Can magic mushrooms help cancer patients?

Researchers claim hallucinogenic "shrooms" may ease the disease's psychological side effects

Topics: The Fix, Magic Mushrooms, Cancer, Disease, Drugs, addiction, Recovery,

Can magic mushrooms help cancer patients?
This article originally appeared on The Fix.

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 Psilocybin, the hallucinogen found in “magic” mushrooms, may have the power to help cancer patients deal with the psychological suffering associated with cancer, claims new research from the New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD). Previous studies have suggested that psilocybin may help ease depression and increase “openness.” And according to Anthony Bossis, PhD, a clinical assistant professor at NYUCD and Langone Medical Center, it may also relieve cancer patients of some of the “existential distress” that can accompany a life-threatening diagnosis. “The emotional, spiritual and existential distress that can often accompany a diagnosis of cancer often goes unidentified and untreated,” says Bossis. He notes that cancer sufferers often experience side effects from the physical pain of illness and chemotherapy—such as anxiety, depression, anger, denial, social isolation, hopelessness, and loss of independence—which the hallucinogenic drug could help alleviate.

Although it remains unclear exactly how it works, psilocybin has been found to induce a “mystical or peak consciousness state” in users, which accounts for the widespread popularity of “magic mushrooms.” ”Patients who have benefited from psilocybin clinical research have reported less anxiety, improved quality of life, enhanced psychological and spiritual well-being, and a greater acceptance of the life-changes brought on by cancer,” writes Bossis in a new book, Psychological Aspects of Cancer: A Guide to Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Cancer, Their Causes, and Their Management. The book details the findings of an ongoing study, in which patients go through a session with psilocybin and one with a placebo. Prior to the sessions, one patient reported experiencing extreme fatigue, pain, overall body aches, discomfort, and psychological distress due both to cancer and intensive biweekly chemotherapy; he was also increasingly anxious and depressed. With no changes to his chemotherapy schedule or additional surgical procedures, the patient reportedly showed an improvement in attitude, coping, and mood, after receiving psilocybin treatment. Even 18 weeks after receiving the shrooms treatment, he said: “My quality of life is dramatically improved.”

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Gripping photos: The people of the Turkey protests (slideshow)

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  • The protests take on a festive element as police forces move out of the park and square. Wearing a gas mask, this young man dances to traditional Turkish music in front of Taksim Square’s Ataturk Monument.

  • In Gezi Park since March 31st, this protester, originally caught off-guard by the Government’s teargas and water cannons, went out and bought a Russian army mask from WWII, preparing for what was to come.

  • This rambunctious boy seems to be enjoying the chaos. After taking this picture he threw a stone at the already destroyed building in the background.

  • Forming a line, the police face off directly with protesters in Taksim Square. After a while, they retreated and there was a general cheer – a back-and-forth dance that has been common since the beginning of this protest.

  • An elderly woman in Gezi Park reads the news. The tent community occupying the park was violently destroyed on June 16th.

  • Many different groups had set up booths to promote their cause in Taksim Square and Gezi Park. Standing in front of one, this man waves his flag while posing with conviction.

  • Many home-remedies are used to minimize the effects of tear gas. This woman has put a milky solution on her face, removing her mask after the tear gas dissipated. Before sunrise, the police came again for another round of teargasing.

  • People capitalize on the uprising -- selling flags, beer, gas masks, sky lanterns and spray paint to name just a few of the popular items.

  • On Monday morning, June 11, the police execute a strong offensive. Many plain-clothed police officers, like the ones seen here, clash with protesters in the side streets away from the main stand-off in Taksim.

  • The authorities seem to be most aggressive in the night, pushing protesters away from the square and park. After being teargassed this young woman catches her breath with other protesters on Siraselviler Street.

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