I decided the title of my story sharing my journey that led to my joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from the title of a book relating the information that those that take a hallucinogen trip have a mental state change that leads them to a closer relationship with our creator. David Hubbard, my Texas hippie friend was right that the LSD experience would open up my mind to a new direction with a purpose in my life.
Psychological studies of hallucinogens has restarted to determine if there any medical benefits to using these drugs and they have determined some positive results. Back in the 50s ad 60s LSD was made available by the pharmaceutical company Sandoz and used to treat schizophrenia and alcohol dependence and assist patients recovering neuroses, severe pain patients and theology students efforts to create a mystical experience. LSD and other hallucinogens were banned in1966.
Hallucinogens were and still are considered possibly dangerous kindlers of ongoing psychotic disorders, particularly people with personal or family histories of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It would be malpractice for a doctor to administer LSD to a schizophrenic patient today because of the risks. However continuing problems treating resistant depression and some addictions has lead researchers to rediscover LSD.
They have discovered a particular serotonin receptor, 5HT-2A, and ketamine in the LSD acts as an antagonist (interferes with normal action) at the NMDA receptor. Activation of this serotonin receptor seems to influence “existential concepts of self, including moral values, self identity and purpose.” It brightens the mood and makes people feel motivated to change. The LSD trip helped me to “feel motivated to change”.
The best approach to make these changes in our lives is best explained in a passage in the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ that, along with the Old and New Testament help lead all mankind to return to Heavenly Father. This book is part of the teachings followed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Moroni 10:20-23 “Wherefore there must be faith; and if there must be faith there also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity. And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye do not have faith; neither can ye be saved if ye have no hope. And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity. And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me. “ I think all of us would like to overcome the iniquity in our lives by following these steps and repenting to remove despair. I encourage everyone to challenge these guidelines.
The psychological references in this article were found in the Quartz magazine article “Hallucinogens and Depression” written by Emily Deans about studies done by John Hopkins hospital and New York City University in June 2018.
