Introduction: What is a Psychedelist?
Psychedelics are drugs that alter the way a person thinks and feels. They are typically used for spiritual purposes, but they have also been used to treat mental disorders.
The word psychedelic is derived from the Greek words “psyche” meaning mind and “delos” meaning visible or clear. Psychedelics can be classified as either serotonergic or non-serotonergic, depending on their chemical structure. The serotonergic psychedelics include LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline; the non-serotonergic psychedelics include MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and 2C-B (4-bromo-2,5dimeth oxyphenethylamine).Serotonergic psychedelics tend to be shorter acting and more potent. Serotonergic psychedelics are often referred to as entactogens because they produce a sensation of being inside the mind or body. This sensation can be quite pleasurable, often described as “internal vision” or “mindfulness-expanding. .” The effects of serotonin-based entactogens are often described as “runnier” and less confrontational than serotonergic psychedelics.Some examples of serotonin-based entactogens include DMT (dimethyltryptamine), MDMA (3,4methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy), Bufotenine (5- hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), and Psilocybin (phosphorylated tryptamine).
Psychedelic Basics - The Science Behind This Controversial Drug
Psychedelics are a group of mind-altering substances that include LSD, DMT, and psilocybin. They have been used for centuries in spiritual rituals but recently have been researched for their potential therapeutic benefits.
Psychedelics work by binding to the serotonin 2A receptor in the brain. This receptor is involved in sensory perception, motor coordination, mood and emotion regulation, learning and memory. Psychedelics can cause hallucinations as well as feelings of euphoria or deep introspection.
The most common way to take psychedelics is through ingestion (swallowing). It can also be taken by snorting it or smoking it.
The Neuroscience of Psychedelics and How it Fits Into Mental Health Care Systems
Psychedelics, also known as psychotropic drugs, have been used since ancient times to achieve a spiritual experience. They are also used by many people today for the same reason. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.
There is a lot of evidence that psychedelics can be used to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. However, there is not enough research to show how effective they are in treating certain conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. A study done in 2016 found that LSD was more effective than a placebo when it comes to treating anxiety related to life-threatening disease or cancer. The study also found that LSD was more effective than a placebo when it comes to treating anxiety related to death-related thoughts. LSD is currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of cluster headaches. A study done in 2018 found that LSD was as effective as a placebo at reducing cluster headache pain, although this effect wore off after 12 hours. LSD is used as a hallucinogen for spiritual exploration, meditation, and creativity. Psychologist Timothy Leary recommended LSD as an aid to psychotherapy. Some psychiatrists believe that LSD may be useful to temporarily reduce feelings of depression in patients with life-threatening diseases or cancer who undergo treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy . A study also found that LSD was helpful for easing the fear of death in terminally ill patients.LSD has been studied for its ability to break down "psychological barriers," such as anxiety, fear, and self-consciousness.In a study conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , LSD led to an "unusually high level" of mental coherence among 15 volunteers who were given the drug.
The Psychological & Therapeutic Benefits of Psychedelic Drugs in the Present Day Society
Psychedelic drugs have been around for a long time, but they are still not as common in society as they should be. The use of these drugs, like LSD and MDMA, has been proven to help with mental health services in society and therapeutic benefits. A recent study was released by the Journal of Psychopharmacology in which LSD and MDMA were found to make people happier and more emotionally stable. The effects of these substances on the brain induce feelings of openness, coolness, understanding, empathy, creativity and inspiration. These types of feelings are common traits for happy people that are not solely caused by happiness-inducing substances. Neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, are chemicals that send signals from one neuron to the next, controlling a number of brain functions such as mood and emotion. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that induces pleasurable feelings and the release of natural opioids in the body after consumption. Serotonin induces feelings of pleasure, euphoria and satisfaction with interactions with others.
Conclusion: Why We Should be Investing More In Education & Research on Psychedelic Drugs
Since the 1950s, psychedelics have been used for a wide range of therapeutic, spiritual, and recreational purposes. However, these substances are still illegal in most countries.
Psychedelics have been shown to be helpful in treating PTSD, addiction, depression and anxiety. They also promote creativity and spirituality.
It is time we stop making psychedelics illegal as they are very beneficial to society.
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