Magic mushrooms have always been popular with some drug users. Now, one analysis finds that the same mushrooms could have uses in psychotherapy. Religious individuals in one small study that took psilocybin, the drug in magic mushrooms, noted both better life fulfillment and more sentimental openness for up to 14 months after the experience. Source for this article: Controlled magic mushroom doses could have psychotherapeutic uses

Psilocybin studied

There are over 60 subjects studied in a study posted by the Journal with five head researchers. All of the subjects reported they were participating in religious activity every single day while not having hallucinogens ever. The group chosen to receive the active ingredients was put on a couch, given a high dose of the narcotic with an eye mask and headphones for between five and eight hours. There were five times when the subjects got treatment. It occurred regularly.

Spoke more about things

Personality changes and improvements were shown 51 percent of the time by subjects that got psilocybin doses. There were over 30 individuals who were more open about feelings and emotions. Being on the psilocybin was considered one of the "five most spiritually significant experiences of their lives." This was how 65 percent of individuals felt. There was also a rise in well-being and life satisfaction reported. The effects were not noted for a long time. It was over 14 months after the incidents occurred.

Studying the past things we’ve used

Psilocybin has been used for some time. It is the active ingredient in “God’s Flesh,” or “Magic Mushrooms.” Lots of different psychological illnesses are being studied with magic mushrooms. This involves cancer, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers are using more than just magic mushrooms in studies. They are also looking at LSD and ecstasy.

Articles cited

Salon.com: http://www.salon.com/news/medicine/index.html?story=/mwt/feature/2011/09...

SAGE Journals Online: http://jop.sagepub.com/content/22/6/621.abstract

CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20113333-10391704.html

ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/magic-mushrooms-lead-open-mindedness/story?...