Psychedelic Drugs

Psychedelics are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness (known as psychedelic experiences or “trips”). This causes specific psychological, visual, and auditory changes, and often a substantially altered state of consciousness.

How Are Psychedelic Drugs Used?

Psychedelics are often smoked (and inhaled), eaten, or brewed into tea. Use of hallucinogens goes back centuries in many cultures, and some are still used in religious ceremonies to experience spiritual or heightened states of awareness.

Hallucinogens were used in psychotherapy in the 1960s, but this was halted for mainly political reasons until quite recently.2

 Psychological research has since revived the use of psychedelics in experimental psychological treatment.

Psychedelics are slowly reappearing in psychology and psychiatry as a viable way to treat anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.3 However, regulated treatments are currently experimental and not accessible to many people.

If you are looking to treat symptoms of a mental health condition, be sure to talk to a doctor about other treatment options that may help, such as therapy, prescribed medication, and meditation.