Psychedelic: Difference between revisions

'''Psychedelics''' (also known as '''[[serotonergic]] [[hallucinogens]]''') are a class of [[psychoactive substances]] that produce an altered state of consciousness marked by unusual changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes.<ref name="nicholsPSY>Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478</ref> While their precise mechanism is not understood, psychedelics are thought to produce their characteristic effects by binding to [[serotonin]] [[receptors]] ('''5'''-'''h'''ydroxy'''t'''ryptamine or 5-HT), particularly the 5-HT_2a subtype. Serotonin plays a number of critical roles throughout the human body and is a key [[neurotransmitter]] involved in the functioning and regulation of sensory perception, behavior, mood, cognition and memory.<ref name=nichols5HT>Nichols, D. E., & Nichols, C. D. (2008). Serotonin Receptors. Chemical Reviews, 108(5), 1614-1641. https://doi.org/10.1021/cr078224o</ref>  

The human use of psychedelics predates written history, and there is growing evidence that they were employed by early cultures in many sociocultural and ritual contexts.<ref name="nicholsPSY /> In modern times, psychedelic substances are used for a number of purposes that span from the traditional shamanic forms (such as the use of [[ayahuasca]] in the Amazon jungle, or [[peyote]] among Native Americans) to more modern forms of new age spiritual, [[transpersonal]], or religious practices. Psychedelics, particularly those in the traditional or herbal forms, are sometimes referred to as [[entheogens]] (i.e. "generating the divine within")<ref>Dictionary - Entheogen | http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/entheogen</ref> by those who use them for these purposes, although they are also often used in purely [[recreational drug use|recreational settings]].

[[Subjective effects]] can vary significantly depending on class, but generally include some form of [[geometry|open and closed-eye visuals]], [[time distortion]], [[introspection|enhanced introspection]], [[conceptual thinking]], [[euphoria]], and [[ego loss]]. The so-called classical psychedelics, which consist of [[LSD]], [[psilocybin mushrooms]], [[mescaline]], and [[DMT]] ([[ayahuasca]]) are considered to produce the archetypal psychedelic effects and also have the best safety profiles. Psychedelics can be divided into two major sub-classes: [[tryptamines]], [[lysergamides]], and [[phenethylamines]]. Psychedelic tryptamines are based on the structure of [[DMT]], lyergamides on [[LSD]], and phenethylamines on [[mescaline]].

Unlike other highly prohibited substances, most psychedelics have not been shown to be physiologically toxic or addictive.<ref name="nicholsPSY /> However, adverse psychological reactions such as severe [[anxiety]], [[paranoia]], [[delusions]], and [[psychosis]] are always possible, particularly for those predisposed to mental disorders.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Strassmann|first=Rick|title=Adverse reactions to psychedelic drugs. A review of the literature|journal=Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease|volume=172|issue=10|pages=577–595|doi=10.1097/00005053-198410000-00001|pmid=6384428|year=1984|issn=0022-3018|oclc=1754691}}</ref> As a result, it is highly advised to use [[Harm reduction#Hallucinogens|harm reduction practices]] if using these substances.  

The term "psychedelic" was coined by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond in 1956 as an alternative descriptor for [[hallucinogen|hallucinogenic substances]] in the context of psychedelic psychotherapy.<ref>Nicholas Murray, ''Aldous Huxley: A Biography'', 419.</ref> Seeking a name for the experience induced by [[LSD]], Osmond contacted [[Aldous Huxley]], a personal acquaintance and advocate for the therapeutic use of the substance. Huxley coined the term "phanerothyme," from the Greek terms for "manifest" (φανερός) and "spirit" (θύμος). In a letter to Osmond, he wrote:

To make this mundane world sublime,<br/>

To fathom Hell or soar angelic,<br>

Just take a pinch of psychedelic<ref>Tanne, J. H. (2004). Humphry Osmond. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 328(7441), 713. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7441.713</ref>

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"Psychedelic" derives from the Greek words ''ψυχή'' (psyche, "soul, mind") and ''δηλείν'' (delein, "to manifest") which taken together mean "soul-manifesting," with the implication being that psychedelics can allow one to access the soul and develop unused potentials of the human mind.<ref>A. Weil, W. Rosen. (1993), ''From Chocolate To Morphine: Everything You Need To Know About Mind-Altering Drugs''.New York, Houghton Mifflin Company. p. 93</ref><ref>Erowid. (1998, August 9). Erowid Humphry Osmond Vault. Retrieved from https://erowid.org/culture/characters/osmond_humphry/osmond_humphry.shtml</ref> It was on this term that Osmond eventually settled, because it was "clear, euphonious and uncontaminated by other associations."<ref>{{cite news |first= Douglas |last= Martin|coauthors= |title= Humphry Osmond, 86, Who Sought Medicinal Value in Psychedelic Drugs, Dies|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/22/us/humphry-osmond-86-who-sought-medicinal-value-in-psychedelic-drugs-dies.html?pagewanted=2|work= [[New York Times]]|publisher= |date= 2004-02-22|accessdate=4 December 2010 }}</ref> This mongrel spelling of the word 'psychedelic' was loathed by American ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes, but championed by Timothy Leary, who thought it sounded better.<ref>W. Davis (1996), ''One River: Explorations and Discoveries in the Amazon Rain Forest''. New York, [[Simon & Schuster]], Inc. p. 120</ref>

Psychedelics are considered to be non-addictive, do not cause brain damage, and tend to have an [[Toxicity::extremely low toxicity]] relative to dose.<ref name="nicholsPSY" />

Most psychedelics have very few physical side effects associated with acute exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a sufficiently [[Set and setting|prepared context]], they are very unlike to present negative physical, cognitive, psychiatric or other toxic consequences. There is no evidence that any psychedelics causes damage to any human body organ.<ref>Nichols, D. E. (2004). Hallucinogens. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 101(2), 131-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2003.11.002</ref>

However, they can act as a potential trigger for those with underlying psychiatric conditions, so those with a family history of mental illness are generally advised not to use these substances.

Psychedelics do not have established lethal dosages. There are no well-documented deaths attributable to the direct pharmacological action of any psychedelic, with the notable exception of the [[25x-NBOMe]] series.  

Psychedelics are [[Addiction potential::not habit-forming]] and the desire to use them can actually decrease with use. They are generally considered to be self-regulating aspect, although cases of dependence and addiction have been recorded.{{citation needed}} Notably, there is virtually no withdrawal syndrome when the chronic use of these substances have ceased.<ref>Diaz, Jaime (1996). How Drugs Influence Behavior: A Neurobehavioral Approach. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall. ISBN 9780023287640</ref>

 

Notable exceptions to this include [[DMT]] and related tryptamines like [[DPT]] and [[MET]], which are thought to produce little to no tolerance or cross-tolerance.

Another exception includes psychedelic [[phenethylamines]] like [[2C-B]]. While the exact mechanism is not understood, generally tolerance is thought to rise immediately, but does not reach a peak unless with prolonged and repeated use. This means that the immediate tolerance does not rise as high as with [[lysergamides]] or [[tryptamines]] and can wear off faster and can be reduced to half within 1-2 days in the absence of further consumption. Mostly there will be less psychedelic and more stimulating effects.