The “war on drugs” resulted in a great stigma against psychedelic medications, including ketamine, and stalled medical research and progress in treating mental health.
The “war on drugs” is a political and cultural movement that began in the 1970s under President Nixon that dramatically escalated the criminalization of drug use and trafficking in the United States through aggressive law enforcement and strict penalties. This movement included broad prohibitions against drug possession for any purpose, including (effectively) for research. It led to far reaching corners of our society including advertising campaigns and elementary school programs, such as “Just Say No” and DARE, that discouraged drug use through frightening language and depictions of the harm that drug use might cause. It was focused on totally eliminating targeted drugs from this country.
The concerted efforts of this movement have not been effective in eliminating recreational drug use in the United States. They have, however, had a serious impact on medical research in psychedelic and psychoactive medications.
Research on psychedelic medications and substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and others, had been extremely limited for many years despite the demonstrated potential of psychoactive drugs for mental health. Some research thawed a bit around the year 2000 and has picked up steam since. Ketamine, for instance, was first studied in any substantial way for its use in mental health in the early 2000s, with more and more research since. There is a growing body of research, but the work is far less than it might have been. The war on drugs, including its effects on research, has dramatically limited work on ketamine and other useful drugs – which may go some way to explaining, for instance, why ketamine is not yet covered by most insurance providers despite research showing significant efficacy in treating depression and other conditions.
The direct restrictions and the lasting stigmatization of psychedelic medications as a result of the “war on drugs” has limited our research and has hampered our use of these medications despite their profound ability to treat mental health.
About Us
Wells Medicine is a Houston-based practice designed to provide meaningful care for mental health. Providing targeted interventional treatments for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD and other conditions, with Ketamine Treatments, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, TMS, and Nitrous-Oxide Treatments. Focused on comprehensive care and integration with Psychiatry, Psychology, and Support Services. We are evidence-based, patient-focused and mission-driven.
The content here is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon for medical decisions. For the details of your specific medical conditions and treatments consult your doctors or other qualified healthcare professionals.
