Can Psychedelic Drugs Help Prevent Domestic Violence?

 Posted on July 04, 2016 in Domestic Violence

Can psychedelic drugs like LSD and mushrooms help combat domestic violence? Possibly, at least according to recently released findings from the University of British Columbia’s Centre for the Advancement of Psychological Science and Law. The researchers studied a group of male inmates from an Illinois county jail, and their findings may indicate a future potential for using psychedelic drugs as a tool to prevent domestic violence.

More Tripping, Less Violence?

The researchers followed a group of over 300 newly released Illinois inmates for over six years using FBI records, tracking any run-ins they had with law enforcement. Prior to their release, each of the inmates indicated they had histories of substance abuse, and 72 percent of the inmates had some type of violent crime in their past. The inmates were monitored over the course of six years after their release.

The researchers found that 27 percent of the convicts who reported taking some form of psychedelic drug prior to their arrest were likely to be arrested again for domestic violence or abuse. In comparison, 42 percent of inmates with no reported prior hallucinogenic drug were arrested for domestic violence.

Why would psychedelic drugs impact violent tendencies? Zach Walsh, one of the study’s authors, says the reason likely has to do with the nature of the experience these types of drugs provide. “The experiences of unity, positivity, and transcendence,” Walsh says, could help those who are prone to violence and further research may reveal the full scope of benefits. “We did not have control over the set and setting in which the people consumed the drugs, they were just taking them in probably a social setting. If we could do this in a more controlled and reliable environment, I think we could see even more profoundly positive effects."

While the study is small and observational, researchers are excited to pursue the potential benefits of taking these types of drugs. Further research will be needed, alongside clinical trials of various hallucinogenic substances, but researchers say the potential is there.

Currently, a movement that Walsh labeled a “psychedelic renaissance,” is growing, as researchers are curious to explore the other possible benefits of these currently controlled substances. Similar studies have found other potential benefits. Researchers are working on using MDMA as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and another recent study links psilocybin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms, as a potential aid to help smokers quit smoking.

Consequences for Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

While researchers are optimistic about the future potential of psychedelic drugs and hallucinogens, possessing, manufacturing, and selling these controlled substances can lead to serious consequences in Illinois. Even the possession of a small amount of substances like LSB and psilocybin mushrooms could lead to felony charges and jail time.

Drug charges can ruin lives, and those facing charges related to drug possession, trafficking, or distribution need to seek the help of a qualified Chicago criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, our attorneys work aggressively to defend our clients from drug related charges. Attorney Garfinkel has years of experience successfully defending clients, and is available to consult with you immediately. Call 312-629-0669 today to schedule a free on site or off site consultation with us to review your options.