NBC News: Effects of psychedelic drugs can last for days or weeks, research finds
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to bring down a plane midflight said he had consumed “magic mushrooms” before boarding, bringing the use of psychedelic drugs as a treatment for mental illness into national headlines.
Psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin found in magic mushrooms and MDMA are gaining increasing attention in scientific and medical circles because of the potential they hold for treating anxiety disorders and emotional trauma. Experts say the effects of psychedelics can last for days, weeks or longer after the substance is no longer detectable in the body.
The University of Cincinnati's Christopher Tuell, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience in UC's College of Medicine and clinical director of addiction services at UC Health's Lindner Center of HOPE, spoke with NBC News about the use of psychedelics as mental health treatment.
Tuell said the brain develops habits that are key to survival, but sometimes the wiring results in unhealthy connections becoming strengthened, leading to issues including depression or anxiety. It’s like a car wheel stuck in a rut in the road, unable to pull out, Tuell said.
Psychedelics can help get the brain "unstuck" from this cycle of negative thoughts, moods and behaviors when used in the right context, experts say.
Read more about psychedelics research.
Featured photo at top of mushrooms. Photo/Christopher Ott/Unsplash.
Related Stories
Pocket-sized population threat
May 18, 2026
The Financial Times took a deep dive into why populations around the world continue to be on the decline. The publication cited new University of Cincinnati research as part of the investigation that looks at the fall of fertility in the digital era.
UC finds integrating substance use disorder treatment into clinic-based internal medicine expands access to care
May 18, 2026
A University of Cincinnati primary care teaching clinic integrates substance use disorder treatment into resident training, expanding access to addiction care and boosting physician confidence.
Colorado silica dust trial could change the way industry does business
May 17, 2026
Betsy Malloy, Andrew Katsanis Professor of Law, at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with Bloomberg Law about how a Colorado trial could change the way the stone fabrication industry does business.