🌈 Psychedelics – Educational Overview

Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes. They are being researched for therapeutic potential but can also pose psychological risks, especially when misused.

🔹 LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

A powerful hallucinogenic compound known for inducing visual distortions, altered sense of time, and spiritual experiences. Effects can last 8–12 hours. Non-addictive, but may cause anxiety or “bad trips.” Illegal in most countries.

• Street Names: Acid, Blotter, Tabs

• Risks: Hallucinations, panic, psychosis (rare), flashbacks (HPPD)

🔹 Psilocybin Mushrooms

Naturally occurring mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a psychedelic compound that affects serotonin receptors. Used historically in spiritual rituals. Effects include visual/auditory distortions, introspection, and euphoria.

• Street Names: Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms

• Risks: Nausea, paranoia, anxiety, impaired judgment

🔹 DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)

A short-acting but intense psychedelic found in certain plants and also produced synthetically. Often smoked or used in ayahuasca ceremonies. Known for inducing profound visual and mystical experiences.

• Street Names: Spirit Molecule, Dimitri

• Risks: Intense psychological reactions, confusion, dissociation

🔹 Ayahuasca

A traditional Amazonian brew made from DMT-containing plants and MAOIs. Used in shamanic rituals for spiritual healing. Produces vivid visions, emotional processing, and purging (vomiting).

• Duration: 4–6 hours

• Risks: Nausea, emotional distress, interaction with antidepressants

🔹 Mescaline (Peyote / San Pedro Cactus)

A naturally occurring psychedelic found in cacti like peyote and San Pedro. Known for inducing colorful visions and deep emotional experiences. Used in indigenous rituals.

• Duration: 10–12 hours

• Risks: Nausea, vomiting, psychological distress

🔹 Ketamine (Dissociative – sometimes classified with psychedelics)

Originally an anesthetic, ketamine can induce dissociation, hallucinations, and out-of-body experiences at higher doses. Used off-label for treatment-resistant depression under medical supervision.

• Street Names: Special K, K

• Risks: Disorientation, bladder issues (with long-term use), addiction (rare)