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Full Version: Magic Mushrooms And New Concern About Psilocybin Use
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http://www.science20.com/news_articles/m...use-210111

EXCERPT: [...] about 22.9 million people or 8.7 percent of Americans, have reported use of psilocybin. [...] Based on the survey data that assessed each respondent's absolute worst bad trip, 10.7 percent of the respondents said they put themselves or others at risk for physical harm during their bad trip. Some 2.6 percent said they acted aggressively or violently, and 2.7 percent said they sought medical help. Five of the participants with self-reported pre-existing anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts attempted suicide while on the drug during their worst bad trip, which the researchers say is indicative of requiring a supportive and safe environment during use, like those conditions used in ongoing research studies. However, six people reported that their suicidal thoughts disappeared after their experience on their worst bad trip -- the latter result coinciding with a recent study published by Griffiths showing the antidepressive properties of psilocybin in cancer patients.

Still, Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and neurosciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said, a third of the participants also said their experience was among the top five most meaningful, and a third ranked it in the top five most spiritually significant experiences of their lives. [...] "Cultures that have long used psilocybin mushrooms for healing or religious purposes have recognized their potential dangers and have developed corresponding safeguards. They don't give the mushrooms to just anyone, anytime, without a contained setting and supportive, skillful monitoring...."
I always advise people, who are considering using LSD or mushrooms, that if they ever freak out about anything sober, they should avoid these. Even in the best environment, what you bring with you mentally can still have an adverse impact.