Let’s Talk Psychedelic
Tags: Psychedelics, Drug Addiction, Drugs, Education

The term psychedelic is derived from the Greek words ψυχή (psyche, “soul, mind”) and δηλείν (delein, “to manifest”), hence “mind manifesting”, the implication being that psychedelics can develop unused potentials of the human mind

Psychedelics are a hallucinogenic class of psychoactive drug whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness and psychedelic experiences via serotonin 2A receptor agonism. This causes specific psychological, visual and auditory changes, and often a substantially altered state of consciousness.

Classic Psychedelics includes:

LSD : Lysergic acid diethylamide also known colloquially as acid.

Psilocin : Naturally occurring substance found in psilocybin mushrooms and is found in many parts of the world.

DMT : Dimethyltryptamine is structurally similar to psilocin, an alkaloid found in psilocybin mushrooms. It can be synthesised in the laboratory but is also a naturally occurring component of several plants

Peyote : Is the most well-known and potent psychedelic cactus, although the smallest and slowest growing

Psychedelics have a long history with both traditional as well as therapeutic use other than just recreational.

Native American using Peyote have reported success against alcoholism. Ayahuasca, which contains the potent psychedelic DMT, is used in Peru and other parts of South America for spiritual and physical healing as well as in religious festivals.

During the 1950s and 1960s, absence of educated assent in some logical preliminaries on hallucinogens prompted huge, durable damage to some participants. Since at that point, research with respect to the viability of hallucinogenic treatment has been directed under exacting moral rules, with completely educated assent and a pre-screening to keep away from individuals with psychosis taking part. Although the history behind these substances has ruined examination into their expected therapeutic worth, researchers are presently ready to lead contemplates and reestablish research that was ended during the 1970s. Some exploration has demonstrated that these substances have helped individuals with such mental issues as over the top enthusiastic issue, post-horrible pressure issue (PTSD), liquor addiction, misery, and bunch migraines.

How long does it last?

The intensity and duration of a DMT trip depends on several things, including:

-how much you use

-how you use it

-whether you’ve eaten

-whether you’ve taken other drugs

Generally, the effects of inhaled, snorted, or injected DMT last for about 30 to 45 minutes. Drinking it in a brew like ayahuasca can leave you tripping for anywhere from 2 to 6 hours.

Effects:

Mild to intense euphoria

Relaxation

Drowsiness

Trouble concentrating or thinking

Visual or auditory hallucinations

Intense feelings of alienation

Anxiety, depression, paranoia, or despair

Impaired motor skills

Irregular heartbeat

High body temperature

Are hallucinogens addictive?

In some cases, yes. Evidence suggests that certain hallucinogens can be addictive, and that people can develop a tolerance to them.

For example, LSD is not considered an addictive drug because it doesn’t cause uncontrollable drug-seeking behavior. However, LSD does produce tolerance, so some users who take the drug repeatedly must take higher doses to achieve the same effect. This is an extremely dangerous practice, given the unpredictability of the drug. In addition, LSD produces tolerance to other hallucinogens, including psilocybin. The misuse and addiction potential of DMT is currently unknown. Unlike other hallucinogens, DMT does not appear to lead to tolerance. There is also little evidence that taking it in the form of ayahuasca tea can lead to addiction. On the other hand, PCP is a hallucinogen that can be addictive. People who stop repeated use of PCP experience drug cravings, headaches, and sweating as common withdrawal symptoms.

Legal Status:

Many psychedelic drugs have been declared illegal under the UN Convention On Psychotropic Substances of 1971. In addition, many countries have analogue acts that automatically forbid any drugs sharing similar chemical structures to common illicit substances regardless of whether or not they are harmful.

Use of psychedelics is likely to be more dangerous when:

taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, particularly stimulants such as crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) or ecstasy

driving or operating heavy machinery

judgement or motor coordination is required

alone (in case medical assistance is required)

the person has mental health issues.

The Bottom Line

If you do decide to use them, it’s important to consider the following.

It is difficult to predict the strength and effects of psychedelics (even if they have been taken before), as the strength and potency can vary from batch to batch.

People with mental health conditions or a family history of these conditions should avoid using psychedelics.

Taking psychedelics in a familiar environment in the company of people who are known and trusted may alleviate any unpleasant emotional effects. Anxiety can be counteracted by taking deep, regular breaths while sitting down.