University/Organization
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Title
HALLUCINOGEN THERAPY:AN UNLIKELY CONFLUENCE OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION
Synopsis
The re-emergence of hallucinogens in psychiatric medicine and clinical research has included protocols that incorporate traditional religious practices with which hallucinogens have long been associated. This paper discusses the noteworthy, and welcome, departure from the high levels of tension and acrimony that often characterize the contemporary relationship between science and religion, as mental health professionals seek the most effective therapies for “existential distress” associated with severe illness, substance abuse and end-of-life issues.