398700187-Psychoactive Substance

docx

School

Daystar University, Machakos *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

10

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

5

Uploaded by CorporalKnowledge9710

Report
1 Psychoactive Substance Student’s Name Institution Affiliation Course Name and Number Instructor’s Name Assignment Due Date
2 Psychoactive Substance Psychoactive drug usage has been common in human civilization for many years. At some time, many people experiment with drugs that change consciousness. This phenomenon begs the issue of why such conduct occurs and whether it may pave the way for a wider acceptance of employing these drugs for psychiatric treatment. This study aims to investigate why people use psychoactive drugs and determine whether the level of experimentation with these substances may impact the general opinion of their therapeutic use. Motivations for Using Psychoactive Substances Desire for changed states of consciousness is among the main drivers of psychoactive drug use. A yearning for novel experiences or sincere curiosity about diverse worlds could bring this on. Psychedelic substances have reportedly attracted interest due to their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental diseases, according to the paper by Vollenweider and Preller (2020). The positive outcomes of research on conditions including PTSD, anxiety, and depression have generated a renaissance in fascination with these drugs. In addition, some people self-medicate using psychoactive substances. This is crucial for anybody dealing with untreated psychological disorders or attempting to alleviate ongoing agony. For instance, some research indicates that some psychedelic substances may reduce anxiety and depression by triggering profound psychological experiences that encourage healing (Vollenweider & Preller, 2020). This self-medicating part of substance use may be an attempt to find an alternative to failed traditional therapies. People are often driven to take psychoactive drugs by social and cultural factors. Many civilizations and subcultures place symbolic and ceremonial importance on these drugs. For instance, indigenous societies have long used plant-based psychedelics in holy ceremonies to
3 promote healing and spiritual experiences (Vollenweider & Preller, 2020). In some circles in modern Western nations, the use of drugs like cannabis has become acceptable, which has an additional impact on experimenting. Public Acceptance for Psychological Treatment with Psychoactive Substances The public's acceptance of psychiatric treatments, including psychoactive drugs, has seen a discernible change in recent years. This change can be linked to a convergence of changing mental health attitudes and the appearance of convincing studies on the therapeutic potential of specific drugs. A rising corpus of research shows that drugs like psychedelics effectively treat mental health conditions, as mentioned in the Nature Reviews Neuroscience article (Vollenweider & Preller, 2020). Their regulated usage in therapeutic contexts has gained increased support due to these discoveries, practical clinical trials, and individual testimonies. The legal landscape around specific psychoactive drugs has also altered, substantially influencing how the general population perceives these drugs. Governments that have tried to decriminalize or legalize drugs for therapeutic purposes have made it possible for a more informed and open-minded discourse regarding the potential benefits of substances like psilocybin or MDMA (Vollenweider & Preller, 2020). This legislative shift raises the possibility that these medications have legitimate medical use and may alter public opinion. To be successful in this dynamic environment, you must exercise extreme care and scrutiny. Although the advantages may be positive, ensuring the therapies' safety and efficacy is still crucial. The integration of psychoactive drugs into psychological therapy protocols must be built on a solid basis, which must be established through rigorous clinical trials, thorough training for healthcare practitioners, and continuous research (Vollenweider & Preller, 2020). The
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
4 possibility of more societal acceptability of these therapies will probably rise when these steps are implemented. Conclusion In conclusion, several psychological, societal, and cultural factors contribute to people using psychoactive substances. People frequently experiment with these medications, and if studies show they have therapeutic efficacy, societal acceptance for their use in mental therapy may rise. The evolving legal landscape and the expanding body of research that validates their efficacy may impact a more favorable impression of these medications in therapeutic contexts. Going forward gradually and under close management is essential to guarantee such medications' safety and effectiveness.
5 References Vollenweider, F. X., & Preller, K. H. (2020). Psychedelic drugs: neurobiology and potential for treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nature Reviews Neuroscience , 21 (11), 611-624.