Psychedelic Research Urges Caution Following Alaska Airlines Pilot Incident
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot has caused concern within the psychedelic research community after he attempted to bring down a plane midflight, confessing to having consumed “magic mushrooms” before boarding. Experts emphasize the need for caution, particularly amongst individuals with persistent mental illnesses who may attempt self-medication with psychedelic drugs.
Research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in mental health treatment has seen a significant surge in the last five years. Initial study findings have been so encouraging that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released draft guidance in June for clinical trials involving psychedelics such as MDMA and psilocybin to treat mood disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse.
The motivations behind the actions of the off-duty pilot, Joseph Emerson, remain unclear. However, the incident has raised concerns among psychedelic researchers as states like Oregon and Colorado consider legalizing or decriminalizing psilocybin. Critics worry that the potential dangers of psychedelics are being overlooked.
“I’ve been closely following the growing push for decriminalization, waiting for a headline like this to emerge,” says Dr. Joshua Siegel, a psychiatrist from Washington University in St. Louis. “Hopefully, this will prompt a rational conversation about the risks and benefits.”
Experts stress that when used under controlled circumstances, screened for pre-existing psychological disorders, administered by professionals, and combined with psychotherapy, psychedelics can yield significant positive outcomes. However, individuals with bipolar disorder or a history of psychosis are typically excluded from current studies.
“Our trials have yielded excellent outcomes,” states Dr. Joshua Woolley, director of the translational psychedelic research program at the University of California, San Francisco. “In a highly controlled environment, patients receive dosages while under the supervision of therapists who prepare them for the treatment.”
One aspect many fail to understand about psychedelics, according to Dr. Woolley, is that their effects can persist for days, weeks, or even longer after the substance is no longer detectable in the body. A recent study conducted in the UK found that 15% of individuals experienced confusion regarding reality, known as “derealization,” following a psychedelic experience.
The mechanisms behind how psychedelics can help individuals recover from mental illnesses that resist other treatments are still not fully understood. However, theories suggest that psychedelics induce a “plastic state” in the brain, which promotes change and allows for the creation of new neural connections.
“Psychedelics have the potential to disrupt negative thoughts, self-perception, moods, and behaviors associated with depression or anxiety,” explains Dr. Siegel. “On a cellular level, we observe increased neuroplasticity, allowing for greater flexibility and facilitating change.”
According to Dr. Chris Tuell, director of addiction services at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine, the brain’s habit-forming nature can sometimes contribute to persistent mental illnesses. Psychedelics, with their intense experiences, can effectively disrupt established patterns and offer the potential for transformative change.
Nevertheless, experts stress the importance of a controlled environment and professional guidance during psychedelic therapy, as uncontrolled usage can lead to dangerous outcomes like the recent incident involving the pilot.
(This article was originally published on NBCNews.com)
