On January 1, Oregon legalized the adult use of Psilocybin, often called “Magic Mushrooms,” amid recent research showing tentative promise for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, end-of-life anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, while research suggests promising results for mental health treatment, there are still concerns about the lasting side effects of Psilocybin misuse, as there is not enough data yet to measure the lasting impacts. 

Oregon’s Ballot Measure 109, passed in November 2020, allows the Oregon Health Authority to license and regulate the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of Psilocybin products and to oversee Psilocybin services. These Psilocybin service centers allow anyone over 21 to consume these mushrooms with supervision, as drug-induced episodes can last several hours. However, the recent legalization of Psilocybin Mushroom use does not extend to recreational use or retail sale. Additionally, the substance’s consumption must occur at a licensed service center with supervision. 

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

A sacred medicine in many indigenous groups, Psilocybin Mushrooms have long been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies in South America and Mesopotamia. Psilocybin Mushrooms include over 200 mushroom species that contain the psychoactive components Psilocybin and Psilocin, which produce similar effects as LSD. Individuals can take these mushrooms in multiple ways, including snorted as a powder, consumed as a pill, eaten raw or cooked, or mixed in a beverage. 

Individuals who take Psilocybin Mushrooms experience hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, which can last for several hours. However, the potency of Magic Mushrooms vary from species to species, and each individual can respond differently. This variance in outcomes can lead to serious side effects. 

Psilocybin Research Findings

Psilocybin research spans the past several decades, focusing on Magic Mushrooms treatment for mental health conditions and substance abuse. Researchers at multiple universities, including the University of New Mexico, the University of Arizona, New York University, and John Hopkins University, looked into the viability of Psilocybin treatment.

Psilocybin and other psychedelics are thought to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change, recognize, or adapt neural networks. Substance abuse and mental health researchers are interested in this concept of Psilocybin-derived neuroplasticity as it may give patients a new perspective on their substance abuse or mental health concerns. Researchers of a small study on alcohol use disorder (AUD) found that 2 doses of Psilocybin Mushrooms led to an 83% decrease in heavy drinking. At the end of the 8-month study, nearly half of the participants had stopped drinking entirely. 

Researchers are also interested in Psilocybin-based treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Over 8 million people in the US take medication to treat depression, and a 2021 study estimates that medicine doesn’t help nearly a third of them, meaning they are “treatment-resistant.” In November, one of the most extensive studies of Psilocybin treatment found that a 25 mg dose of Psilocybin, given alongside psychotherapy, reduced depression symptoms 3 weeks after treatment. An important note for clinical Psilocybin research is that many trials include psychotherapy for individuals in conjunction with Psilocybin Mushrooms. 

The Dangers Of Psilocybin Use

Magic Mushrooms produce various short-term mental and physical effects, including a heightened sense of emotions and hallucinations. Hallucinations distort an individual’s sense of reality, time, and senses. Additional adverse mental side effects of Psilocybin use include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Fear or paranoia 
• Disorientation
• Swift mood changes

Beyond mental side effects, there are multiple physical effects, including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Convulsions
• Numbness (particularly in the face)
• Loss of urinary control 

While we know the short-term effects of Psilocybin Mushroom use, there are no clinical results on the long-term effects of continual Psilocybin use. However, as Magic Mushrooms receive medical attention and research, hopefully, results will follow. What is known is that continual use of Psilocybin Mushrooms can result in tolerance, where an individual will need more of the substance to feel the desired effects. Also, using Magic Mushrooms with substances like Marijuana, Amphetamines, or alcohol can elevate the risks of severe side effects.

An additional risk of Psilocybin use is a “bad trip,” which is when an individual takes a higher dose and experiences frightening imagery, paranoia, and a distorted sense of self. Impaired judgment during these “bad trips” may lead to risk-taking behavior, leading to traumatic injuries or even death. Sometimes, individuals may experience frequent or overly intense psychedelic events known as “flashbacks,” where they relive the previous experience.

Future Of Psilocybin Mushroom Treatment

In the state of Oregon, while Magic Mushroom treatment sessions are available in licensed centers, the issue of affordability is front and center. Since the federal government lists Psilocybin Mushrooms as a Schedule 1 substance with “no currently accepted medical use,” Psilocybin sessions will not be covered by insurance. One session could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars for residents. So, while Psilocybin Mushroom treatment may yield positive outcomes, if the service is unaffordable, it will bar many from pursuing this treatment.  

The future of Psilocybin Mushroom treatment is still unfolding, and more clinical research is underway to determine the viability of Magic Mushrooms as a treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUDs). 

As we await clinical research results, there are current, vetted treatment options for mental health concerns and SUDs. Treatment options can include psychotherapy, online therapy, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and additional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). 

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Recent data collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that young adults between the ages of 19 and 30 are using Marijuana and Hallucinogens at the highest rates since 1988.

“Young adults are in a critical life stage and honing their ability to make informed choices,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an NIH subsidiary. “Understanding how substance use can impact the formative choices in young adulthood is critical to help position the new generations for success.”

The data, collected between April 2021 through October 2021, included annual surveys of 108,000 individuals, beginning at 8th grade and into early adulthood.

Marijuana Use Among Young Adults

Marijuana was among one of the most used substances among both young adults and adults in 2021. According to the data, the number of young adults in 2021 who said they had used Marijuana in the last year was 43%. Nearly 30% said they had used Marijuana in the last month, while over 10% said they used it daily.

According to those involved with the study, daily use was defined as using Marijuana 20 or more times in the last month. This metric increased more than 8% from 2016.

Along with an overall increase in Marijuana use, the number of young adults who reported using a Marijuana vape device more than doubled from just 6% in 2017 to over 12% in 2021. This amount of reported use reached levels higher than what was observed during the pandemic, according to experts.

Hallucinogen Use Among Young Adults

In decades past, the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens had been fairly consistent year-over-year. That is until rates started spiking in 2020. Rates spiked so high, in fact, that in 2021 the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens in the past year reached 8%, the highest since 1988.

Among reported Hallucinogen use was LSD, which accounted for about 4.2% of all Hallucinogen use. Other reported Hallucinogen use included Mescaline, Shrooms, PCP, and MDMA (Ecstasy). Researchers noted, however, that the use of Ecstasy decreased among young adults, from 5% in 2020 to 3% in 2021.

Other Substances Reported

Even more so than Marijuana and Hallucinogens, the most reported substance used among young adults was alcohol, which nearly 82% of all young adults reported using in the last year. The data did reflect, however, that the rate of alcohol use has been on the decline for the past 10 years.

However, the data showed that binge drinking, which was defined as having 5 or more drinks in a row, was increasing once again after hitting an all-time low in 2020. At that time, the number of young adults who reported was around 28%, however, that number has increased by nearly 15% to 32% in 2021.

Binge drinking wasn’t the only alarming alcohol-related trend that saw an increase in 2021. High-intensity drinking, defined as having more than 10 drinks in a row, has been increasing steadily in the last 10 years as well. In 2016, high-intensity drinking hit its highest rate, 9.6%, since 2005. Now, the number of young adults who reported high-intensity drinking in the last 2 weeks is 13.1%.

Along with alcohol, young adults also reported increased use of Nicotine vape products. Since 2017, the prevalence of Nicotine vapes among young adults more than tripled from 6% to 16% in 2021.

Researchers noted that the use of both Nicotine cigarettes and Opioids has been on the decline in the last 10 years.

Why Are Young Adults Using Substances At Such Alarming Rates?

There are many reasons why young adults, particularly those in their late teen years, may use substances. Young adults face challenges that are unique and are often a first-time experience for many. The development of the brain, the desire to fit in or to feel good, or simply the curiosity to experiment are all reasons why a young adult may choose to use substances.

The frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for decision-making, natural inhibitions, processing, and cognitive flexibility doesn’t fully develop until a person’s mid-20s. However, the reward center of the brain, known as the striatum, is fully developed much sooner. This has led many experts to believe that this delayed maturation is to blame for young adults’ tendencies to use substances.

Many young adults may choose to use substances to help “self-medicate” or to help cope with a mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 1 in 3 young adults aged 18 to 25 reported having a mental illness in 2020. Furthermore, more than 50% of people who report having a substance use disorder (SUD) also report struggling with mental illness. People who struggle with mental illness at an early age are at a higher risk of developing a SUD at some point in their lives. Because of this, it’s important to seek treatment for mental illness as soon as symptoms arise.

Getting Help For A Substance Use Disorder As A Young Adult

Getting help for a mental health disorder or addiction is not something reserved for adults or those with serious, life-threatening conditions. Like many ailments, the sooner you get help for a mental health disorder or addiction, the higher your likelihood of a successful, long-term recovery.

There are many options for young adults who are looking to enter treatment, many of which can address addiction and mental health simultaneously. Services like inpatient rehab can be a great option for young adults who may be struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions, as it offers 24/7 care and can offer many programs aimed at helping young adults learn how to cope with the stresses of adulthood.

For milder addictions or mental health concerns, outpatient programs should be considered, especially for those who may not wish to completely disrupt their lives. Outpatient programs allow patients to undergo treatment while still spending time at home with loved ones.

Treatment Is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, waiting to get help can only make things worse. Marijuana and hallucinogen use is on the rise among young adults, and with it are cases of addiction. If you are looking for help, know there are people ready and willing to help you start your journey toward recovery. For more information about what treatment options are available to young adults, contact a treatment provider today.

The post Marijuana And Hallucinogen Use In Young Adults Peaks appeared first on Addiction Center.

An African plant used by indigenous peoples in rites of passage contains a substance, Ibogaine, that many who’ve struggled with Opioid addiction claim has cured them of their condition.

Now the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is taking notice and working with a pharmaceutical startup to figure out exactly how Ibogaine and its analogues might best be used to beat drug dependency.

Recovered Drug User Praised Ibogaine

The healing power of Ibogaine has been a story whispered — and, occasionally, shouted — by individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction for some time.

The late Howard Lotsof, a former Heroin user who became one of Ibogaine’s biggest advocates, was initially looking to get stoned when he tried Ibogaine.

The plan backfired, however, when the substance ended up relieving Lotsof of his addiction — permanently.

“The next thing I knew,” Lotsof declared to The New York Times after taking Ibogaine, “I was straight.”

According to the Times, Lotsof began a foundation hoping “to develop ibogaine as a medication, to disseminate information about chemical dependence and to refer people to treatment…[he helped to treat] 30 addicts from around the world, two-thirds of whom stopped using drugs for periods ranging from four months to four years.”

Taking The “Trip” Out Of Tripping

One reason some who live with problematic drug use haven’t taken Ibogaine (besides the fact that they may not know of its existence) is that the substance can produce powerful, disorienting, terrifying, and even ego-destroying hallucinogenic phenomena.

But the pharmaceutical startup now working with NIDA, Delix Therapeutics — based in Massachusetts — has made it their mission to create a chemical clone of Ibogaine that works just as well as the original does to treat Opioid dependency; the psychedelic component of the experience, however, could be removed entirely.

The “chemical clone” Delix Therapeutics is working on, called Delix-7, might work to stimulate neuroplasticity in the brain; in other words, it might help the brains of drug users to make new connections, learn in novel ways, and get out of cognitive or neural “ruts” that may be perpetuating addiction.

Research is unfolding at a breakneck pace as some of the brightest minds and most compassionate hearts around the globe work to solve a mystery of the inner puzzle of consciousness that, once reckoned, could spell relief for millions — at the same time, some voices are calling for temperance.

“We’re very excited about this as a possibility,” Dr. Wilson Compton, NIDA’s deputy director, said to Forbes. “But it remains very speculative and a possibility, not a reality.”

Grant Money Can Save Lives

Ultimately, it seems both the possibility of a breakthrough of such magnitude and what the world already knows about psychedelics like Ibogaine thus far have been enough to capture the imagination and ambition of a large part of the scientific community — and funding is starting to find its way into the pockets of the people holding the microscopes.

Not only is NIDA working with Delix Therapeutics, but the National Institutes of Health (NIDA’s parent agency) just this October endowed Johns Hopkins Medicine with a grant for the study of Psilocybin, another mind-altering compound credited with anti-addiction properties.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “This is the first NIH grant awarded in over a half century to directly investigate the therapeutic effects of a classic psychedelic, consistent with a recent study published online that searched NIH funding and found zero grants were awarded between 2006 and 2020.”

Apparently, in the realm of addiction science and treatment, it’s the beginning of a new era. The moment couldn’t come too soon: over 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in the 12 months between April 2020 and April 2021.

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During a lawsuit over former Zappos CEO’s estate, Tony Hsieh’s family recounted the entrepreneur’s history with drug use. The family of Hsieh claims that his former assistant, along with other people in his inner circle, took advantage of his deteriorated mental state as a result of substance misuse. Hsieh, 46, passed away in a house fire last November. 

The Lawsuit

Jennifer “Mimi” Pham, longtime friend and the ex-assistant of Hsieh, is claiming she is entitled to more than $9 million of Hsieh’s estate for work she did on his behalf. Claims during the current lawsuit detail that Pham’s company, Rove & Whim, was in contract with Hsieh to provide project related and personal assistance services. This included a $30,000 per day fee for these services. Pham’s boyfriend, Roberto Grande, and friend, Tony Lee, are also being accused of benefiting from Hsieh’s decline. Lee is currently requesting $7 million of Hsieh’s estate for providing “assistance” at times during their almost 17 year long friendship. 

Because Hsieh had no will in place when his life ended in 2020, the judge named his father, Richard Hsieh, and brother, Andrew Hsieh, special administrators of his estate. In this past week, the Heish family and their lawyers detailed how substance abuse allowed Pham, Lee, and Grande to exploit Heish’s mental state. 

Hsieh’s Ketamine Use

Hsieh’s family stated that in an effort to ease his social anxiety, Hsieh would often drink alcohol or use substances such as Adderall, Xanax, and Ambien. In November, 2019, Hsieh began experimenting with Ketamine, a substance that has become increasingly popular among teens and young adults at parties, dance clubs, and raves. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can be injected, snorted, or smoked. Those who use Ketamine report feeling disconnected, not in control, and detached from pain and their environment. This substance is known to cause hallucinations.

As Hsieh continued to misuse Ketamine, his hallucinations became more frequent and elaborate. His family described Hsieh as having “disorganized delusions of grandeur.” They provided an example of these hallucinations through Hsieh’s belief in the “simulation hypothesis” which was the idea that all humans are living in a simulation. Court documents stated that Hsieh felt that Ketamine allowed him to learn the skills needed to defeat the simulation and save humanity. 

The family believes Hsieh was incapable of recognizing how Ketamine was negatively affecting him because he had formed an addiction. This inability to sober up and a continuous lack of sleep were cited as to why he was unable to perform the basic tasks of his role as the CEO of Zappos. 

Hsieh was admitted to a rehab facility in February of 2020 after an intervention was performed by his friends. During treatment, a close friend made a list of behaviors exhibited by Hsieh that led to his intervention. This list included several things that Hsieh believed he could do such as manifest water, transform into animals or objects, and download “talents” to his brain with minimal study. Despite this attempt at treatment and concern from friends, Hsieh continued to use Ketamine and other substances. 

On the way to Montana with friends in June 2020, Hsieh asked his friends to make a suicide pact and exhibited other abnormal behaviors like only packing a box of crayons for the trip. Upon returning home, he was taken to the hospital as he was showing signs of psychosis. After this incident, Hsieh started misusing Nitrous Oxide as a replacement to Ketamine. 

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What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is often used for sedation during medical or dental procedures. This colorless, non-flammable gas causes feelings of light-headedness, relaxation, and hallucinations. Similar to Ketamine, Nitrous Oxide is used recreationally at raves and music festivals. This substance is not often linked to overdose deaths therefore many underestimate the risk of misusing Nitrous Oxide. Despite this, there are negative effects such as lowered blood pressure, heart attack, nerve damage, memory loss, depression, and decreased coordination. 

Because Nitrous Oxide provides a quick high when inhaled, the term “whippets” is often used when talking about recreational use. Those who use Nitrous Oxide recreationally may purchase the substance in “whipped cream charger” canisters or medical gas tanks. The gas is typically transferred to a balloon or plastic bag to be inhaled from. 

Hsieh Begins Using Nitrous Oxide

Friends of Hsieh claim that he was using up to 50 cartridges of Nitrous Oxide each day and often in public or during meetings. Witnesses described his home and bedroom being littered with hundreds of used cartridges amongst other alarming sights such as broken glass, dog feces, and rotten food. He was also attempting to make his home one with nature by redirecting a stream closer to his patio to be used for dishwashing. He also had decided to replace all electricity with candles and tiki torches which led to his fire alarms going off frequently at all hours of the night. 

When a friend contacted the Hsieh family with concerns of his drug use and dramatic weight loss, they attempted to step in to help. His brother attempted to have vitamins and protein supplements be discreetly added to his diet. Richard, his father, sent an addiction specialist to his home but he was denied access. It was around this time that Hsieh stepped down as CEO of Zappos. 

In November 2020, Hsieh fell asleep in a shed of a Connecticut home after a fight with his girlfriend. The shed, filled with candles, a propane heater, and a 20 lb propane tank, caught fire. It is believed that the fire was caused by one of the candles torching the blanket and a nearby plastic bag. It has been speculated that Hsieh had been using Nitrous Oxide prior to the fire that led to his death. 

What Role Did Pham, Lee, And Grande Play?

“Tony’s true friends, not interested in profiting from Tony’s condition, became increasingly concerned about Tony’s health and many were looking for ways to get Tony professional help. Unfortunately, in the months since Tony had left the rehabilitation facility, several less scrupulous people prominently occupied Tony’s attention and were living at large, all at Tony’s expense,” court documents stated in reference to Hsieh’s relationship with Pham, Lee, And Grande. 

Although knowledge of Hsieh’s misuse of drugs and significant drug use and weight loss were said to be known and acknowledged by Pham, Lee, and Grange, they deny any wrongdoing. Hsieh’s family claims that the group extracted millions from him in a few short months.

The post Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s Family Chronicles Drug Use appeared first on Addiction Center.

The night of the election brought about several changes to the United States. One of the changes centered on the decriminalization of drug possession in Oregon. To be specific, the state of Oregon has declared the decriminalization of marijuana as well as the possession of hard drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin utilizing Measure 110. Additionally, the measure reduces the penalties for the possession of larger amounts of drugs. Aside from marijuana being decriminalized, this decriminalization of drugs includes stimulants such as methamphetamines and cocaine. Additionally, reports indicate LSD and Oxycodone decriminalization are in effect. In addition to the decriminalization of such drugs, funding for treatment, and harm reduction programs would be in effect for recovery.

Much of the decision to decriminalize drugs stemmed from voters showing a resistance to the American war on drugs. As of late, many states have shown a relaxed attitude to the legalization of marijuana, with 1 in 3 Americans residing in a state that allows recreational marijuana use for those aged 21 or older. Twenty-six states have decriminalized marijuana for recreational use. Due to research revealing ways that drugs like Psilocybin mushroom’s ability to aid in depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other conditions, states like Washington D.C. have approved the use of this substance in small amounts. Oregon participated as they approved Measure 109 in order to decriminalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms. The catch is it must be used in a state-licensed psilocybin-assisted program and solely for those battling challenging mental health conditions.

The Pros Of Oregon’s Drug Decriminalization

The decriminalization of drugs does not permit the widespread use of drugs. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, there were roughly 1.6 million arrests in 2018 for drug possession alone. The decriminalization of drugs for Oregon would help protect some people in such cases by, “removing the penalty for the possession of small amounts of drugs.” Furthermore, it allows people to take control of their addiction by offering them the option of getting health checkups. This is based on the condition they do not want to finance or cannot afford to pay fines for drug penalties. Portugal implemented drug decriminalization with positive results stemming from decreases in drug fatalities (from 80 to 16 in the span of 11 years) decreases in HIV diagnoses, and decreases in drug-possession prisoners.

Another incentive for the decriminalization of drugs is reducing racially motivated arrests, saving costs used to imprison people, and reducing costs used to persecute people. For example, African Americans are much more likely to be penalized and more harshly than white counterparts for drug possession. The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission states the measure 110, “would reduce convictions for drug possessions by nearly 90%,” eliminating the high numbers of jailed African Americans for such offenses. This can possibly nullify racial stereotypes related to drug possession. The health of those impacted by drug possession gain exposure to treatment, with an understanding how treatment works. If they struggle with substance abuse, they would have care. This opens them up to receiving help during addiction.

Concerns On Measure 110

Despite Measure 110 seeking to reduce inmate populations surrounding drug possession and provide the option of health screenings and treatment, some still have fears. Some people believe the decriminalization of drugs will allow for widespread use as people may not fear consequences of possession. Some critics have posed the idea that people may desire drugs more because there are less legal risks; however, many believe the opposite would occur. Since stigmas with drug abuse may become lessened, people may feel that substance abuse is less of a taboo. This could lead to the increase of people seeking treatment for their substance use disorder and not hiding it from friends or family.

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Following an 11-month investigation, Spanish porn star Nacho Vidal was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a man died at Vidal’s home from inhaling toad venom. An article from the BBC states that the man who died was a photographer named Jose Luis Abad. The 2 other people arrested were not named but are said to be a man and a woman aged 37 to 50. Those involved, along with Abad, were said to be taking part in a ceremonial ritual that involved using a pipe to inhale toad venom from the glands of bufo alvarius, also known as the Colorado River toad or the Sonoran Desert toad. The toad is found in the southwestern United States as well as in northern Mexico.

A statement from local authorities in Enguera, Valencia said, “Officers began the investigation after the death of a person during a mystical ritual involving the inhalation of vapours from the venom of the bufo alvarius toad.” Vidal was arrested for manslaughter and violating public health laws. Vidal’s lawyer, Daniel Salvador, stated that his client considers himself to be innocent and was “very upset by the death of this person.” Salvador also stated that Abad had previously tried inhaling the venom before and wanted to try it again, “With all due respect to the dead man and his family, Nacho maintains that the consumption [of the venom] was completely voluntary,” Salvador said to La Vanguardia newspaper.

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Nacho Vidal

Porn star Nacho Vidal, 46, has spoken about his toad venom use in a YouTube video uploaded 4 years ago, according to the Spanish newspaper El País. In the video, Vidal reportedly stated that he had a “humble experience” with the toad and it helped him with his addictions and attachments. Vidal’s pornography career spanned 26 years and he has appeared in at least 10,000 scenes. He has also directed adult films and is known for selling aromatized candles that are modeled to be a replica of Vidal’s genitalia. They are available on his website for about 28 U.S. dollars. Although Vidal has spoken about his use of toad venom in the past, his lawyer denied that he partook in regular rituals. The toads that are used have glands that excrete toxins containing 5-MeO-DMT, which gives the user a psychedelic trip.

Getting High On Toad Venom?

For years there have been reports about people licking toads to get high, but most users of the Colorado River toad are likely smoking the toxins. The liquid that is secreted from the toad’s back is milked out and then dried into a paste, where it then can be smoked with a pipe. Once 5-MeO-DMT is inhaled, it will produce a hallucinogenic experience, with auditory and visual hallucinations. Some users say it is indescribable and mystical, “a feeling of pure awareness, of freedom from self-limitations, and of a bond with something greater.” The experience lasts about 20 minutes on average but can be shorter or up to 90 minutes. The user will be physically incapacitated during this time. Some studies have found that the use of this drug has provided improvements in anxiety and depression, but research is still underway.

In 2010, 5-MeO-DMT was named a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and is illegal to produce or possess. In some parts of the United States, substances containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) have been decriminalized, like the brew ayahuasca. There are ayahuasca retreats around the world where people pay to attend under the supervision of a facilitator and ingest the drink, experiencing a psychedelic trip. While generally considered safe, there have been reports of 5-MeO-DMT causing unconsciousness and respiratory depression. When combined with certain antidepressants, serious side effects like seizures, hypertensive symptoms, kidney damage, and death may occur. It is unknown whether Jose Luis Abad had any underlying conditions when he inhaled the venom at Nacho Vidal’s home. Investigation is still underway, but investigators stated that they discovered rituals involving toad venom were being performed promising medicinal benefits.

The post Porn Star Nacho Vidal Arrested After Toad Venom Death appeared first on Addiction Center.

A quiet suburban neighborhood in Amsterdam witnessed a bloody shooting this past September that is bringing attention to the growth of drug-related violence in the Netherlands. Derk Wiersum was murdered outside his home during broad daylight in an act meant to frighten and intimidate civilians and local law enforcement. Coincidentally, just a month prior to the attack, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Ferdinand Grapperhaus, publicly stated that “The Netherlands is at risk of becoming a narco state.”

A narco state is a country whose economy is dependent on the trade if illegal drugs. Although the Dutch economy is not currently defined by the drug industry, it is an illicit market which has increasing influence on its society. The Netherlands has been described as a central hub for the global drug market due to its many transit ports and the large number of synthetic drugs being produced in the country and distributed around the world.

The death of Wiersum marked the first time in Dutch history that the criminal world murdered a legal representative of the state. The lawyer was representing Nabil B, a key witness against two of the Netherlands’ most wanted suspects. Ridouan Taghi was detained last month while attempting to enter Dubai and held under an international arrest warrant for murder and drug trafficking. The organization he leads, known as “Angels of Death,” is linked to nine assassinations, including that of Derk Wiersum. The arrest was considered a great success, but unfortunately many have doubts that it will prevent young people from following in his footsteps.

Influence Of Drugs On Dutch Society

The Netherlands’ tolerant approach towards drug use and its low penalties for drug-related crimes have contributed to the country’s position as a top producer for drugs. The country is famous for its “gedoodbeleid” or “policy of tolerance” that leads to non-enforcement of soft drug offenses. Distinctions between soft drugs and hard drugs are made under the Opium law of the Netherlands. Drugs with a low risk of harm and/or addiction such as hash, marijuana, sleeping pills, and sedatives are considered “soft drugs.” Hard drugs include heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, and ecstasy. These substances are considered to have a higher risk of harm and addiction.

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The extensive transport network and transit ports in the Netherlands has turned it into the central distribution hub for marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine. A majority of soft drugs are imported from South America and North Africa but a significant amount of the world’s synthetic drugs are produced within the country itself. Substances such as MDMA, LSD, amphetamines, and GHB are being transported around the globe, and an estimated 18.8 billion euros ($20.75 billion) worth of ecstasy pills are being produced in Amsterdam yearly. The market is not only big, but it moves quickly as well. On the day Donald Trump was elected president in 2016, orange “Trumpies” ecstasy tablets were found on the streets and 24 hours later they were being sold in Australia. Drugs are becoming harder, profit margins are getting larger, and a new generation of drug crime lords are taking over.

From The Underworld To The Upper World

There has been a steady increase in drug related violence and at least 50 homicides linked to the criminal networks in greater Amsterdam within the last 7 years. Police complain that they are understaffed and unprepared to handle the rise of crime resulting from the flourishing drug trade. Young people growing up in areas ignored by the government and tourists are turning to crime in hopes of making a living. Drug business and violence is going from underground to broad daylight with lawyers, mayors and police officers being threatened by organized crime. There is growing concern over the way the drug economy is undermining and threatening the legitimate economy and society of the Netherlands.

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The country has moved from consuming drugs to producing them on a global scale, creating a lucrative black market. Today, about 59% of Dutch citizens believe the country is now a narco-state. According to chairman of the biggest Dutch police union, Jan Struijs, “If you look at the infrastructure, the big money earned by organized crime, the parallel economy. Yes, we have a narco-state.”

The post Why The Netherlands Is Becoming A Narco State appeared first on Addiction Center.

Comparable to the likes of ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, and mescaline, a new mind-altering drug is hitting the US psychedelic scene – toad venom. The drug comes from a rare species of toad native to the Sonoran Desert, Bufo Alvarius, which produces a venom known as 5-MeO-DMT: an extremely potent natural psychedelic. 5-MeO-DMT is about four to six times more powerful than its better-known cousin DMT (dimethyltryptamine).

The narcotic has long been ingested by licking the poisonous amphibian’s back but is now more commonly consumed as a smokable “dust” form. The liquid is extracted by milking the toad’s toxic venom glands and then dehydrating it into a crumbly dry paste. Shamans throughout Mexico and the southwestern US have been harvesting and smoking the substance for decades, and now thousands of people throughout the country are seeking out the powerful psychedelic.

The drug’s hallucinogenic effects take hold in about five minutes after ingestion, causing a powerful religious-like trip that lasts about an hour. Individuals that have taken the toad venom described their trips as being one with the universe and feeling “reborn” – one user said they felt “a total fusion with God” while under the influence. Users experience bright colors, moving environments, or recursive patterns. According to researchers, the drug often leaves users immobile and unresponsive, and can cause intense emotional reactions, euphoria, convulsions, and vomiting.

It’s such an intense experience that, in most cases, doing it at a party isn’t safe. It’s not a recreational drug. If people get dosed too high, they can ‘white out’ and disassociate from their mind and body.

In addition to the possible harmful effects users can experience while tripping, many people suffer from extreme nausea and confusion for days after. However, this hasn’t stopped psychedelic drug-lovers across the nation from seeking out the Schedule 1 classified substance, which carries the threat of a 10-year prison sentence for possession. Users even hire foreign shamans to distribute the drug at parties that typically cost around $200 to $500 a head to attend.

Toad Venom: New Possible Treatment For Depression?

Once the venom wears off, users say that they experience an afterglow that can trigger them to make major, positive life changes. 5-MeO-DMT appears to have a placebo analgesic effect comparable to hypnosis. The drug has shown to help break attachments to past trauma, negative behaviors, and habitual negative thought patterns.

Such beneficial psychological effects has led some researchers to believe that in a controlled setting with a well-trained professional, the venom could be useful in treating anxiety and depression. In fact, preliminary studies performed by John Hopkins University suggest that it may combat depression and anxiety just as effectively as psilocybin, in addition to requiring a much shorter duration of time to reap the therapeutic benefits.

To study the potential medicinal effects of 5-MeO-DMT, John Hopkins Psychedelics researcher Alan Davis conducted an online survey that included 362 people that routinely uses the toad venom in ceremonial group settings. Respondents reported that they had attended sessions containing between five to 12 people in which each ceremony is overseen by a sober facilitator who administers the drug. Participants took turns being dosed and then ended the experience with a “closing circle” where they shared their thoughts on the spiritual journeys they each took while tripping. Of the 162 individuals that self-reported as suffering from anxiety or depression, approximately 80% reported improvements in these conditions after using the drug.

Davis believes the 5-MeO-DMT found in toad venom is effective at treating these mental illnesses due to a combination of neurological changes in users’ brains and insights they gained through the psychedelic experience. Davis hopes that the research that is being performed at John Hopkins will inspire other people to follow suit and explore the option of using psychedelics as possible treatment options.

However, it’s important to note that researchers do not support recreational use of toad venom and cite that the drug should only be administered under medical supervision.

The post Psychedelic Toad Venom Is The New Trendy Hallucinogen appeared first on Addiction Center.

A middle-aged couple in Austria received quite a surprise when they woke up to a package that wasn’t exactly what they had ordered a few days prior. The unnamed 58-year-old Austrian women said she was expecting the parcel to contain some dresses that she had bought from an online retailer in the Netherlands. Instead, she had received nearly 25,000 ecstasy pills.

She initially believed the tiny purple pills to be small decorative stones, but her husband, 59, quickly realized this wasn’t the case upon closer inspection. Afraid they were “probably stimulants,” the couple returned the package to their local post office in Linz, Upper Austria.

Post office personnel was equally as shocked when the couple handed over the parcel of pills and promptly informed the narcotics department of the City Police Command Liz. Police found that while one of the packages did contain two dresses, the other contained 24,800 ecstasy tablets worth about €500,000 ($548,127).

Following an investigation by Linz’s drugs squad, it was discovered that the parcel was actually intended for a residence in Scotland, where the pills are valued at just £165,000 ($205,000). Police Scotland and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) are now working together to investigate the case. No arrests have been made at this time.

Drug dealers have long relied on lax postal screening to deliver goods and this isn’t the first time a couple in Austria has opened their door to find a package of illegal substances exported from the Netherlands. Earlier this year, another Austrian couple mistakenly signed for a parcel that contained $10 million worth of methamphetamine.

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The Netherlands: A Hub For Drug Trafficking

Synthetic drug production has boomed into a billion-euro business in the Netherlands. In fact, the country is currently thought to be the world’s largest producer of ecstasy. A large majority of the ecstasy taken in both Europe and the US comes from labs located in the south of the country, which are increasingly run by Moroccan gangs that are also involved with the production of marijuana.

Researchers and authorities are attributing the Netherlands’ position as a top drug-producer to a combination of factors, including the country’s tolerant approach towards drug use as well as its relatively low penalties for those caught making the drugs. The Netherlands Opium Act is the basis for the current drug legislation. The possession of drugs for personal use is punishable by imprisonment; however, in practice, it is not subject to targeted investigation by the police and is generally tolerated.

Another important contributing factor to the Netherlands’s prominent drug-trade status is the rise of the dark web. The dark web is a series of websites on an encrypted network that can’t be found using traditional search engines or traced by authorities. In addition to traditional smuggling, drug dealers are now listing goods on the dark web and sending the narcotics to buyers via letters and packages in the post.

We are seeing an increase in all types of synthetic drugs, but by far the most that we see going outside the EU from the Netherlands in the mail is ecstasy and amphetamine.

According to Dutch customs, the amount of ecstasy and amphetamines found in the post has more than tripled from 137kg in 2016 to 460kg last year, but those numbers are regarded as a tiny fraction of the bigger picture. The Dutch customs authority has warned that a sharp rise in successful seizures from the country’s postal service is indicative of a growing trend.

As a result, officials say they are strengthening collaboration with financial and customs authorities in order to tackle narcotics ordered online and sent via the post.

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