Mind Medicine - Does fear have an off switch?

“We’ve learned a fair amount of the circuitry that’s involved in generating the initial fear response. We really know relatively little about the circuitry that’s involved in turning it off”   (Richard Davidson, Neuroscientist). 

Is there a reason why this has been neglected? 

Protesters caught on newsprint at Occupy

"Using cannabinoids to overcome fear in the brain"
by Christie Wilcox
Scientific American

" ...in a study published this week in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers from Duke university have found that marijuana-like compounds and the enzyme that degrades them may be the key to understanding fear’s off switch."


http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/science-sushi/2012/06/12/overcoming-fear-in-the-brain/



Why it's illegal to take drugs? Psychedelics might open the soul and motivate it against the greed machine? Marijuana might block out fear so that revolution becomes a possibility. We live in fear; of war, of hunger, of our own anxiety. Some drugs could propel us into a society of equality and compassion.


"You may say that I'm a dreamer..." 

Finally some public scientific support! Ecstasy doesn't eat your brain

No Brain Damage From Ecstasy, New Research Shows
The Huffington Post

Highlights:
"Contrary to long-held opinion, ecstasy, the popular rave-culture drug, may not harm your brain... 
Studies have also looked into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a possible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The idea is to provide at least a brief experience of what life feels like without the aftermath of trauma, to provide a state in which learning can occur."




For Full Article see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/20/ecstacy-doesnt-damage-the_n_825704.html


Hopefully such research will pave the way for more open policies on scientific drug studies. Propaganda cannot dominate in a world of information. Keep your heads up and your brains healthy!

Do entheogen-induced mystical experiences boost the immune system? Psychedelics, peak experiences, and wellness

by Thomas B. Robert Thomas B. Roberts PhD is a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University, DeKaIb, IL (USA), where he has taught courses on transpersonal, mind-body, psychedelic, and consciousness topics.

http://csp.org/practices/entheogens/doc/roberts-immune.html

Scientists study possible health benefits of LSD and ecstasy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/oct/23/lsd-ecstacy-health-benefits

Singing 'rewires' damaged brain

By Victoria Gill  Science reporter, BBC News, San Diego

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8526699.stm