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Can Amanita Mushrooms Answer the Problem of Benzo Addiction?

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2 years ago

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Amanita mushrooms are becoming the new name in drugs, for naturally helping people with sleep and anxiety. But do they cause the same issues as the main pharma drugs known for this, benzodiazepines? And if not, can the muscimol from Amanita mushrooms not only replace use of benzodiazepines, but help those with benzo addiction, to come off the pills? Let’s take a look at what’s out there.

What are Amanita mushrooms?

Amanita mushrooms, specifically Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina, are species in the Amanita mushroom genus; shared as well with Amanita phalloides, and other death-causing species. This placement means the designation of a ‘poisonous mushroom’, though in the case of muscaria and pantherina, there are no deaths attached.

These mushrooms originate in cooler places, like Northern Europe and Siberia, and are therefore barely known of in the Americas region. This means they also evaded illegalization by not being visible in the latter part of the last century, when governments around the world were going through a flurry of drug illegalization measures. Now, all these years later, they’re making more of a name for themselves in places that never heard of them before.

The red or brown-headed mushrooms are known for their shape, and white spots. The visual is so appealing, it made it into the Super Mario Brothers game, meaning without knowing or understanding what they are, many people are familiar with how they look. When used properly, these mushrooms produce relaxation, euphoria, and hallucinations, but in a totally different way from psilocybin mushrooms. In fact, the only thing they have in common, is that they’re both fungi.

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The mushrooms, which contain ibotenic acid (the more sick-inducing compound which can be decarbed out) and muscimol, (the compound of interest that promotes great effect on GABA in the brain); have been used for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes for hundreds (maybe thousands) of years. They’re even a part of the Santa story, as reindeer were native to muscimol-using tribes, and were known to eat the mushrooms and get all loopy.

Muscimol, for its part, is a solid white or colorless compound which is classified as an isoxazole. It’s a potent and selective orthosteric agonist. This term is important because it describes how muscimol binds directly to GABAA receptor sites, unlike other compounds that bind on the protein surface instead (allosteric). Drugs like these, when there is a high affinity, can block other compounds from binding.

Muscimol has many benzodiazepine-like effects, including sedative, hypnotic, and depressant effects, while also producing hallucinogenic effects. Muscimol has also shown not to cause addiction, though it does activate the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in a similar way, and this area is involved in the brain’s reward system. This could be in part because muscimol acts as an agonist, while benzos work as positive modulators; the whole difference between orthosteric and allosteric, already mentioned.

What are benzodiazepines?

First and foremost, benzodiazepines are pharmaceutically made, which means they’re synthetic drugs, unlike the mushrooms just spoken of, which are naturally living plants. These drugs, often called ‘benzos’, are depressant drugs that at the core of their chemical structure, contain the fusion between a benzene ring and diazepine ring. The first one discovered in 1955, was Librium, and was already out as a medication by 1960. Valium came out three years later.

The biggest neural impact these drugs have, is on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the same neurotransmitter that Amanita muscaria mushrooms affect. The drugs work specifically at GABAA receptors, and produce sedative and hypnotic effects, along with anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. The drugs are used to treat a range of issues like: anxiety, panic, and sleep issues, as well as for agitation, seizure disorders, muscle spasms, as a way to aid in alcohol withdrawal, and as pre-medicine for certain medical procedures.

While they were always spoken about as safe in the past, and still are to a degree, this goes in the face of the rising death toll associated, whether from the drugs themselves, or from mixing them with other substances like alcohol or opioids. In 2020 alone, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that benzos were fully or partially responsible for 12,290 overdoes deaths.

Benzo addiction is quite common
Benzo addiction is quite common

Beyond this, not only is the line about safety odd considering the death toll, it hardly accounts for the large and growing number of people addicted to them. This is likely because the withdrawal can be very difficult. Benzo withdrawal is known as an intense experience, and can last a very long time, often called a protracted withdrawal (which is essentially a psychological withdrawal).

There is a high rate of benzo addiction in general. While these numbers sound almost made-up, research estimates show that even at therapeutic doses, long-term use (defined as three months or more), can result in 20-100% of people becoming physically addicted. That’s saying that *maybe everyone gets addicted. What’s more, they’re not known to keep providing positive effects beyond a point, and can cause worse rebound symptoms than what they’re used to suppress, upon stopping.

Withdrawal symptoms from these drugs include: anxiety, depression, depersonalization (feeling detached within oneself), derealization (feeling like the world around isn’t real), sleep problems, tactile hypersensitivity, tremors, shakes, muscle pain, random pains, twitching, abdominal issues, and headaches. For those using the pills to treat something like anxiety, the rebound anxiety of withdrawal, can be more intense than what drove the patient to seek treatment in the first place; which exemplifies why getting off these drugs is so incredibly hard.

One study from 2005 called Long-term outcome after discontinuation of benzodiazepines for insomnia: a survival analysis of relapse, shows that out of 47 adults trying to get off the medications, 42.6% could not stay off as of a 24 month follow-up. A 2003 study entitled Predictors of relapse after discontinuation of long-term benzodiazepine use by minimal intervention: a 2-year follow-up study, painted just as abysmal a picture. Out of 109 subjects who were also studied over a two-year period, 51% relapsed. It’s good to remember that all these users wanted to stop medication.

Can amanita mushrooms help with benzo addiction?

That muscimol affects reward sites, but without causing addiction, makes it very interesting. Both for treating certain issues, and for dealing with benzo addiction. In fact, muscimol is pointed to for actually restoring GABAA receptor modulation. Unfortunately, there’s no formal research on muscimol for benzo addiction, but like with much of life, this doesn’t mean there aren’t personal stories on the topic.

In a Reddit post from within the last year, an interested benzo user was curious about other people’s experiences with this. Not only were results supportive of muscimol helping to end benzo addiction, but tips were given; like how to taper the benzos, and to use compounds like kava before the muscimol to improve binding. Everyone who responded to this thread had a positive story. Unfortunately, as these mushrooms are still not as well-known as other drugs, its hard to find a lot of useful message board posts; most others are simply people speaking out of opinion, with no knowledge on the topic, or experience with it.

Can Amanita mushrooms help with benzo addiction
Can Amanita mushrooms help with benzo addiction

In theory though (and in user practice), they work for this. And, even if they can’t help with a detox, at least they can provide another way to deal with symptoms of anxiety and sleeplessness; without the addiction and withdrawal issues of benzodiazepines. They pose such a great benefit here, that like many other times in life, the knowledge of this compound brings up the agonizing question of, why are people still being put on benzos when these mushrooms exist?

There actually is a medication in trials that’s based off muscimol, called gaboxadol. However, its repeatedly tested for smaller, lesser-known disorders, instead of being used to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, and benzo addiction. One could ask why. But one could also ask, despite a rising death toll, why opioids are still prescribed; especially since the non-addictive ketamine offers better benefits. I guess its all about the money in the end; which means if you want this as an answer, for now, you’ll have to get the mushrooms on your own.

Conclusion

Truth is, if you’re having an issue that necessitate benzodiazepines, (according to you or your doctors), maybe try these mushrooms instead. They’re legal in the US apart from one state, and may be an important key not only in dealing with anxiety and sleep issues, but in ending the mass benzo addiction issue that is only rising. There are also products entering the market like this one; which shows some companies out there do get it, even if big pharma prefers you stay on the benzos.

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Can Psychedelics Treat Addiction and Alcoholism?

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2 months ago

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September 13, 2024

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Psychedelics, once associated primarily with counterculture and recreational drug use, are now being seriously studied for their therapeutic potential in treating drug addiction and alcoholism. Recent research has shown that substances like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca may have profound benefits for individuals struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and substance use disorders (SUD). These compounds are being reconsidered not only for their ability to induce altered states of consciousness but also for their potential to address addictive behaviors and psychological trauma at the root of addiction.

Psilocybin’s Efficacy in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

One groundbreaking study, conducted at New York University and Johns Hopkins University, demonstrated the potential of psilocybin in treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The researchers focused on individuals with severe AUD, administering two doses of psilocybin in conjunction with psychotherapy. The results were notable: participants reported a 50% reduction in heavy drinking days over an eight-month period, with some maintaining abstinence from alcohol even a year later.

The trial followed a double-blind, randomized approach and found that the therapeutic effects of psilocybin were superior to those observed with placebo treatments. Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, a lead researcher in the study, emphasized the importance of the psychedelic experience itself in breaking the cycle of addiction. Psilocybin appears to help patients break through entrenched mental patterns, often revealing deeper emotional connections and realizations that drive more meaningful behavior change​.

How Psychedelics Influence the Brain to Combat Addiction

The mechanism behind the efficacy of psychedelics in treating addiction is thought to involve neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. By interacting with serotonin 2A receptors, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, psychedelics can enable profound shifts in perception and cognition. These altered states of consciousness allow individuals to confront underlying psychological issues, such as trauma or negative emotional patterns, which are often at the core of addictive behaviors​.

Many individuals undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy report experiencing a “reset” of their mental state, facilitating a more open mindset that helps them engage with therapy in a deeper, more effective way. This contrasts with traditional addiction treatments, such as methadone or buprenorphine, which primarily manage withdrawal symptoms but do not address the psychological components of addiction.

LSD and Its Potential in Addiction Treatment

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) has also shown promise in treating addiction, particularly alcoholism. Early studies from the 1950s to the 1970s suggested that LSD might help reduce alcohol dependency, but interest in this line of research waned due to regulatory crackdowns on psychedelic research. However, more recent studies have reignited interest in LSD’s therapeutic potential.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology reviewed data from six trials involving over 500 patients. It concluded that a single high dose of LSD, administered in a therapeutic setting, was associated with a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. The study found that LSD’s psychedelic effects could lead to lasting changes in personality traits, such as openness and emotional resilience, which are crucial for overcoming addiction​.

Ayahuasca and Addiction Recovery

Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew containing DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and MAO inhibitors, has been the focus of recent studies examining its potential to treat addiction. Researchers have found that ayahuasca’s intense psychoactive properties, combined with its ability to facilitate introspection and emotional healing, may help individuals overcome opioid and stimulant addiction. A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology noted that ayahuasca led to significant improvements in mental health and reductions in addictive behaviors​.

Ayahuasca ceremonies, often conducted in a spiritual context, have been shown to promote healing through vivid and sometimes challenging visions. Participants often report gaining insights into the underlying causes of their addiction, leading to long-lasting psychological benefits.

Challenges in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

While the results of these studies are promising, the use of psychedelics in treating addiction is not without challenges. For one, the psychedelic experience itself can be unpredictable, and not all patients experience the profound mystical or emotional breakthroughs associated with positive outcomes. The effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy appears to be linked to the quality of the therapeutic environment and the expertise of the facilitators, meaning that careful preparation and integration are key to success.

Moreover, while psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD do not appear to be physically addictive, their use must still be carefully regulated to prevent potential psychological risks, such as hallucinations, anxiety, or psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals. Current research emphasizes the need for controlled settings where trained therapists can guide patients through their psychedelic experiences.

Ongoing Research and Future Directions

Given the promising early results, psychedelic research is entering a new phase, with larger clinical trials currently underway. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently allocated $2.4 million to explore the use of psychedelics in treating methamphetamine addiction, further solidifying the role of psychedelics in addiction therapy​. Similarly, ongoing studies are looking into psilocybin’s potential to treat opioid addiction and cocaine dependence, conditions that have been notoriously difficult to treat with conventional methods.

As research progresses, it is likely that psilocybin, LSD, and other psychedelics will become more widely recognized as effective tools for addiction treatment. While more research is needed to fine-tune these therapies and better understand their long-term effects, early indications are that psychedelics could revolutionize addiction and alcoholism treatments in the coming decades.

Conclusion

Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca are emerging as potential breakthrough therapies for treating drug addiction and alcoholism. By promoting neuroplasticity and addressing the psychological roots of addiction, these substances offer an alternative to traditional addiction treatments, which often focus on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. With ongoing research and increasing clinical trials, psychedelic-assisted therapy may become an essential tool in the fight against substance use disorders, offering hope to millions of people who struggle with addiction, such as alcoholism.

Sources

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research on Psychedelics
Frontiers in Pharmacology: Ayahuasca for Addiction Recovery
JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery



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The Evolving Opioid Crisis in Europe: Heroin and Synthetic Threats

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2 months ago

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September 12, 2024

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The opioid crisis in Europe is growing in complexity, with heroin continuing to dominate the market while synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogs, emerge as potent new threats. The 2024 EU Drug Markets Report, released by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and Europol, provides a comprehensive analysis of the heroin and synthetic opioid market, detailing the health risks, evolving trafficking routes, and potential future challenges.

Heroin in Decline? Why Synthetic Opioids Pose a New Threat in Europe

Heroin’s Ongoing Impact in Europe

Heroin remains the most commonly used illicit opioid in Europe, with an estimated 1 million high-risk opioid users. The European heroin market is valued at over €5.2 billion annually, indicating the persistent demand for this drug. In 2021, EU countries seized 9.5 tonnes of heroin, the largest quantity in 20 years. These figures underscore the strong presence of heroin in Europe, despite the introduction of harm reduction programs aimed at curbing opioid use​.

The health consequences of heroin use are severe. In 2021, opioids were responsible for three-quarters of Europe’s 6,000 drug-related overdose deaths, with heroin being a leading factor. Long-term users are aging, adding complexity to public health strategies, as older opioid users present with more chronic health problems​.

Afghanistan’s Opium Ban: Future Implications for Heroin Supply

Nearly all heroin consumed in Europe is derived from opium produced in Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan’s opium production has seen a dramatic decline following the Taliban’s 2022 ban on poppy cultivation, which led to a 95% reduction in production by 2023. While the immediate impact on heroin availability in Europe has been minimal, the report warns that a sustained ban could lead to future heroin shortages. Such shortages could open the door for synthetic opioids to dominate the market.

The decline in Afghan opium cultivation from 233,000 hectares in 2022 to just 10,800 hectares in 2023 has raised concerns about the future of heroin availability in Europe. Should the Taliban continue to enforce the ban, experts believe the resulting heroin scarcity could increase the use of more potent and dangerous synthetic opioids, exacerbating the public health crisis​.

The Rise of Synthetic Opioids: Fentanyl and its Analogues

Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are becoming more prevalent in the European drug market. These substances are far more potent than heroin, and even small doses can lead to fatal overdoses. The 2024 report highlights how these synthetic opioids are contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths and hospital emergencies across Europe. In countries such as Estonia and Sweden, fentanyl is responsible for a significant proportion of drug-related deaths​.

Fentanyl analogs are particularly concerning because they can be mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine, often without the user’s knowledge. The increasing presence of these synthetic opioids is a major public health concern, as traditional harm reduction measures, such as naloxone distribution and needle exchange programs, are less effective against these more potent substances.

Changing Trafficking Routes and Criminal Networks

Traffickers are increasingly adapting their methods in response to heightened enforcement measures and geopolitical developments. The traditional Balkan route, which brings heroin through Turkey and Bulgaria into Europe, has seen increased enforcement and stricter border controls, prompting traffickers to shift towards alternative routes.

The Southern route is becoming more prominent, with significant heroin shipments passing through Iran and Pakistan before reaching Europe via major seaports. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a key transshipment hub for heroin, providing both logistical support and avenues for money laundering. Meanwhile, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has prompted criminal networks to modify their trafficking routes, further complicating law enforcement efforts.

Public Health and Harm Reduction Efforts

Harm reduction strategies have had some success in mitigating the impact of opioid use in Europe. Programs such as opioid substitution therapy (OST) and needle exchange have helped reduce the number of new users injecting heroin, thereby lowering the risks of HIV and hepatitis C transmission. However, the growing prevalence of synthetic opioids poses new challenges. These potent drugs often require stronger overdose prevention measures, such as fentanyl test strips and more widespread access to naloxone, an opioid antagonist used to reverse overdoses.

Additionally, the report notes the importance of expanding data collection and improving early warning systems to monitor emerging trends in opioid use and trafficking. These systems allow public health authorities and law enforcement to respond more quickly to new synthetic opioids entering the market​.

Challenges in Treating Opioid Addiction

Treatment for opioid addiction, particularly heroin, is evolving. Europe’s aging population of opioid users presents new challenges, as older users are more likely to have complex medical conditions. Many long-term users require not just drug treatment but also social support and healthcare for chronic conditions related to long-term substance use. Furthermore, gender-specific issues are emerging, as women who use opioids face more barriers to accessing treatment and are more likely to present with co-occurring psychological or social issues.

Conclusion

The opioid crisis in Europe is evolving, with heroin still posing a significant threat to public health, while synthetic opioids like fentanyl are emerging as an even more dangerous force. The reduction in Afghan opium production and the shifting trafficking routes complicate the landscape further. To tackle this complex issue, Europe must continue to invest in harm reduction, international cooperation, and early warning systems to prevent more overdose deaths and manage the changing face of the opioid market. Without a coordinated response, Europe risks facing an even more devastating public health crisis in the coming years.



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Who Are Eating Dogs and Cats?

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2 months ago

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September 11, 2024

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The fact that some people are eating dogs and cats is a highly sensitive topic that crosses cultural, social, and ethical boundaries. In many regions, these animals are consumed due to cultural traditions and necessity, while in other cases, drug-induced behavior may lead individuals to engage in extreme or unusual dietary practices. This article aims to explore the distinction between cultural norms and the desperate, erratic behaviors driven by substance abuse, focusing on the need for cultural sensitivity while addressing harmful behavior.

When Culture Meets Addiction: Who Is Eating Dogs and Cats?

Cultural Practices and the Consumption of Non-Traditional Animals

In some parts of Asia and Africa, the phenomena of eating dogs and cats has historical roots that are tied to both cultural traditions and the availability of resources. In these regions, the eating of non-traditional animals is a normalized practice and is not connected to drug-fueled behavior.

  • Cultural Normalcy: In regions such as South Korea, China, and Vietnam, dogs have historically been consumed as part of traditional cuisines. This practice is not driven by addiction or desperation but by cultural norms that view these animals as a food source rather than pets.
  • Food Scarcity: In some communities, especially in impoverished or rural areas, consuming non-traditional animals like dogs or cats is a practical response to food scarcity. The decision to eat these animals is based on survival rather than personal preference or altered judgment.

Drug-Induced Dietary Choices: When Addiction Leads to Extreme Behaviors

In contrast to cultural practices, there are cases where individuals under the influence of drugs engage in extreme or bizarre behaviors, such as eating dogs and cats… This behavior is driven by impaired judgment, psychosis, or desperation caused by addiction, and often occurs in isolated or marginalized communities.

  • Methamphetamine and Erratic Behavior: Meth users are known to exhibit extreme and irrational behaviors, including eating animals they wouldn’t normally consider food. Meth-induced psychosis can blur the lines between reality and hallucination, leading to bizarre dietary choices such as consuming pets or strays.
  • Desperation from Heroin Addiction: Heroin addicts, especially those living in extreme poverty, may consume non-traditional animals out of necessity. Chronic malnutrition and impaired judgment, combined with isolation from society, can drive addicts to make choices they wouldn’t otherwise consider.

Understanding the Cultural vs. Drug-Fueled Divide

It’s crucial to differentiate between cultural practices and behaviors driven by addiction when discussing the consumption of non-traditional animals. Respecting cultural practices while addressing the harmful impacts of substance abuse requires a nuanced understanding of these different contexts.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: When discussing the consumption of non-traditional animals, especially in regions where this practice is accepted, it is important to approach the subject with cultural sensitivity. Condemning these practices without understanding their historical and social context can perpetuate stereotypes and breed intolerance.
  • Addressing Addiction-Related Behaviors: Conversely, when the consumption of animals like dogs and cats is tied to addiction, the focus should be on treating the root causes of drug abuse rather than criminalizing individuals. Rehabilitation, mental health support, and access to food resources are critical in preventing desperate behaviors.

Ethical Considerations and Animal Welfare

Regardless of whether the consumption of non-traditional animals is driven by culture or desperation, the ethical treatment of animals is a key concern. The dog and cat meat industries have come under scrutiny for their inhumane treatment of animals, and organizations worldwide are working to promote animal welfare and ethical eating practices.

  • Animal Rights in Cultural Contexts: While respecting cultural traditions, animal rights organizations are increasingly advocating for more humane practices within these industries. Campaigns to ban or reduce the consumption of dog and cat meat have gained traction, with a focus on reducing cruelty and promoting alternative food sources.
  • Animal Cruelty and Drug Addiction: In cases of drug-induced behaviors, the animals involved often suffer from neglect or harm. Providing support for addicts and ensuring animals are removed from harmful environments can help mitigate this issue.
Eating Dogs and Cats Tradition or Desperation
Eating Dogs and Cats Tradition or Desperation

How to Approach the Issue Globally

Addressing the issue of non-traditional animal consumption, whether cultural or drug-fueled, requires a global approach that balances respect for cultural practices with the promotion of humane treatment for animals. Public health initiatives and cultural sensitivity training can help bridge the gap between different viewpoints while ensuring that animals and people alike are treated with dignity.

  • Promoting Cultural Understanding: Efforts to educate the public on the cultural contexts of eating non-traditional animals can help reduce prejudice and promote more respectful global dialogues. Cultural exchange programs and educational campaigns can provide a more nuanced view of these practices.
  • Addressing Substance Abuse: On the other hand, combatting the desperation and irrational behavior caused by addiction requires investments in mental health, addiction treatment, and public welfare systems. Providing addicts with support, housing, and access to food can reduce the likelihood of harmful or extreme behaviors.

Conclusion

While the consumption of non-traditional animals like dogs and cats may be culturally accepted in some regions, drug-induced behaviors that lead to similar actions must be understood in a different light. It’s important to address addiction-related behavior with compassion, focusing on rehabilitation and support rather than punishment. At the same time, promoting animal welfare and humane practices in regions where these animals are consumed can create a more ethical global community. By approaching these issues with respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to reducing harm, both animals and humans can benefit.



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