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Use of psychedelic drugs like LSD and magic mushrooms 'does NOT increase risk of mental health problems' - and may even help
Researchers in Norway studied data of more than 130,000 people They found 'no link' between the drugs and mental health problems Long-term use of some drugs was linked to fewer psychological problems But researchers warned their work did not mean drugs were not harmful
By Daily Mail Reporter PUBLISHED: 02:38 GMT, 21 August 2013 | UPDATED: 10:10 GMT, 21 August 2013

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Psychedelic drugs such as LSD and magic mushrooms do not cause mental health problems in users, a new study has claimed. Researchers in Norway have said they in fact found 'significant associations' between the drugs and fewer psychological problems. The team, from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) Department of Neuroscience, studied more than 130,000 random people, including 22,000 who had used the drugs at least once, included in a health survey in the US.

A new study claims the use of psychedelic drugs including LSD (pictured) and magic mushrooms does not cause mental health problems

Clinical psychologist Pl-rjan Johansen, who carried out the study with researcher Teri Krebs, said: 'After adjusting for other risk factors, lifetime use of LSD, psilocybin, mescaline or peyote, or past year use of LSD was not associated with a higher rate of mental health problems or receiving mental health treatment.' The team studied the 2001-2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health which asked people about mental health conditions including general psychological distress, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychosis. Krebs and Johansen used the data to investigate connections between the use of psychedelic drugs and the mental health issues. The researchers said rather than finding a connection between their use and an increase in problems, they discovered long-term use of drugs such as psilocybin or mescaline was linked to 'lower rates of serious psychological distress'. Meanwhile, people who had used LSD in the last 12 months were also associated with lower rates of distress, while those who had used the drug long-term had a lower rate of treatment for mental health issues. The researchers have said it is not possible to determine the reason behind their discoveries, because of the nature of the study, and warned the drugs could be harmful to some.

The researchers used the 2001-2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which asked people about a range of mental health conditions, for the study

They wrote: 'We cannot exclude the possibility that use of psychedelics might have a negative effect on mental health for some individuals or groups, perhaps counterbalanced at a population level by a positive effect on mental health in others.' The researchers pointed out that recent trials 'have also failed to find any evidence of any lasting harmful effects of psychedelics'. Krebs said: 'Everything has some potential for negative effects, but psychedelic use is overall considered to pose a very low risk to the individual and to society.' The results are published in the journal PLOS One.

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Comments (103)
Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all reality is a crutch for those who cannot handle LSD. - Jo Marbella , London, United Kingdom, 23/8/2013 13:58 Click to rate Report abuse good luck!!!! if you want to develop a fascination with a teapot for 8 hours, enjoy. - Jo Marbella , London, United Kingdom, 23/8/2013 10:42 Click to rate Report abuse hoffmann, the man who first synthesised LSD, used some every day of his life and he lived until well into his 90's and not mad!!! - dara , London, 23/8/2013 01:07 Click to rate Report abuse Rubbish! - Ginger , Moony Islands, 22/8/2013 13:34 Click to rate Report abuse Norway is such a loony country nothing surprises me about it. If it's so safe, put it in the drinking water and put the psychiatrists out of business. I would also guess they never visit drug wards or the homeless who are drug addicts. - Red Jordana , West Hartford, United States, 22/8/2013 13:18 Click to rate Rating 17 Rating 18 Rating 14 Rating 8 Rating 13

Report abuse Acid is great! You can smell the color '9'. All people should do it at least once. - Trolly , under a bridge, North Korea, 22/8/2013 11:49 Click to rate Report abuse yer just just tell people its okay to overdose* stupid article!!! - me , Merseyside, 22/8/2013 11:34 Click to rate Report abuse The Microchip - Designed by people on Acid! - Mr_D , Stevenage, United Kingdom, 22/8/2013 09:49 Click to rate Report abuse I for one have never seen LSD in the form of a purple powder or pink caps! - Stimpy , Here n now, United Kingdom, 22/8/2013 07:20 Click to rate Report abuse This is so sad. Potheads come out with the pro-marijuana "scientific" study. No the rest of the hippies have their own pro-drug study. Drink the cool aid, got it. - JVR , SATX USA, 22/8/2013 03:31 Click to rate Report abuse Share this comment The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Rating 31 Rating 21 Rating 20 Rating 21 Rating 23

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