Taking the Edge Off with Legally-Sanctioned Drugs

A group of scientists proposes that people who want to take the edge off, or become calmer in stressful situations, could soon do so by simply inhaling oxytocin from a nasal spray. The substance would then go on to increase the level of wellbeing individuals experience.

The chemical occurs naturally in the brain, and is not a narcotic. Previous studies have shown that it is able to boost social recognition and pair bonding, while reducing anxiety. It has been dubbed the social hormone by some, PsychCentral reports. 

Concordia University experts say that the drug could boost self-perception in social situations, making people more gregarious and at ease. Interestingly, a similar chemical – soma – was present in Aldous Huxley's famous dystopia, A Brave New World, only there it was used to keep the population happy.

“Our study shows oxytocin can change how people see themselves, which could in turn make people more sociable. Under the effects of oxytocin, a person can perceive themselves as more extroverted, more open to new ideas and more trusting,” senior study author Mark Ellenbogen, PhD, says.