Analysis of the different potential treatment venues of psychedelic medicines

Abstract

In the growing field of psychedelic medicine, there are a variety of avenues one may take when choosing the context in which patients are administered psychedelic medicines. After conducting a literature review to determine the current state of research regarding these avenues, it was determined that there exists a major gap in the current protocols for administering such medications. The main types of avenues discovered and analyzed were shamanistic/religious ceremonies, clinical trials, wellness retreats, and the presence of a sitter/guide. While there are some analyses of patient outcomes and their subjective experience in individual settings, there does not exist an analysis comparing the different methods of psychedelic administration. Utilizing the current literature, a preliminary comparison of the main environments of psychedelic administration was conducted, paying specific attention to the necessary psychological, ethical, and physiological considerations. Additionally, Dr. Efrem Nulman, a psychotherapist with over 45 years of relevant experience, was interviewed about his opinions on the matter, on psychedelic research in general, as well as on the future of psychedelics.