Substances/Content: Difference between revisions

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A '''psychoactive substance''' is a chemical substance—other than a nutrient or essential dietary ingredient—that alters brain function to produce temporary changes in sensation, perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior.  
A '''psychoactive substance''' is a chemical substance—other than a nutrient or essential dietary ingredient—that alters brain function to produce temporary changes in sensation, perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior.  


Psychoactive substances have been used by humans for a variety of purposes since recorded history. For example, they can be taken recreationally for their pleasurable effects and novelty value, as [[entheogens]] for ritual or spiritual purposes, or as scientific research tools for studying the brain and mind. The latter two have particular relevance for practitioners of [[psychonautics]].
Psychoactive substances have been used by humans for a variety of purposes since recorded history. For example, they may be used as medicine, as recreational substances for their euphoric effects and novelty value, as [[entheogens]] for ritual or spiritual purposes, or as scientific research probes for studying the brain and mind. The latter two have particular relevance for practitioners of [[psychonautics]].


The '''''Psychoactive Substance Index''''' ('''PSI''') is designed to catalog and provide relevant, accurate, and unbiased information for any and all mind-altering substances known to humankind, with a special focus on those with potential applications as mind-expanding tools.  
The '''''Psychoactive Substance Index''''' ('''PSI''') is designed to catalog and provide relevant, accurate, and unbiased information for any and all mind-altering substances known to humankind, with a special focus on those with potential applications as mind-expanding tools.  


The individual articles detail not just the history, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and legality of each substance, but also its user-reported subjective effects (i.e. phenomenology). This is done in accordance with a standardized system of definitions and terminologies found in the [[subjective effect index|'''''Subjective Effect Index''''']] ('''SEI''').
The individual articles detail not just the history, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and legality of each substance, but also its user-reported subjective effects (i.e. phenomenology). This is achieved in accordance with a standardized system of definitions and terminologies proposed in the [[subjective effect index|'''''Subjective Effect Index''''']] ('''SEI''').


'''Please see our [[summary index]] to view conveniently condensed versions of each article.'''
'''Please see our [[summary index]] to view conveniently condensed versions of each article.'''
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'''Note:''' This list should only include substances that have a ''documented history of human use''. Do not include substances that are merely theoretical or lack reliable user experience reports and data!
'''Note:''' This list should only include substances that have a ''documented history of human use''. Do not include substances that are merely theoretical or lack reliable user experience reports and data!