The Psychology of Hallucinogenic Drug Discontinuers
CARL SALZMAN M.D.1,
GERALD E. KOCHANSKY PH.D.2,
RICHARD I. SHADER M.D.3, , and
JONATHAN LIEFF M.D.4
1 Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Boston, Mass. 02115
2 Assistant Professor of Psychology, Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Boston, Mass. 02115
3 Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Boston, Mass. 02115
4 Resident Psychiatrist, Boston State Hospital, Boston, Mass.
Psychological test data from individuals who had discontinued using hallucinogens with those from individuals who were still using them were compared. While the continuers had a tendency toward higher risk-taking behavior, the two samples could not be otherwise psychologically differentiated. Between two subsamples with moderate drug experience, the continuers showed a greater trend toward psychiatric impairment than the discontinuers. The authors do not believe that drug experiences impaired the discontinuers.
