Psychedelics can help the dying to deal with existential dread

Aldous Huxley, the legendary author of “Brave New World,” decided to go out with a bang—or rather, a trip—by requesting LSD on his deathbed on November 22, 1963. Talk about a far-out farewell! Huxley’s psychedelic send-off helped him embrace the great beyond with a serene smile. Groovy, right?

Turns out, Huxley might’ve been onto something. Research is now showing that psychedelics like magic mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA aren’t just party favors—they could actually be therapeutic lifesavers. Christopher Boehlke from University Hospital Basel is leading the charge, reviewing studies that indicate these mind-bending substances can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and existential dread in terminally ill patients.

So, while Huxley took his final voyage on a wave of LSD, modern science is exploring how these trippy treatments could help others find peace when facing the end. Groovy and groundbreaking!



Reference: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/pyschedelics-can-help-the-dying-to-deal-with-existential-dread-jrqc80fzt


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