Psychedelic Treatment for Mental Illnesses: Not a “Hippy Movement”

The utilization of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental health conditions should not be dismissed as a fringe or unconventional approach, according to Professor David Nutt, a leading expert in the field. Professor Nutt is scheduled to address the Scottish Parliament next month on the topic of a “more rational drugs policy” before delivering a lecture at the University of Edinburgh on his latest book, titled “Psychedelics,” on September 28.

In an interview with the PA news agency, Professor Nutt expressed his belief that the public might be surprised by his advocacy for the use of psychedelic drugs like magic mushrooms and MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy) in treating mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

He emphasized, “This isn’t a weird hippy movement. The truth is, they are (life-changing), and that is why we should use them. They can change people’s lives for the better.”

Professor Nutt, a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, faced controversy when he was dismissed as a government adviser in 2009 for asserting that MDMA could be no more harmful than riding a horse.

Recent figures revealed that drug-related deaths in Scotland, while showing a decline, remain the highest in Europe. The Commons Home Affairs Committee proposed the trial of drug consumption rooms in Scotland to address this issue. These facilities, which have been discussed in Glasgow for some time, require an exemption from the Misuse of Drugs Act by the Home Office to move forward. If the UK government does not support this initiative, the committee suggested devolving the relevant powers to the Scottish Parliament.

Professor Nutt concurred that public opinion appears to be evolving in favor of drug consumption rooms. He explained, “This isn’t remarkable. Drug treatment rooms have been around for 30 years. They get people off the drugs because they engage with social workers.” He further asserted that the opposition to these rooms is primarily political, stemming from those who cannot look beyond legal frameworks.

Highlighting the need for innovation in mental health treatment, Professor Nutt argued that these drugs can offer significant benefits when used safely within a medical context. He called for the involvement of the Department of Health in such decisions, emphasizing that it cannot solely be the purview of the Home Office.

Over the course of approximately 15 years, Professor Nutt has conducted extensive research on psychedelic drugs. His book also explores how other countries, including Australia and certain US states such as Oregon and Colorado, are incorporating psychedelic drugs into their mental health treatment strategies.

In response, a Home Office spokesperson reiterated the government’s stance against illegal drugs and emphasized the harm they can cause to individuals and communities. They stated, “There is no safe way to take illegal drugs, which devastate lives, ruin families, and damage communities, and we have no plans to consider this.” However, the spokesperson acknowledged ongoing discussions and information-sharing between the Home Office and the Scottish Government regarding drug-related initiatives.