In the context of a therapeutic environment, a patient undergoing psychedelic therapy uses a psychedelic to experience a profound shift in state of consciousness (Pilecki et al., 2021). Throughout the session, the therapist acts as a guide to support the patient during their “trip”.
For this debate, the term psychedelic will refer to a substance that induces the altered state of consciousness, including mystical visions.
Debate Topic: Psychedelic therapy (i.e. using drugs such as LSD, ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, or ayahuasca to assist therapy) can improve mental health, particularly in patients suffering from a mental illness found in the DSM-5-TR (such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder).
The psychedelics explored in this presentation are:
● Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
● Ketamine
● 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as Ecstasy or Molly
● Psilocybin, the active chemical in magic mushrooms
● Ayahuasca
Disclaimer: We were assigned these positions by our teacher. I had to support the con/against position (psychedelic therapy can deteriorate mental health) and my peer had to support the pro/for position (psychedelic therapy can improve mental health). These do not necessarily reflect our personal views.
Con Position: Opening Statement (by Alexandra)
Pro Position: Opening Statement (by Lindsey)
Con Position: Rebuttal (by Alexandra)
Pro Position: Rebuttal (by Lindsey)
(Note: Closing remarks were given via video in the classroom forum)
Pilecki, B., Luoma, J.B., Bathje, G.J., Rhea, H. & Narloch, V.F. (2021). Ethical and legal issues in
psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(40), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-021-00489-1
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