Excessive drinking costs $249 billion. Can one dose of ketamine curb alcoholism?

An experimental study involving 90 heavy drinkers found promising results.

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  • A single dose of ketamine has been shown reduce cravings for alcohol in heavy drinkers.
  • Ninety drinkers took part in the experimental study; the ketamine groups fared best.
  • This research on addiction follows in the wake of a ketamine derivative being used for treatment-resistant depression.
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Are over-the-counter psychedelics in our future?

Mycologist Paul Stamets believes they should be.

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  • Mycologist Paul Stamets believes psilocybin should be offered over the counter.
  • Numerous studies on psychedelics over the past few years are helping to build the case for therapeutic usage.
  • Potential benefits include positive mental outlook and reduced depression and anxiety.
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New study shows anti-inflammatories help alleviate depression

Move over SSRIs, Advil is on the way.

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  • A new study found that anti-inflammatory medications provide "reasonably safe" relief from depression.
  • The meta-analysis discovered that 26 out of 30 studies showed the efficacy of NSAIDs, omega-3s, and others help combat mental health issues.
  • While an important advancement in treating depression, root causes of inflammation, such as diet and stress, should be addressed first.
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Ayahuasca shows 'promise' in treating suicidal thoughts, researchers say

Researchers say further research is needed, though.

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  • Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that's been used by Amazonian tribes for centuries.
  • Recent research suggests that ayahuasca might help reduce depression. The new study examined whether those effects might extend to suicidality.
  • The results were mixed, but it seems ayahuasca shows some potential as a suicide intervention.
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The perks of being a bit neurotic

It's one of our five major personality traits, and arguably, it's the worst one. Why are some human beings neurotic?

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  • Scoring high in neuroticism is associated with a slew of negative outcomes for your physical and mental health.
  • However, it appears to be an inherited trait, one that has persisted through the many thousands of years of human evolution.
  • Some researchers argue that in the environment where humans first evolved, being a little neurotic may have been highly beneficial.
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