Selected Papers of William L. White
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Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP
Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP Hallucinogenic compounds found in some • Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N- plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) dimethyltryptamine) is obtained from have been used—mostly during religious certain types of mushrooms that are rituals—for centuries. Almost all indigenous to tropical and subtropical hallucinogens contain nitrogen and are regions of South America, Mexico, and classified as alkaloids. Many hallucinogens the United States. These mushrooms have chemical structures similar to those of typically contain less than 0.5 percent natural neurotransmitters (e.g., psilocybin plus trace amounts of acetylcholine-, serotonin-, or catecholamine- psilocin, another hallucinogenic like). While the exact mechanisms by which substance. hallucinogens exert their effects remain • PCP (phencyclidine) was developed in unclear, research suggests that these drugs the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. work, at least partially, by temporarily Its use has since been discontinued due interfering with neurotransmitter action or to serious adverse effects. by binding to their receptor sites. This DrugFacts will discuss four common types of How Are Hallucinogens Abused? hallucinogens: The very same characteristics that led to • LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) is the incorporation of hallucinogens into one of the most potent mood-changing ritualistic or spiritual traditions have also chemicals. It was discovered in 1938 led to their propagation as drugs of abuse. and is manufactured from lysergic acid, Importantly, and unlike most other drugs, which is found in ergot, a fungus that the effects of hallucinogens are highly grows on rye and other grains. variable and unreliable, producing different • Peyote is a small, spineless cactus in effects in different people at different times. -
Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP
Information for Behavioral Health Providers in Primary Care Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP What are Hallucinogens? Hallucinogenic compounds found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) have been used— mostly during religious rituals—for centuries. Almost all hallucinogens contain nitrogen and are classified as alkaloids. Many hallucinogens have chemical structures similar to those of natural neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine-, serotonin-, or catecholamine-like). While the exact mechanisms by which hallucinogens exert their effects remain unclear, research suggests that these drugs work, at least partially, by temporarily interfering with neurotransmitter action or by binding to their receptor sites. This InfoFacts will discuss four common types of hallucinogens: LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals. It was discovered in 1938 and is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Peyote is a small, spineless cactus in which the principal active ingredient is mescaline. This plant has been used by natives in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States as a part of religious ceremonies. Mescaline can also be produced through chemical synthesis. Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine) is obtained from certain types of mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5 percent psilocybin plus trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance. PCP (phencyclidine) was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. Its use has since been discontinued due to serious adverse effects. How Are Hallucinogens Abused? The very same characteristics that led to the incorporation of hallucinogens into ritualistic or spiritual traditions have also led to their propagation as drugs of abuse. -
Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs
Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens See page 5. from the director: Research Report Series Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs — which have street names like acid, angel dust, and vitamin K — distort the way a user perceives time, motion, colors, sounds, and self. These drugs can disrupt a person’s ability to think and communicate rationally, or even to recognize reality, sometimes resulting in bizarre or dangerous behavior. Hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin, peyote, DMT, and ayahuasca cause HALLUCINOGENS AND emotions to swing wildly and real-world sensations to appear unreal, sometimes frightening. Dissociative drugs like PCP, DISSOCIATIVE DRUGS ketamine, dextromethorphan, and Salvia divinorum may make a user feel out of Including LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, Ayahuasca, control and disconnected from their body PCP, Ketamine, Dextromethorphan, and Salvia and environment. In addition to their short-term effects What Are on perception and mood, hallucinogenic Hallucinogens and drugs are associated with psychotic- like episodes that can occur long after Dissociative Drugs? a person has taken the drug, and dissociative drugs can cause respiratory allucinogens are a class of drugs that cause hallucinations—profound distortions depression, heart rate abnormalities, and in a person’s perceptions of reality. Hallucinogens can be found in some plants and a withdrawal syndrome. The good news is mushrooms (or their extracts) or can be man-made, and they are commonly divided that use of hallucinogenic and dissociative Hinto two broad categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such drugs among U.S. high school students, as PCP). When under the influence of either type of drug, people often report rapid, intense in general, has remained relatively low in emotional swings and seeing images, hearing sounds, and feeling sensations that seem real recent years. -
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens What Are Hallucinogens? Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their thoughts and feelings. They are commonly split into two categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP). Both types of hallucinogens can cause hallucinations, or sensations and images that seem real though they are not. Additionally, dissociative drugs can cause users to feel out of control or disconnected from their body and environment. Some hallucinogens are extracted from plants or mushrooms, and others are synthetic (human-made). Historically, people have used hallucinogens for religious or healing rituals. More recently, people report using these drugs for social or recreational purposes. Hallucinogens are a Types of Hallucinogens diverse group of drugs Classic Hallucinogens that alter perception, LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most powerful mind- thoughts, and feelings. altering chemicals. It is a clear or white odorless material made from lysergic acid, which is found in a fungus that grows on rye and other Hallucinogens are split grains. into two categories: Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) comes from certain classic hallucinogens and types of mushrooms found in tropical and subtropical regions of South dissociative drugs. America, Mexico, and the United States. Peyote (mescaline) is a small, spineless cactus with mescaline as its main People use hallucinogens ingredient. Peyote can also be synthetic. in a wide variety of ways DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful chemical found naturally in some Amazonian plants. People can also make DMT in a lab. -
From Sacred Plants to Psychotherapy
From Sacred Plants to Psychotherapy: The History and Re-Emergence of Psychedelics in Medicine By Dr. Ben Sessa ‘The rejection of any source of evidence is always treason to that ultimate rationalism which urges forward science and philosophy alike’ - Alfred North Whitehead Introduction: What exactly is it that fascinates people about the psychedelic drugs? And how can we best define them? 1. Most psychiatrists will define psychedelics as those drugs that cause an acute confusional state. They bring about profound alterations in consciousness and may induce perceptual distortions as part of an organic psychosis. 2. Another definition for these substances may come from the cross-cultural dimension. In this context psychedelic drugs may be recognised as ceremonial religious tools, used by some non-Western cultures in order to communicate with the spiritual world. 3. For many lay people the psychedelic drugs are little more than illegal and dangerous drugs of abuse – addictive compounds, not to be distinguished from cocaine and heroin, which are only understood to be destructive - the cause of an individual, if not society’s, destruction. 4. But two final definitions for psychedelic drugs – and those that I would like the reader to have considered by the end of this article – is that the class of drugs defined as psychedelic, can be: a) Useful and safe medical treatments. Tools that as adjuncts to psychotherapy can be used to alleviate the symptoms and course of many mental illnesses, and 1 b) Vital research tools with which to better our understanding of the brain and the nature of consciousness. Classifying psychedelic drugs: 1,2 The drugs that are often described as the ‘classical’ psychedelics include LSD-25 (Lysergic Diethylamide), Mescaline (3,4,5- trimethoxyphenylathylamine), Psilocybin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and DMT (dimethyltryptamine). -
Ritualized Peyote Use Can Facilitate Mental Health, Social Solidarity
Ritualized Peyote Use Can Facilitate Mental Health, Social Solidarity, and Cultural Survival: A Case Study of the Religious and Mystical Experiences in the Wixárika People of the Sierra Madre Occidental The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters Citation Luce, Nathan William. 2020. Ritualized Peyote Use Can Facilitate Mental Health, Social Solidarity, and Cultural Survival: A Case Study of the Religious and Mystical Experiences in the Wixárika People of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Master's thesis, Harvard Extension School. Citable link https://nrs.harvard.edu/URN-3:HUL.INSTREPOS:37365056 Terms of Use This article was downloaded from Harvard University’s DASH repository, and is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http:// nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of- use#LAA Ritualized Peyote Use Can Facilitate Mental Health, Social Solidarity, and Cultural Survival: A Case Study of the Religious and Mystical Experiences in the Wixárika People of the Sierra Madre Occidental Nathan William Luce A Thesis in the Field of Religion for the Degree of Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies Harvard University May 2020 Copyright 2020 Nathan William Luce Abstract This paper examines how the Wixárika, or Huichol, as they are more commonly known to the outside world, have successfully engaged in a decade-long struggle to save their ceremonial homeland of Wirikuta. They have fended off a Canadian silver mining company’s attempts to dig mines in the habitat of their most important sacrament, peyote, using a remarkable combination of traditional and modern resistance techniques. -
(DMT), Harmine, Harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine: Clinical and Forensic Impact
pharmaceuticals Review Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics of Ayahuasca Alkaloids N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Harmine, Harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine: Clinical and Forensic Impact Andreia Machado Brito-da-Costa 1 , Diana Dias-da-Silva 1,2,* , Nelson G. M. Gomes 1,3 , Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira 1,2,4,* and Áurea Madureira-Carvalho 1,3 1 Department of Sciences, IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; [email protected] (A.M.B.-d.-C.); ngomes@ff.up.pt (N.G.M.G.); [email protected] (Á.M.-C.) 2 UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal 3 LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal 4 Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal * Correspondence: [email protected] (D.D.-d.-S.); [email protected] (R.J.D.-O.); Tel.: +351-224-157-216 (R.J.D.-O.) Received: 21 September 2020; Accepted: 20 October 2020; Published: 23 October 2020 Abstract: Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic botanical beverage originally used by indigenous Amazonian tribes in religious ceremonies and therapeutic practices. While ethnobotanical surveys still indicate its spiritual and medicinal uses, consumption of ayahuasca has been progressively related with a recreational purpose, particularly in Western societies. The ayahuasca aqueous concoction is typically prepared from the leaves of the N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)-containing Psychotria viridis, and the stem and bark of Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant source of harmala alkaloids. -
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens What are hallucinogens? Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and feelings. They are commonly split into two categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP). Both types of hallucinogens can cause hallucinations, or sensations and images that seem real though they are not. Additionally, dissociative drugs can cause users to feel out of control or disconnected from their body and environment. Some hallucinogens are extracted from plants or mushrooms, and some are synthetic (human- made). Historically, people have used hallucinogens for religious or healing rituals. More recently, people report using these drugs for social or recreational purposes, including to have fun, deal with stress, have spiritual experiences, or just to feel different. Common classic hallucinogens include the following: • LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most powerful mind-altering chemicals. It is a clear or white odorless material made from lysergic acid, which is found in a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. LSD has many other street names, including acid, blotter acid, dots, and mellow yellow. • Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N- dimethyltryptamine) comes from certain types of mushrooms found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. Some common names for Blotter sheet of LSD-soaked paper squares that users psilocybin include little smoke, magic put in their mouths. mushrooms, and shrooms. Photo by © DEA • Peyote (mescaline) is a small, spineless cactus with mescaline as its main ingredient. Peyote can also be synthetic. -
Native American Church
Native American Traditions Native American Church Native American Church Summary: The Native American Church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual movement that integrates the teachings of Christian life with the spiritual and ethical traditions of various Native cultures. A central component of the Native American Church is the sacramental ingestion of peyote during peyote meetings. In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the ritual ingestion of peyote is not a legally protected practice, despite its religious significance. The Native American Church of Jesus Christ is the full name of a widespread spiritual movement that integrates the teachings of Christian life with the spiritual and ethical traditions of various Native cultures regarding the sacramental ingestion of peyote. For some participants, the Christian context is important, but for others the Native American Church is much more an affirmation of Indian religious identity. While the visionary effect of the peyote cactus button has captured the imagination of many psychedelic spiritual seekers, it is critical that those who would understand the ceremonial use of peyote situate this sacramental tradition within the rigorous ethical way of life taught by the Native American Church. Many church members believe that a narrow perception of peyote as simply an hallucinogen or “drug” informed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1990 decision in Employment Division of Oregon v. Smith. In the Smith case, two Native Americans had been fired from their state jobs in Oregon because they participated in a peyote ceremony of the Native American Church. Peyote had been listed as a proscribed drug in the state. -
Shawyer Dissertation May 2008 Final Version
Copyright by Susanne Elizabeth Shawyer 2008 The Dissertation Committee for Susanne Elizabeth Shawyer certifies that this is the approved version of the following dissertation: Radical Street Theatre and the Yippie Legacy: A Performance History of the Youth International Party, 1967-1968 Committee: Jill Dolan, Supervisor Paul Bonin-Rodriguez Charlotte Canning Janet Davis Stacy Wolf Radical Street Theatre and the Yippie Legacy: A Performance History of the Youth International Party, 1967-1968 by Susanne Elizabeth Shawyer, B.A.; M.A. Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Texas at Austin May, 2008 Acknowledgements There are many people I want to thank for their assistance throughout the process of this dissertation project. First, I would like to acknowledge the generous support and helpful advice of my committee members. My supervisor, Dr. Jill Dolan, was present in every stage of the process with thought-provoking questions, incredible patience, and unfailing encouragement. During my years at the University of Texas at Austin Dr. Charlotte Canning has continually provided exceptional mentorship and modeled a high standard of scholarly rigor and pedagogical generosity. Dr. Janet Davis and Dr. Stacy Wolf guided me through my earliest explorations of the Yippies and pushed me to consider the complex historical and theoretical intersections of my performance scholarship. I am grateful for the warm collegiality and insightful questions of Dr. Paul Bonin-Rodriguez. My committee’s wise guidance has pushed me to be a better scholar. -
The Philosophy of Psychedelic Transformation
The Philosophy of Psychedelic Transformation Christopher Edward Ross Letheby B.A., M. Phil. Department of Philosophy, School of Humanities The University of Adelaide A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy December 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract iii Declaration v Acknowledgements vi 1. Introduction 1 1.1 Psychedelic Phenomenology 3 1.2 Psychedelic Science 10 1.3 The Philosophical Background 13 1.4 Philosophy of Psychedelics 16 Statement of Authorship 20 2. The Philosophy of Psychedelic Transformation 21 2.1 Introduction and Methodological Preliminaries 21 2.2 Psychedelic Transformation: An Overview 24 2.3 Evidence for the Causal Relevance of the ASC 27 2.4 Epistemic Aspects of Psychedelic Transformation 36 2.5 Conclusion 40 Statement of Authorship 41 3. The Epistemic Innocence of Psychedelic States 42 3.1 Introduction 42 3.2 Psychedelic Therapy: An Overview 44 3.3 The Concept of Epistemic Innocence 48 3.4 Epistemic Benefit and Epistemic Risk 51 3.5 The No Alternatives Condition 56 3.6 Conclusion 60 3.7 Acknowledgements 61 i Statement of Authorship 62 4. Naturalizing Psychedelic Spirituality 63 4.1 Introduction 63 4.2 The Neuroexistentialist Predicament 64 4.3 An Existential Medicine? 67 4.4 Naturalistic Entheogenics 70 4.5 Mechanisms of Mysticism 74 4.6 Conclusion 79 Statement of Authorship 80 5. Anatomy of an Avatar: Ego Dissolution in Psychedelic Experience 81 5.1 Introduction 81 5.2 Binding 83 5.3 Binding and Predictive Processing 85 5.4 The Architecture of Subjectivity 87 5.5 Self-Binding 89 5.6 Psychedelic Ego Dissolution 92 5.7 Ego Dissolution as Unbinding 95 5.8 Conclusion 99 6. -
Hallucinogens Hallucinations
Hallucinogens Hallucinations Affect a person’s: Perceptions Sensations Thinking Self-awareness Emotional state Synesthesia Transposition of senses: Seeing sounds Hearing colors Flash Back Vivid recollection of hallucinogenic experience Emotional “Bad trip” (Panic, fear, etc.) Somatic Altered body sensations, tremors, weakness, dizziness, crawly, tingling feeling on the skin Perceptual Distortions of the five senses Psychotomimetic Something that mimics psychosis Delusion A false belief Illusion A false perception Natural Hallucinogens Peyote (Mescaline) Psilocybin Natural Hallucinogens Jimson Weed Bufo Alvarius Natural Hallucinogens Morning Glory Seeds Nutmeg Natural Hallucinogens Salvia Divinorum Synthetic Hallucinogens LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) MDMA “Ecstasy” (3, 4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) Methods of Ingestion Orally Smoked Transdermal Insufflation Injection General Indicators Varies and influenced by personality, mood, expectations and surroundings of user Depressed = deeper depression Pleasant = heightened pleasure Can uncover emotional flaws Bad “trip” Effects Hallucinations Body tremors Paranoia Uncoordinated Nausea Disoriented Perspiring Memory loss Difficulty in speech Flashbacks Synesthesia Poor time perception Dazed appearance Onset and Duration - Peyote 30 minutes: Onset Nausea, elevated blood pressure, pulse and temperature and dilated pupils 60 minutes: Begin hallucinogenic effects Visual distortions, rich colors, changing forms and moving shapes 3-4 hours: Peak effects “Synesthesia”