Professor warns psychoactive substances have unpredictable effects

Psychoactive substances can affect people very differently, with their effects depending on both the substance and the person’s condition, ERR reported. Some may have potential in treating psychiatric disorders, but only in a controlled medical setting, said Jaanus Harro, a professor of psychophysiology at the University of Tartu.

Speaking on the Vikerhommik programme, Harro said MDMA, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine, belongs to a class of compounds that differs from ordinary amphetamine.

“MDMA belongs to a class of compounds that is somewhat unique. It is a distinctive nerve stimulant that, unlike amphetamine, its relative, is not purely stimulating and aggression-enhancing, but can produce an unusual prosocial effect,” Harro said.

He stressed, however, that the effects of the substance cannot be fully predicted. “In short, the effect of such chemical compounds is to a considerable extent unpredictable,” he said.

Harro said that understanding psychoactive substances requires recognising that a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour arise from the brain. A chemical substance does not create something entirely new in the brain, but may bring out potential that is already there.

“No chemical substance adds to the brain something for which there is no potential already present. But the potential that may emerge is often a surprise to the person themselves,” he said.

Psychedelics have treatment potential

Harro considers the possible use of psychedelics and other psychoactive substances in treating mental health disorders promising, but said medical use must be distinguished from taking the substances outside a treatment setting.

“There is undoubtedly potential for treating psychiatric disorders. Any poison can be a medicine if it is used correctly,” Harro said.

Researchers have conducted several studies and continue to examine the use of different classes of psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders. They are focusing especially on cases in which safer medicines have not been effective enough.

According to Harro, such treatment takes place in a medical setting under the supervision of specially trained specialists. The use of psychedelics is closely linked to psychotherapy.

He stressed that the possible treatment potential of psychedelics does not mean that using them outside a controlled environment is safe. Once a substance has been taken, people cannot see or control what it does, he said.

If someone feels strange after being given an unknown psychoactive substance, Harro advises them first to remain calm and seek help. He said people should not conduct too many experiments on themselves in such a situation. Trusted people should be nearby to support the person in need, and medical help should be sought if necessary.