A quarter of the world’s population is estimated to be affected by mental health or neurological challenges in their lifetime. In 2014, approximately 20% of U.S. adults had a mental illness and 22.5 million Americans aged 12 or older were in need of treatment for alcohol or substance drug abuse. In 2017, drug overdoses were the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States. That same year, 11 million U.S. adults 18 years or older had at least one major depressive episode within the previous 12 months, with more than 60% experiencing impairment severe enough to limit their ability to carry out life activities. Mental health and substance use addiction treatment is more essential than ever, and these areas are desperate for clinically significant innovation.
Advancing effective and breakthrough applications in neuroscience research to become adopted therapeutic interventions that optimize human functioning requires clear information, shared standards of care, agreed upon contexts of use, and broad awareness of benefits. By sharing what works, promoting a regulatory standard of care, informing consumer expectations for treatment, and building influential collaborations. By leveraging resources, psychedelic experiences, and networks we can move the needle on addressing effective and safe use of innovative approaches to mental health and addiction treatment.