Psychedelic: Difference between revisions

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'''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<sub>2a</sub> 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 use of psychedelics predates written history, and they were employed by early cultures in many sociocultural and ritual contexts.<ref name="nicholsPSY /> In modern times, psychedelic substances are used in a ~~range~~ of ~~contexts spanning~~ from the shamanic, ~~religious and "~~spiritual", ~~or the~~ [[transpersonal]]. ~~They~~ 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|~~recreationally~~]].

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]].

Unlike other highly prohibited substances, psychedelics have not been shown to be physiologically toxic or addictive.<ref name="nicholsPSY />

[[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.

==Etymology==

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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.

===~~Tolerance~~ and ~~addiction~~ potential===

===Dependence and abuse potential===

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>

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 '''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<sub>2a</sub> 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 use of psychedelics predates written history, and they were employed by early cultures in many sociocultural and ritual contexts.<ref name="nicholsPSY /> In modern times, psychedelic substances are used in a range of contexts spanning from the shamanic, religious and "spiritual", or the [[transpersonal]]. They 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|recreationally]].
+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]].
-Unlike other highly prohibited substances, psychedelics have not been shown to be physiologically toxic or addictive.<ref name="nicholsPSY />
+[[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.
 ==Etymology==
@@ Line 449: / Line 451: @@
 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.
-===Tolerance and addiction potential===
+===Dependence and abuse potential===
 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>