"Tripping: An Anthology Of True-Life Psychedelic Adventures"

Recently, the Federal Drug Administration approved a study of psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychoactive mushrooms, in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at University Medical Center in Tucson. This is the first FDA-approved study in 27 years testing hallucinogens as a possible medication.

Charles Hayes, author of "Tripping: An Anthology Of True-Life Psychedelic Adventures" talked about the possible recourses of such a decision and the effects of such substances on individuals.

"I'm not a scientist, but it seems like a good idea to me," Hayes said. "Research in the past (with hallucinogens) has shown that psilocybin and drugs like it are useful for helping people break patterns of addiction and other types of involuntary behavior. There is a lot of potential in some psychedelics to treat such ailments."

Hayes is quick to clarify that the study of this type of drug and its effects should be regulated and conducted in a controlled environment. He does not advise laypeople to self-medicate their own psychological disorders, such as OCD or Attention Deficit Disorder.

"I wouldn't recommend it," Hayes said. "That would not be terribly sound. People who feel they may be helped should research it first."

Hayes warns in his book that potential "psychonauts" should be aware of the "shadow side of enlightenment," which can come from intense experiences with these substances.

"There is always that potential," Hayes said. "Things can go wrong. The place or environment can be wrong - the people, the attitude, being in the wrong time and place. Psychedelic experiences can be extremely intense. People who are not ready for the intensity and openness and sensitivity shouldn't go near it. Even the healthiest-minded person you can think of who has an overwhelming experience (with a drug) can be stunned when the drug works its best effect. You're likely to panic if you don't know the sequence of the dynamic."

Hayes said he believes that knowledge is power.

"Uninformed use (of hallucinogens) can lead to some trouble," Hayes said. "The more people know about it, then the greater knowledge and recourse about what they are experiencing."

Hayes sees his book as a way to share what drug experiences are really like, without any condescending spin.

"The book is a collection of field reports, travelers' tales, journals of psychonauts - reports from the realms of travel one can undertake from such substances," Hayes said. "The majority of the stories contained in the book deal with ordeals, conflicts and inner odysseys. It explains how trips are really experienced. The aim is to put the readers' minds in touch with what other people have said."

Hayes also points out that the psilocybin analysis is not the only study of hallucinogens currently being pursued.

"Just this month, the FDA approved a protocol for a study of MDMA (methylenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine, or ecstasy)-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder for victims of criminal deeds such as rape and assault. It still has some hurdles to go, but if it gets cleared, the study could be done at the University of South Carolina."

Overall, Hayes thinks people should think twice about using any drug, adding that the average, young adventure-seeker probably knows "next to nothing" about the possible consequences of his actions.

"It's a little unfortunate the way young people rush out to hyperspace," Hayes said. "Use your head. Don't just take a bunch of stuff because someone says it's cool or because you'll look brave. If there is concern, take the middle path. Moderation is sensible. There is a dark and light side to the drug experience. There are no guarantees, but the more prepared you are, the more likely for a positive outcome."

Charles Hayes can be contacted at trippingtales@aol.com. For more information on hallucinogens and such matters, Hayes points to www.maps.org, and his own Web site, www.psychedelicadventures.com.