It doubles the danger.
A recent study reveals that individuals who visit the emergency room after using hallucinogens are more than twice as likely to die within a few years compared to the general population. Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the research found that people treated in hospitals for psychedelic use are 2.6 times more likely to die from any cause within five years. The study highlighted higher death rates due to suicide, cancer, lung disease, and overdose.
Dr. Marco Solmi, a senior researcher and psychiatry professor at the University of Ottawa, emphasized the importance of further research on both the potential benefits and risks associated with hallucinogens, particularly when used outside clinical trials. The increasing use of substances like ketamine, LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, and ecstasy has been driven by studies showing their potential for treating mental health and substance use disorders. However, limited data exists on their potential dangers when used in uncontrolled environments.
Researchers analyzed medical records of over 11.4 million people aged 15 and older in Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2022. The findings showed a 2.6-fold higher risk of premature death for those who required medical treatment after using hallucinogens. When excluding individuals with pre-existing mental health or substance use disorders, the risk increased to 3.2-fold. The study also noted specific elevated risks, including a 5.2 times greater likelihood of suicide and a 2.9 times increased risk of cancer.
Additional factors contributing to higher risks include the likelihood of combining hallucinogens with other drugs, which raises the chance of overdose, and the fact that those needing medical attention for hallucinogen use were often from low-income areas or had histories of homelessness and chronic health issues. Lead researcher Dr. Daniel Myran pointed out the need for more information on the long-term effects of hallucinogens, as most clinical trials to date have not reported significant adverse outcomes, largely due to careful supervision and participant screening.
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