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  • Essay / Mind Over Matter: Psychedelic Drugs - 1178

    Psychedelics have always been a controversial topic in the world of drugs because they have the ability to alter one's perception of reality. LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin are three of the main types of psychedelics on the drug market, all three of which are listed on Schedule 1 by the DEA. A Schedule 1 drug is considered to have a high risk of dependence, has no medical value and is illegal to possess. A Schedule 2 drug is considered to have potential for both medical and abuse purposes. A Schedule 3 medicine is considered safe for medical use and can only be prescribed by a doctor. I do, however, think that psychedelics should be reconsidered for at least Program 2, as studies have shown an increase in the use of psychedelics in psychotherapy and may even help the terminally ill accept their own death. In a world where mental illnesses like PTSD, depression and autism are increasingly prevalent, MDMA, or "Ecstasy", is just the mental boost a person needs and is illegally distributed to patients during therapy or counseling. The theory is that MDMA can increase "happiness levels" by forcing the brain to release serotonin and dopamine at the same time, resulting in intense euphoria and "softening of the ego" (Errowid). Some other side effects of MDMA may include feelings of inner peace, increased social connections, and increased ability to communicate. Some of the less positive side effects can be eye movements, increased heart rate, and dehydration. This is all quite manageable and not too noticeable. People suffering from social anxiety and depression could greatly benefit from MDMA, as it can break down internal boundaries and increase the need to be with other people. A ground...... middle of paper ......ml• Pappas, S. (nd). Magic mushrooms may have long-term positive effects on personality. Superior perspective. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from http://higherperspective.com/2014/04/magic-mushrooms-may-long-solving-positive-effects-personality.html?utm_source=HP• 73 Breathtaking Terence McKenna QuotesEndAllDisease.com. (nd). 73 Mind-Blowing Quotes by Terence McKennaEndAllDisease.com. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from http://www.endalldisease.com/73-mindblowing-terence-mckenna-quotes/• Hofmann, A. (1970, January 1). The discovery of LSD. The discovery of LSD. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from http://www.psychedelic-library.org/hofmann.htm• List of Schedule 1 Drugs. (nd). Wikipedia. Retrieved May 12, 2014 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Schedule_I_drugs_(US)#Hallucinogenic_or_psychedelic• Erowid. (nd). Erowid. Retrieved May 12, 2014 from http://www.erowid.org/