Psychedelic Drugs

New research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, reduces chronic nerve pain in mice. It also significantly enhances the performance of common pain drugs, suggesting the psychedelic might fundamentally rewire how the brain processes pain.

A new meta-analysis found that MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms. However, researchers warn the evidence quality is "very low" due to flaws in how the clinical trials were conducted, including a failure to use proper placebos.

Despite popular beliefs linking psychedelic drugs to open-mindedness, new research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests that substances like psilocybin and LSD do not reliably alter a person's authoritarian political views.

Taking psychedelics alongside a romantic partner is linked to a deeper mutual understanding and improved relationship satisfaction. Conversely, undertaking an intense psychedelic journey alone might leave couples out of sync and increase the likelihood of a breakup.

Special Operations veterans with head traumas experienced notable clinical improvements after taking ibogaine. Brain scans reveal the therapy was associated with lasting increases in cerebral blood flow and the widespread reorganization of neural networks.

A study of over 500,000 Americans suggests that substances like PCP and cannabis consistently predict higher arrest rates. Conversely, psilocybin is associated with lower odds of offending, though these protective effects vary by race and age.

A new study reveals that a rodent's age and reproductive cycle strongly influence its response to psilocybin, pointing toward a need for customized psychiatric drug treatments across different patient demographics.

A new study suggests that the widely reported life-changing benefits of psychedelics might be somewhat exaggerated. Researchers found that studies relying on "enthusiast" communities report significantly higher quality-of-life improvements compared to studies using a general population sample.

A new study suggests that meaningful psychedelic experiences reduce a person's fear of death by increasing their sense of connection to themselves, their loved ones, and the universe.

New research shows that combining specialized therapy with psychedelic substances like psilocybin or LSD offers notable relief for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. This data from a Swiss clinical program highlights the promise of these treatments in everyday medical settings.

A new pilot study suggests that taking small, sub-perceptual doses of LSD could temporarily boost feelings of creativity and social connection in individuals with major depression. However, researchers caution that placebo-controlled trials are still needed.

A novel psychedelic drug promotes rapid structural growth in brain cells and reverses depressive behaviors in mice. The substance, 25C-NBF, appears to lack the addictive qualities and severe sensory disruptions associated with similar recreational drugs.

A single high dose of psilocybin can cause lasting physical changes in the human brain. Scientists found that temporary increases in brain randomness during the experience predict improved well-being and mental flexibility for at least a month.

A single dose of psilocybin paired with behavioral therapy proved remarkably effective at helping cigarette smokers quit. A new clinical trial shows the psychedelic intervention substantially outperformed standard nicotine patches over a six-month tracking period.

A new clinical trial suggests that repeated doses of psilocybin can safely reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The findings provide evidence that multiple weekly treatments offer lasting relief for those struggling with traditional therapies.