Psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens, are psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, cognitive processes, affect the senses, thinking, and time. These substances can induce hallucinations and profound changes in one’s emotions and consciousness.
Types of Psychedelics:
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): LSD is a synthetic psychedelic drug derived from ergot fungus that affects serotonin receptors in the brain.
- Psilocybin: Found in certain mushrooms like “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound.
- Mescaline: This psychedelic substance is derived from the Mexican cactus known as peyote.
- DMT (Diemethyltryptamine): DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic compound found in various plants and animals.
- 2C-B (Bromo dimethoxyphenethylamine): 2C-B is a synthetic psychedelic that was first synthesized in 1974 and is known for its mild entactogenic effects.
- Peyote: Peyote is a type of psychedelic cactus traditionally used by Native Americans for over 5000 years.
- NBOMe (N-methoxybenzyl): NBOMe drugs are synthetic psychedelics with varying effects and risks associated with their use.
Effects of Psychedelics:
The effects of psychedelics can vary based on factors such as dosage, individual size, weight, health, mental state, environment, and previous experiences with these substances. Common effects include euphoria, relaxation, confusion, trouble concentrating, dizziness, blurred vision, clumsiness, fast heart rate, vomiting, sweating, chills, and numbness.
Impact on Mood and Environment:
The impact of psychedelics on mood and environment can significantly influence the overall experience. Factors such as mental state, expectations, stress levels, anxiety levels, music, lighting conditions can all play a role in shaping the trip. A calm and relaxed environment with trusted friends can reduce the risk of having a negative or “bad trip,” which may involve frightening hallucinations or disturbing experiences.
Risks Associated with Psychedelics:
While psychedelics can have positive effects when used responsibly in safe environments, there are risks involved with their consumption. These risks include flashbacks after use (re-experiencing aspects of the trip), potential injury or death due to impaired judgment or risky behavior while under the influence of psychedelics.
In conclusion,psychedelics are a diverse group of substances that profoundly alter perception and consciousness, leading to various effects on mood and cognition depending on individual factors and environmental conditions.
PubMed Central: PMC provides access to a wide range of research articles related to psychedelics and their effects on perception and cognition.
Better Health Channel: The Better Health Channel offers reliable information on drug use and its impacts on health and well-being.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA conducts research on drug abuse and addiction issues including information on different types of drugs like psychedelics.
