have unique properties and can be beneficial if used correctly in a medical

setting.

DMT can take many forms and has been publicized on podcasts and by comedians

worldwide. Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, is produced naturally in the human body, and many

plants, including Ayahuasca, are typically brewed for ceremonial rituals stemming from the

Amazon basin. Ayahuasca retreats are becoming increasingly popular. “Among the most

frequent motivations were curiosity, desire to treat mental health problems, need for self-

knowledge, interest in psychedelic medicine, spiritual development, and finding direction in life.

Frequently mentioned benefits included self-knowledge, change in the way one relates to

oneself, spiritual development, improved interpersonal relations, overcoming mental and

physical problems, and gaining a new perspective on life. (Kavenská and Simonová 351)

The research into neuroplasticity with the use of psychedelics is an exciting field. One

study conducted by several researches showed impressive results. “Our data demonstrate that

classical psychedelics from several distinct chemical classes are capable of robustly promoting
the growth of both neurites and dendritic spines in vitro, in vivo, and across species. Importantly,

our studies highlight the similarities between the effects of ketamine and those of classical

serotonergic psychedelics, supporting the hypothesis that the clinical antidepressant and

anxiolytic effects of these molecules might result from their ability to promote structural and

functional plasticity in prefrontal cortical neurons. We have demonstrated that the plasticity-

promoting properties of psychedelics require TrkB, mTOR, and 5-HT2A signaling, suggesting

that these key signaling hubs may serve as potential targets for the development of

psychoplastogens, fast-acting antidepressants, and anxiolytics. Taken together, our results

suggest that psychedelics may be used as lead structures to identify next-generation

neurotherapeutics with improved efficacy and safety profiles. (Ly et al. Psychedelics promote

structural and functional neural plasticity)

With the ever-expanding quest for knowledge and human growth and development.

Psychedelic drugs seem to be making a new appearance in social media; I frequently see

advertisements for “Mind Bloom,” a ketamine-assisted therapy. These once-taboo drugs are

becoming more mainstream and may be the answer to overcoming a drug crisis. The

overwhelming research into neuroplasticity and its beneficial results from Psychedelic therapy in

the future will undoubtedly be exciting in this field of study.

Works Cited

Doblin, R. E., et al. "The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This

Issue." Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, vol. 51, no. 2, 2019, pp. 93–97.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1606472.
“LSD Fast Facts.” LSD Fast Facts, National Drug Intelligence Center a component of the
U.S. Department of Justice., May 2003,
www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs4/4260/index.htm.

HG;, Halpern JH;Pope. “Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: What Do We Know

after 50 Years?” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1
Mar. 2003, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12609692/.

Kavenská, Veronika, and Hana Simonová. “Ayahuasca Tourism: Participants in Shamanic

Rituals and their Personality Styles, Motivation, Benefits and Risks.” Journal of
psychoactive drugs vol. 47,5 (2015): 351-9. doi:10.1080/02791072.2015.1094590