The mortality risk and therapeutic potential of hallucinogens

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A research article in CMAJ examines mortality risk among people hospitalized for hallucinogen use. The study found that individuals who required acute hospital care for hallucinogen-related issues had a nearly fivefold increase in mortality risk compared to the general population.

Dr. Daniel Myran, a public health and preventive medicine physician, family physician, and researcher at the University of Ottawa, discusses the study’s findings and why the growing perception of psychedelics as therapeutic may be influencing increased use. He explains how individuals hospitalized for hallucinogen-related issues often have additional risk factors, including other substance use and underlying health conditions, which may contribute to their elevated mortality risk.

Dr. Ishrat Husain, a senior scientist and the scientific head of the clinical trials unit at CAMH in Toronto, explores the controlled medical use of hallucinogens in treatment-resistant depression. He outlines the intensive screening and psychological support involved in clinical trials and compares psilocybin therapy to other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ketamine. While early evidence is promising, Husain cautions that psilocybin remains experimental and requires significant resources, raising questions about its future accessibility.

The findings highlight the need for clear public health messaging and policy decisions that distinguish between medical and recreational use of hallucinogens.

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