Hallucinogens and Redemption

Abstract

This article examines drug substitution with regard to hallucinogens (ayahuasca, ibogaine, peyote and LSD) set within the concept of redemption. The model examines both religious and secular approaches to the contemporary use of hallucinogens in drug substitution, both by scientists and in religious settings worldwide. The redemptive model posits that the proper use of one psychoactive substance within a spiritual or clinical context helps to free an individual from the adverse effects of their addiction to another substance and thus restores them as functioning members of their community or group. Data is drawn from the U.S., Brazil, Peru, and West Africa. Two principle mechanisms for this are proposed: the psychological mechanism of suggestibility is examined in terms of the individual reaching abstinence goals from addictive substances such as alcohol and opiates. Neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms to understand the efficacy of such substitution are highlighted from ongoing research on hallucinogens. Research by two of the authors with the Uñaio do Vegetal (UDV) Church in Brazil is examined in terms of the model.

Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin

“…Notably, every one of the original six studies showed an odds ratio that favored LSD. In addition to these early medical studies suggesting potential efficacy of classic psychedelics in addictions treatment, a number of observational studies documented reports of recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs resulting from ceremonies involving classic psychedelic consumption among religions that view such compounds as sacraments [45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56]. Consistent with medical and observational studies, the founder of Alcoholic Anonymous, Bill Wilson, was a proponent of the theoretic potential of classic psychedelics to facilitate treatment of addiction.…”

A single administration of the hallucinogen, 4‐acetoxy‐dimethyltryptamine, prevents the shift to a drug‐dependent state and the expression of withdrawal aversions in rodents

“…Our results are in agreement with pre‐clinical studies suggesting that the use of 5‐HT 2A agonists may be useful as therapeutic agents in the treatment of addiction (de Rios et al ., ; Thomas et al ., ; Johnson et al ., ; Loizaga‐Velder & Verres, ). Indeed, the findings are consistent with data showing that administration of 5‐HT 2A receptor agonists is negatively correlated with the development of addictive behavior in human populations (Gable, ).…”

Iboga: entre mythe et réalité

“…De même, il est raisonnable de supposer que l'induction du métabolisme énergétique influence l'agilité mentale, l'apprentissage et le recouvrement de la mémoire refoulée [21]. Cela facilite la révélation du statut psychique propre à chacun et augmente l'efficacité de l'approche psychothé-rapique des maladies addictives [9,19].…”

“…Les communautés tribales d'Afrique l'utilisent lors de rites pour des raisons spirituelles depuis des siècles [9]. Localement, on considère que c'est une substance accroissant la perception qui rend l'utilisateur capable d'atteindre les profondeurs du subconscient.…”