Clinical Trials For Psychedelic Pain Treatments.

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Psychedelics have long been associated with counterculture and recreational use, but recent years have seen a shift in perception, with growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. Among the various conditions being explored for psychedelic treatment, chronic pain stands out as a particularly promising area of research.

 

Court Wing's experience in a 2020 clinical trial at NYU for psilocybin and major depressive disorder revealed an unexpected outcome: his long-standing chronic pain disappeared alongside his depression. This revelation, echoed by similar anecdotes from others, underscores the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD in alleviating severe chronic pain.

 

The estimated 51 million Americans suffering from chronic pain, including conditions like migraines, phantom limb pains, and fibromyalgia, often face limited treatment options. While psychedelics offer relief to some, regulatory hurdles hinder broader access. Despite ongoing clinical trials and mounting evidence of their efficacy, psychedelics remain classified as illegal Schedule I substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

Most current psychedelic research focuses on mental health conditions, with MDMA poised for FDA approval for PTSD treatment. However, chronic pain sufferers are left to navigate the psychedelic underground for relief. The recent announcement of a nearly $22 million grant by the National Institutes of Health for clinical trials on psychedelic-assisted therapy and chronic pain relief marks a significant step forward in legitimizing their potential.

 

Despite the promising outlook, the path to legal prescription of psychedelics for chronic pain will likely be lengthy. Meanwhile, millions continue to suffer, highlighting the urgency of advancing research and regulatory processes. Cluster headaches, described as "suicide headaches," have garnered attention for their excruciating pain and limited treatment options. Reports of individuals finding relief with psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin have fueled interest in their potential therapeutic use.

 

Research on psychedelics and pain relief dates back decades, though it has faced challenges, including regulatory restrictions and limited funding. Recent efforts, supported by initiatives like the Psychedelics and Pain Association, aim to address these barriers and expand research into psychedelics' mechanisms of action and potential applications.

 

Psychedelics offer a unique opportunity to update our understanding of chronic pain, which often persists long after the underlying tissue damage has healed. By targeting the central nervous system and altering pain perception, psychedelics may provide relief where traditional treatments fall short. However, the lack of randomized placebo-controlled trials remains a challenge, underscoring the need for further research.

 

While awaiting FDA approval, individuals seeking relief from chronic pain may turn to alternative sources, raising concerns about safety and legality. State decriminalization efforts and investments in harm reduction and public education can mitigate risks and provide support for those seeking psychedelic treatments. Additionally, ongoing citizen science initiatives like Clusterbusters play a vital role in knowledge dissemination and support provision.

 

 

Credit: VOX 2024-05-16

 

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[john donson]

big pharma is blocking this as there is no money to be made