Psychedelics in mental health: balancing promise with prudence

Acknowledges the potential of psychedelic substances but warns against use outside a clinical setting, fuelled by enthusiasm on social media. Two cases illustrate the risk: panic and insomnia after an unsupervised retreat, and a psychotic episode after experimentation encouraged online.

Key ideas

• Scientific interest in these substances is real, but the evidence does not support use outside a clinical context.
• The psychedelic experience requires selection, preparation, an appropriate setting and integration.
• That context is only guaranteed in a clinical environment, with trained professionals.

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