But what if these so-called experts from the swingin’ sixties had gotten it all upside down? What if psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and LSD, are not the root cause of crime? What if they might actually help to keep ex-offenders out of prison? 

 

So, let’s take a look back at the research that changed how we see criminal justice and positive psychology. We’ll also take a peek and the role hallucinogens could play in helping to curb criminal behaviour…

Shrooms and LSD Can Help to Prevent Crime

In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, scientists from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that hallucinogenic drugs, such as magic mushrooms and LSD, may be key to stopping criminals from reoffending (known as recidivism).  

Hallucinogens such as psilocybin from magic mushrooms, and LSD, may help to reduce crime rates in high level areas. (Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash)

Previous studies had shown that psilocybin and LSD could be effective in treating alcohol addiction. However, this new trial is the first in 40 years to show that psychedelics could be used to help reform criminals. Specifically those who are on parole, under community supervision, or allowed to live and work in the community rather than being incarcerated.

In the study, the researchers wrote:

“Our results provide a notable exception to the robust positive link between substance use and criminal behaviour.”

They also pointed out that the current legal opinion of psychedelics as ‘harmful’ has — get this — no scientific basis whatsoever!

“They add to both the older and emerging body of data indicating beneficial effects of hallucinogen interventions and run counter to the legal classification as well as popular perception of hallucinogens as categorically harmful substances with no therapeutic potential.”

Less Likely to Get Arrested

For the study, the researchers gathered data from around 25,622 individuals under parole or community supervision between 2002 and 2007. The factors included race, age, gender, education, employment, history of drug abuse, and crimes. But the most important detail was that:

“They live in the community with family and friends, and continue to work and participate in society. They also continue to have access to alcohol and other substances.”

Individuals under parole who had used shrooms and LSD, instead of alcohol and hard drugs, were extremely unlikely to reoffend. (Photo by Saúl Bucio on Unsplash)

All study participants were in the Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC) programme. This programme monitors people with a history of drug abuse, including addiction to alcohol. Those who fail the TASC programme are likely to commit the same crime (or worse). Then they get arrested again, and return to jail. 

The scientists found a curious pattern in criminals who only dabbled with trippy substances, such as shrooms, truffles, and LSD. What gives? It was crystal clear: the criminals diagnosed with a hallucinogen use disorder were far less likely to fail the TASC programme. Thus they lowered the odds of them getting arrested and going back to prison. 

Those who did not have a history of psychedelic use or only used hard drugs and alcohol, were much more likely to appear in court. This would usually end with yet another stint in jail. 

A Cure for Impulsive Conduct

What surprised the researchers was that the number of people on the programme who only took hallucinogens was just one percent. 

Long-term use of psychedelics may lead to diminished criminal behaviour in individuals on parole. (Photo by Goashape on Unsplash)

See, the bulk of study participants (around 99 percent) were heavy users of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. Which implies that only one percent (aka the psychonauts) were less likely to avoid crime while out of jail. This led to the theory that if one takes shrooms, magic truffles, and LSD regularly over the years, it can greatly reduce (or even eliminate!) the cravings for hard drugs and impulsive conduct. 

“They demonstrate that, in a real-world, substance-related intervention setting, hallucinogen use is associated with a lower probability of poor outcome.

“We believe this calls for the continued scientific investigation of this unique class of substances.”

Turning Over a New Leaf with Psychedelics

The researchers wrote that psychedelic-based therapy could work wonders on ex-criminals. It could help them to lead more peaceful and less impulse-driven lives outside of prison.

“Offenders may be especially likely to benefit from hallucinogen treatment because involvement in the criminal justice system often results from [hard] drug-seeking behaviour and impulsive conduct [worsened] by compulsive substance use.”

People in the criminal justice system are among those in dire need of psychedelic therapy. (Photo by Bret Kavanaugh on Unsplash)

Taking psychedelics may also help these individuals to re-enter into society by encouraging warm and friendly relationships with their neighbours.

“Our results suggest that hallucinogens may promote alcohol [and] drug abstinence and prosocial behaviour in a population with high rates of recidivism.”

Indeed, there’s always a second chance in life with psychedelics! 

“It seems appropriate to encourage [more trials] of hallucinogen-based therapies among those in the criminal justice system, who are among the most disadvantaged population in need of effective interventions worldwide.”

Rebirth and Redemption 

Who knew that choosing to vibe only with psychedelics, such as shrooms could greatly reduce criminal behaviour? The study from these universities have proven that with the right tools and a strong support system, just about anyone can turn their life around. All you have to do is rediscover your true potential, perhaps dissolve your ego, and take the leap of change headfirst…