Psychedelics are substances that can alter the way the brain works. While that might sound negative, some people believe that they could be helpful for those feeling sad or anxious.
Albert Hofmann, the inventor of LSD, a type of Psychedelic, described his experience: “It gave me an inner joy, an open-mindedness, a gratefulness, open eyes, and an internal sensitivity for the miracles of creation…”
Classic psychedelics generally cause specific psychological, visual, and auditory changes and oftentimes a substantially altered state of consciousness, which is temporary.
Despite the legal barriers to its possession, it is still commonly used for various purposes.
A 2022 survey by YouGov found that 28% of Americans had used a psychedelic at some point in their life.
Researchers are examining them to determine if they can help people feel better.
What Are Psychedelics?
From the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Psychedelic is defined to be relating to or being drugs (such as LSD) capable of producing abnormal psychic effects (such as hallucinations) and sometimes psychotic states.
“Psychedelics are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception and mood and affect numerous cognitive processes.”
In simpler terms, they are powerful substances that can alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, affecting how the mind works.
Types Of Psychedelics
Natural Psychedelics
- DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is found in the bark and nuts of certain trees native to Central and South America.
- Mescaline is present in specific cactus species, such as the peyote cactus.
- Ololiuqui is derived from the seeds of the morning glory flower.
- Psilocybin is found in certain fungi, commonly referred to as magic mushrooms.
Synthetic Psychedelics
- LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a chemically synthesised hallucinogen derived from ergot, a type of mould that grows on rye grain.
- Ketamine is a synthetic drug commonly used for anaesthesia and procedural sedation.
- Ecstasy, also known as MDMA or Molly, functions both as a stimulant and a psychedelic.
History Of Use
Psychedelics have been used in rituals and ceremonies for thousands of years, dating back to as early as 4000 BC.
The ancient Greeks held seasonal religious rites that included ritual ingestion of a psychoactive drink called kykeon, which evidence has shown may have included ergot fungi containing LSD-like psychedelic alkaloids.
Ancient cultures in the Americas utilised psychoactive plants and mushrooms for medicinal purposes and spiritual exploration.
Over time, scientists discovered and synthesised new psychedelic substances, but recreational use led to strict laws and prohibitions. Today, research is re-examining the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
Benefits Of Psychedelics
Psychedelics have shown promising potential in addressing mental health conditions and addiction, offering new and hopeful avenues for treatment.
Mental Health Applications
Mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD impose significant burdens. Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and MDMA have demonstrated potential:
- Depression: Psilocybin and ayahuasca have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects.
- Anxiety: LSD-assisted psychotherapy reduces anxiety in patients with life-threatening diseases.
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder): MDMA-assisted therapy shows efficacy in treating severe PTSD.
Addiction Treatment
Some psychedelics being researched for addiction treatment include:
- Psilocybin: Reduced heavy drinking by 83%.
- Ketamine: Increased likelihood of staying clean by 2.5 times.
- Ibogaine: Reduces cravings and depression in opioid addiction.
These findings suggest psychedelics may offer viable alternatives to traditional treatments.
Risks And Side Effects
You guessed right! Psychedelics can have significant effects, including:
- Emotional and Perceptual Changes:
- Strong emotions (from euphoria to fear).
- Changes in perception and reality.
- Long-term use of LSD can cause:
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Motivation problems.
Psilocybin can cause
Physical Effects:
- Increased heart rate.
- Tremors.
- Pupil dilation.
Psychological Effects:
- Euphoria.
- Altered sense of time.
- Dissociation.
- Vivid hallucinations.
- Other effects include:
- Anxiety.
- Panic reactions.
- Paranoia.
- Poor judgment and accidents.
- Emotional discomfort or psychosis (rare).
Current Research And Studies
The Johns Hopkins Centre for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research has been at the forefront of researching and exploring innovative treatments of psychedelics.
Here are some highlights from their research:
Early Years (2000s)
- Regulatory approval (2000): Johns Hopkins researchers obtained regulatory approval to resume psychedelics research in healthy volunteers.
- Landmark Study (2006): Published “Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance,” exposing renewed interest in psychedelic research.
Therapeutic Breakthroughs
- Smoking Cessation (2014): Psilocybin-assisted therapy helped long-time smokers quit.
- Anxiety Relief (2016): Psilocybin reduced anxiety in cancer patients.
- Depression Treatment (2021): Psilocybin-assisted therapy showed rapid and large reductions in depressive symptoms.
Recent Findings
- Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics induce molecular and cellular adaptations related to neuroplasticity, potentially leading to therapeutic effects.
- Brain Connectivity: LSD changes brain connectivity compared to MDMA and amphetamines.
- Therapeutic Potential: Psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback shows promise for mental health treatment.
Ongoing Research
- Psilocybin and Psilocin: Studies explore their effects on depression, addiction, and well-being.
- Mechanisms of Action: Researchers investigate how psychedelics work, including the modulation of brain network activity and neuronal plasticity.
The field of psychedelic research is rapidly advancing, with ongoing studies and promising results that continue to enhance our understanding of these substances.
Conclusion
Psychedelics have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, risks, and cultural significance. Understanding their definitions, types, and historical use reveals that psychedelics are complex substances that require careful consideration. It is important to approach their use with caution and respect, promoting a sense of responsibility and mindfulness.
