Yahoo News Hallucinogenic ‘toad’ drug ‘has fast-acting effects on depression and anxiety’
A powerful hallucinogenic drug which people are said to consume by licking the back of poisonous toads could offer promise as a treatment for depression.
The drug 5-methocy-N,-N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) – which causes mystical, religious experiences in users, caused improvements in anxiety and depression in four out of five users.
The drug is often used in a ‘ceremonial’ group setting, and causes powerful, short-duration ‘trips’ lasting just 30-90 minutes.
The hallucinogen is found in the venom of Bufo Alvarius toads, in a variety of plant species, and can be produced synthetically.
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In a survey of 362 adults, approximately 80 percent of respondents reported improvements in anxiety and depression after use.
Alan K. Davis, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow in the Behavioral Research Unit, at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said, ‘Research has shown that psychedelics given alongside psychotherapy help people with depression and anxiety.
‘However, psychedelic sessions usually require 7 – 8 hours per session because psychedelics typically have a long duration of action.
‘Because 5-MeO-DMT is short-acting and lasts approximately 30-90 minutes, it could be much easier to use as an adjunct to therapy because current therapies usually involve a 60 – 90 minute session.’
