Psilocybin mushrooms growing in the Netherlands. (Peter Dejong/AP Photo)
After a violent event left him devastated and suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, 31-year-old Alex Karasik of Somerville was looking for help. The medications his doctor prescribed made him feel worse, and four years after the incident, he was unable to work or focus. I wasn t able to sleep, and I was in a really dark place mentally, Karasik said.
Eventually he found something that he says did work but it s illegal.
Karasik uses psilocybin mushrooms, which contain a psychedelic compound that can prompt an altered mental state, or what some users describe as a spiritual experience. A growing body of research suggests it may show promise for treating mental health issues.