[sysbin]

> People with psychiatric disorders need spiritual journeys. Spiritual journeys heal and cleanse the mind, heal and cleanse the soul. Do not try to strip that away.

No opinion on the article or yours but where are you getting this opinion? Why or how, do psychiatric disorders need spiritual journeys.

Not all people believe in spiritual journeys or are capable of it. There is noting scientific about what you're suggesting that I'm aware about as well.

[plurinshael]

Note what I did and didn't say. I did NOT say: "People with psychiatric disorders will be cured by spiritual experiences."

Having a mental disorder is a pretty miserable existence, in several different ways. Anything that could reasonably be described as a spiritual experience will bring you a sense of wonder, fun, release, enlightenment, excitement, new perspective, added insight about your life, and a sense of connection to others or the Earth or the cosmos. I have difficulty believing that those things will not help people with psychiatric disorders. Everyone needs those things and I cannot take seriously any assertions to the contrary.

I also have difficulty accepting your statement that "not all people believe in spiritual journeys or are capable of it." Some people don't believe in fun? Some people don't believe in healing, in excitement? I have met some of those people but I do not think we should consider that level of disconnection with life as anything but a terrible tragedy. And that we should try to find ways to connect with those people, bring a little fun and joy into those people's lives if we feel able and willing to do so.

It's kind of like, not all people believe in eating food, and those people are in serious danger and need our help.

[bawolff]

Many (most?) people taking this substance report having some sort of mystical/spiritual experience. I doubt they are actually convening with the divine, but whether/how/why the substance causes that affect in people is certainly a part of "science".

I also don't think the spiritual journey aspect should be dismissed so lightly. Its being investigated to help depression. Perhaps inducing a "spiritual" state in people is part of the cause of action of the drug.

[plurinshael]

>I doubt they are actually convening with the divine.

I appreciated your comment overall but this statement stood out to me. May I ask what guided this choice of words? Why would you have an opinion on it one way or the other?

[sysbin]

Please can you provide sources?

[techbio]

"Spiritual awakening" is a keystone of 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, whether effective or not, it is the de facto official treatment for substance use disorders.

"Religious delusions" are a frequent component of schizophrenia.

Clearly more research is needed in this space if we are ever to reason about it in a scientific context.

[ta1771]

Drug in question used to be a treatment for alcoholism before the drug war began.

Quick Qwant search should turn up loads.