Drugs of Abuse:Drugs of Abuse:Psychedelic AgentsPsychedelic Agents

By: Kimber BaileyBy: Kimber Bailey

Topics of DiscussionTopics of Discussion HallucinogensHallucinogens

DefinedDefined TypesTypes

Psychedelic DrugsPsychedelic Drugs ClassesClasses LSDLSD Psilocybin mushroomsPsilocybin mushrooms

Uses for Psychedelic DrugsUses for Psychedelic Drugs Previous practicesPrevious practices Past beliefsPast beliefs

Psychedelic Psychotherapy Psychedelic Psychotherapy Psycholytic TherapyPsycholytic Therapy Psychedelic TherapyPsychedelic Therapy Current Research and TherapyCurrent Research and Therapy

HallucinogensHallucinogens

These are mind altering elements that induce These are mind altering elements that induce experiences that are qualitatively different from those experiences that are qualitatively different from those experienced in ordinary consciousness.experienced in ordinary consciousness.

Almost all hallucinogens contain nitrogen and are Almost all hallucinogens contain nitrogen and are therefore classified as alkaloids.therefore classified as alkaloids.

Many hallucinogens have chemical structures similar to Many hallucinogens have chemical structures similar to those of human neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, those of human neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, and temporarily modify the actions of neurotransmitters and temporarily modify the actions of neurotransmitters and receptor sites.and receptor sites.

HallucinogensHallucinogens

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter: Norepinephrine Serotonin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin

Hallucinogen: Mescalinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mescaline

HallucinogensHallucinogens

Irony of Hallucinogenic DrugsIrony of Hallucinogenic DrugsThese drugs do not actually cause These drugs do not actually cause

hallucinations.hallucinations.Hallucinogens simply modify a person’s Hallucinogens simply modify a person’s

regular perception.regular perception.The person is usually quite aware of the illusions The person is usually quite aware of the illusions

and nature of the perceptions that he or she is and nature of the perceptions that he or she is experiencing.experiencing.

HallucinogensHallucinogens

Common MisinterpretationCommon Misinterpretation It is believed that the effects of hallucinogens It is believed that the effects of hallucinogens

mimic psychological conditions.mimic psychological conditions.For example, many people believe the use of For example, many people believe the use of

hallucinogens will lead to the following:hallucinogens will lead to the following: PsychosisPsychosis SchizophreniaSchizophrenia Thought disorderThought disorder

HallucinogensHallucinogens

However, these types of drugs can actually result in However, these types of drugs can actually result in psychological trauma if consumed without a person’s psychological trauma if consumed without a person’s knowledge.knowledge.

Date rape drugs are a common case that cause extreme Date rape drugs are a common case that cause extreme vomiting and loss of memory.vomiting and loss of memory.

HallucinogensHallucinogensThere are three types of hallucinogens:There are three types of hallucinogens:

1. Psychedelics1. Psychedelics psychoactive drugs whose primary action is to alter the thought psychoactive drugs whose primary action is to alter the thought

processes of the brainprocesses of the brain

2. Dissociatives2. Dissociatives reduce or block signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the reduce or block signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the

brain, typically the physical sensesbrain, typically the physical senses

3. Deliriants3. Deliriants also called anticholinergicsalso called anticholinergics a special class of dissociatives which are antagonists for the a special class of dissociatives which are antagonists for the

acetylcholine receptorsacetylcholine receptors

These three drug classes can all cause subjective These three drug classes can all cause subjective changes in one’s perception of thought, emotion, and changes in one’s perception of thought, emotion, and consciousness.consciousness.

Psychedelic DrugsPsychedelic Drugs Many psychedelic drugs are thought to disable Many psychedelic drugs are thought to disable

filters which keep signals that are unrelated to filters which keep signals that are unrelated to everyday functions from reaching the conscious everyday functions from reaching the conscious mind.mind. This filtering has been described as This filtering has been described as mind expanding, mind expanding,

oror consciousness expanding. consciousness expanding. The drug “expands” the realm of experience available to The drug “expands” the realm of experience available to

conscious awareness.conscious awareness. These filtered signals are presumed to originate These filtered signals are presumed to originate

in several other functions of the brain, including in several other functions of the brain, including the senses, emotions, memories, and the the senses, emotions, memories, and the subconscious mind.subconscious mind.

Psychedelic DrugsPsychedelic Drugs

The most remarkable characteristic of The most remarkable characteristic of psychedelic drugs is the variation in their effects. psychedelic drugs is the variation in their effects. The level and type of effect that is achieved is The level and type of effect that is achieved is

dependent among:dependent among: DosageDosage Set/TypeSet/Type SettingSetting

Many psychedelics are extremely nontoxic.Many psychedelics are extremely nontoxic. It is difficult to overdose on these compounds alone.It is difficult to overdose on these compounds alone.

Combinations with other drugs make overdosing more likely.Combinations with other drugs make overdosing more likely.

Psychedelic DrugsPsychedelic Drugs

There are three common classes:There are three common classes:Serotonergic PsychedelicsSerotonergic Psychedelics

These are serotonin 5-HTThese are serotonin 5-HT2A2A receptor agonists. receptor agonists.

Empathogens and EntactogensEmpathogens and EntactogensThese are serotonin releasers.These are serotonin releasers.

CannabinoidsCannabinoidsThese are CB-1 cannabinoid receptor agonists.These are CB-1 cannabinoid receptor agonists.

Serotonergic PsychedelicsSerotonergic Psychedelics This class includes the major hallucinogensThis class includes the major hallucinogens

Tryptamine-based compoundsTryptamine-based compounds LSD and psilocybinLSD and psilocybin

Phenethylamine-based compoundsPhenethylamine-based compounds Mescaline and 2C-BMescaline and 2C-B

At lower doses, these include sensory distortions At lower doses, these include sensory distortions such as the warping of surfaces, shape such as the warping of surfaces, shape suggestibility, and color variations.suggestibility, and color variations.

Higher doses often cause intense and Higher doses often cause intense and fundamental distortions of sensory perception fundamental distortions of sensory perception such as synesthesia or the experience of such as synesthesia or the experience of additional spatial or temporal dimensions.additional spatial or temporal dimensions.

Empathogens and EntactogensEmpathogens and Entactogens

These are phenethylamines.These are phenethylamines.Examples include MDMA (or ecstasy), MDA, Examples include MDMA (or ecstasy), MDA,

and similar drugs.and similar drugs.The effects are characterized by feelings of The effects are characterized by feelings of

openness, euphoria, empathy, love, and openness, euphoria, empathy, love, and heightened self-awareness.heightened self-awareness.

However, visual hallucinations is not However, visual hallucinations is not experienced by the user.experienced by the user.

CannabinoidsCannabinoids The cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and The cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and

related compounds.related compounds. These compounds are capable of activating the body’s These compounds are capable of activating the body’s

endogenous cannabanoid system.endogenous cannabanoid system. The effects associated with these drugs areThe effects associated with these drugs are

General change in consciousness, mild euphoria, feelings of General change in consciousness, mild euphoria, feelings of general well-being.general well-being.

Relaxation or stress reduction.Relaxation or stress reduction. Increased appreciation of humor, music and other art, joviality, Increased appreciation of humor, music and other art, joviality,

metacognition and introspections.metacognition and introspections. Enhanced recollection of episodic memory, increased sensuality, Enhanced recollection of episodic memory, increased sensuality,

loss of inhibition, creative or philosophical thinking.loss of inhibition, creative or philosophical thinking. Disruption of linear memory, paranoia, agitation, and anxiety.Disruption of linear memory, paranoia, agitation, and anxiety.

Two Examples of Psychedelic Two Examples of Psychedelic DrugsDrugs

LSD Psilocybin LSD Psilocybin MushroomsMushrooms

“ “acid” “shrooms”acid” “shrooms”

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/photos/lsd/lsd_blotter_full_sheet.jpg http://www.jeshannon.com/images/shrooms.jpg

LSDLSD

Lyrsergic acid diethylamide, LSD, LSD-25, or acid Lyrsergic acid diethylamide, LSD, LSD-25, or acid is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug.is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug.

LSD binds to most serotonin receptor subtypes LSD binds to most serotonin receptor subtypes except for serotonin 5-HTexcept for serotonin 5-HT33 and serotonin 5-HT and serotonin 5-HT44.. Recreational doses can affect 5-HTRecreational doses can affect 5-HT1A1A, 5-HT, 5-HT2A2A, 5-HT, 5-HT2C2C, ,

5-HT5-HT5A5A, 5-HT, 5-HT5B5B, and 5-HT, and 5-HT66 receptors. receptors.

The hallucinogenic effects are attributed to its strong The hallucinogenic effects are attributed to its strong partial agonist effects at 5-HTpartial agonist effects at 5-HT2A2A receptors. receptors.

Specific 5-HTSpecific 5-HT2A2A agonist drugs are hallucinogenic, so large 5- agonist drugs are hallucinogenic, so large 5-

HTHT2A2A specific antagonists block the hallucinogenic activity of specific antagonists block the hallucinogenic activity of

LSD.LSD.

LSDLSD

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LSD

LSDLSD LSD is, by mass, one of the most potent drugs LSD is, by mass, one of the most potent drugs

yet discovered.yet discovered. Dosages are measured in micrograms.Dosages are measured in micrograms. Doses of almost all other drugs, both recreational and Doses of almost all other drugs, both recreational and

medical, are measured in milligrams.medical, are measured in milligrams. While a typical single dose of LSD may be While a typical single dose of LSD may be

between 100 and 500 micrograms, threshold between 100 and 500 micrograms, threshold effects can be felt with as little as 20 effects can be felt with as little as 20 micrograms.micrograms. Dosages by frequent users can be as high as 1,200 Dosages by frequent users can be as high as 1,200

micrograms, although such a high dosage may micrograms, although such a high dosage may precipitate unpleasant physical and psychological precipitate unpleasant physical and psychological reactions.reactions.

LSDLSD

Estimates for the lethal dosage (LDEstimates for the lethal dosage (LD5050) of LSD ) of LSD range from 200 range from 200 μμgg/kg to more than 1 mg/kg of /kg to more than 1 mg/kg of human body mass.human body mass. There are no known human cases of such an There are no known human cases of such an

overdose.overdose. LSD is not considered to be addictive.LSD is not considered to be addictive.

Users do not exhibit the commonly accepted Users do not exhibit the commonly accepted definitions of addiction and physical dependence.definitions of addiction and physical dependence.

Rapid tolerance build-up prevents regular use.Rapid tolerance build-up prevents regular use. This tolerance diminishes after a few days’ abstention This tolerance diminishes after a few days’ abstention

from use.from use.

LSDLSD LSD’s psychological effects vary greatly from person to LSD’s psychological effects vary greatly from person to

person, depending on factors such as previous person, depending on factors such as previous experiences, state of mind and environment, as well as experiences, state of mind and environment, as well as dose strength.dose strength.

LSD causes expansion and altered experience of LSD causes expansion and altered experience of senses, emotions, memories, time, and awareness for 6 senses, emotions, memories, time, and awareness for 6 to 14 hours, depending on dosage and tolerance.to 14 hours, depending on dosage and tolerance.

There is a reported 30% possibility of “flashbacks”.There is a reported 30% possibility of “flashbacks”. A psychological phenomenon in which an individual experiences A psychological phenomenon in which an individual experiences

an episode of some of LSD’s subjective effects long after the an episode of some of LSD’s subjective effects long after the drug has worn off—sometimes weeks, months, or even years drug has worn off—sometimes weeks, months, or even years afterward.afterward.

Flashbacks can incorporate both positive and negative aspects Flashbacks can incorporate both positive and negative aspects of LSD trips.of LSD trips.

Psilocybin MushroomsPsilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin is a psychedelic alkaloid of the Psilocybin is a psychedelic alkaloid of the tryptamine family and is found in psilocybin tryptamine family and is found in psilocybin mushrooms.mushrooms.

It is present in hundreds of species of fungi, It is present in hundreds of species of fungi, including those of the genus including those of the genus PsilocybePsilocybe and and Panaeolus.Panaeolus.

The intensity and duration of recreational and The intensity and duration of recreational and entheogenic use of psilocybin mushrooms vary entheogenic use of psilocybin mushrooms vary depending on species of mushrooms, dosage, depending on species of mushrooms, dosage, individual physiology, and set and setting.individual physiology, and set and setting.

Psilocybin MushroomsPsilocybin Mushrooms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin

Psilocybin MushroomsPsilocybin Mushrooms Psilocybin is a prodrug that is converted, mostly in the liver, into Psilocybin is a prodrug that is converted, mostly in the liver, into

the pharmacologically active compound psilocin in the body by the pharmacologically active compound psilocin in the body by dephosphorylation.dephosphorylation.

It is broken down by monoamine oxidase.It is broken down by monoamine oxidase.

This chemical reaction takes place under strongly acidic This chemical reaction takes place under strongly acidic conditions or enzymatically by phosphatases in the body.conditions or enzymatically by phosphatases in the body.http://www.hallucinogen.dk/rusmidler/psykedelika/svampe/images/biokemi/dephosphorylase.gif

Psilocybin MushroomsPsilocybin Mushrooms Many types of psilocybin mushrooms bruise blue when Many types of psilocybin mushrooms bruise blue when

handled or damagedhandled or damaged.. This is due to the oxidation of active compounds, however, This is due to the oxidation of active compounds, however,

bruising is not a definitive method of determining a mushroom’s bruising is not a definitive method of determining a mushroom’s potency.potency.

Psilocybin is rapidly dephosphorylated in the body to Psilocybin is rapidly dephosphorylated in the body to psilocin which then acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HTpsilocin which then acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A2A serotonin receptor in the brain where it mimics the serotonin receptor in the brain where it mimics the effects of serotonin.effects of serotonin. Psilocybin is an 5-HTPsilocybin is an 5-HT1A1A and 5-HT and 5-HT2A/2C2A/2C agonist. agonist.

The toxicity of psilocybin is relatively low – approximately The toxicity of psilocybin is relatively low – approximately 12.5 mg/kg12.5 mg/kg

The psilocybin content of psychoactive mushrooms is The psilocybin content of psychoactive mushrooms is quite variable and depends on species growth quite variable and depends on species growth conditions, drying conditions, and mushroom size.conditions, drying conditions, and mushroom size.

Psilocybin MushroomsPsilocybin Mushrooms Effects last from 2-6 hours depending on dose, species, Effects last from 2-6 hours depending on dose, species,

individual brain chemistry, and individual metabolism.individual brain chemistry, and individual metabolism. The effects are often pleasant, even ecstatic.The effects are often pleasant, even ecstatic. They including a deep sense of connection to others, confusion, They including a deep sense of connection to others, confusion,

hilarity, and a general feeling of connection to nature and the hilarity, and a general feeling of connection to nature and the universe.universe.

Difficult trips may occur when psychedelic compounds Difficult trips may occur when psychedelic compounds are taken in a non-supportive of inadequate are taken in a non-supportive of inadequate environment, by an inexperienced person, or in an environment, by an inexperienced person, or in an unexpectedly high doses.unexpectedly high doses.

At low doses, hallucinatory effects occur.At low doses, hallucinatory effects occur. Walls seem to breathe, a vivid enhancement of colors occurs, Walls seem to breathe, a vivid enhancement of colors occurs,

and organic shapes become animated.and organic shapes become animated. At higher doses, experiences tend to be less social and At higher doses, experiences tend to be less social and

more entheogenic.more entheogenic. It often catalyzing intense spiritual experiences.It often catalyzing intense spiritual experiences.

Uses for Psychedelic DrugsUses for Psychedelic Drugs Early military research focused on their use as Early military research focused on their use as

incapacitating agents.incapacitating agents. They were hypothesized to induce a subject to talk They were hypothesized to induce a subject to talk

during an interrogation.during an interrogation. The drugs use was very inconsistent.The drugs use was very inconsistent.

The individuals did not consistently speak accurately The individuals did not consistently speak accurately and coherently.and coherently.

The types of hallucinogens have been used The types of hallucinogens have been used within medicinal and religious traditions around within medicinal and religious traditions around the world.the world. They have been used in shamanic forms of ritual They have been used in shamanic forms of ritual

healing and divination, in initiation rites, and in the healing and divination, in initiation rites, and in the religious rituals of syncretistic movements.religious rituals of syncretistic movements.

Uses for Psychedelic DrugsUses for Psychedelic Drugs The rise of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, The rise of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism,

Christianity, and Islam) caused a decline of entheogenic Christianity, and Islam) caused a decline of entheogenic use.use. Ethenogenic is the term used to describe the effects of the drugs Ethenogenic is the term used to describe the effects of the drugs

during ceromonial or spiritual use.during ceromonial or spiritual use. The authority of scripture and the priesthood gradually The authority of scripture and the priesthood gradually

reduced the role granted to direct spiritual experience, reduced the role granted to direct spiritual experience, especially by the laity.especially by the laity.

Interest in the drugs tended to focus on either the Interest in the drugs tended to focus on either the potential for psychotherapeutic applications of the drugs.potential for psychotherapeutic applications of the drugs.

Also, hallucinogens were used to produce a “controlled Also, hallucinogens were used to produce a “controlled psychosis”.psychosis”. This use was in order to understand psychotic disorders such as This use was in order to understand psychotic disorders such as

schizophrenia.schizophrenia. Hallucinogens were also researched in several countries Hallucinogens were also researched in several countries

for their potential as agents of chemical warfare.for their potential as agents of chemical warfare.

Psychedelic PsychotherapyPsychedelic Psychotherapy Psychedelic psychotherapy refers to psychotherapeutic Psychedelic psychotherapy refers to psychotherapeutic

practices involving the use of psychedelic drugs.practices involving the use of psychedelic drugs. The use of the term The use of the term psychedelicpsychedelic emphasizes the ability emphasizes the ability

of psychedelic drugs to facilitate exploration of the of psychedelic drugs to facilitate exploration of the psyche, which is fundamental to most methods of psyche, which is fundamental to most methods of psychedelic psychotherapy.psychedelic psychotherapy.

Many studies found that the use of psychedelic drug Many studies found that the use of psychedelic drug greatly facilitated psychotherapeutic processes and greatly facilitated psychotherapeutic processes and proved particularly useful for patients with problems that proved particularly useful for patients with problems that were otherwise difficult to treat.were otherwise difficult to treat. Alcoholics, drug addicts, sociopaths, and psychopathsAlcoholics, drug addicts, sociopaths, and psychopaths

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a diagnosed condition where some effects of diagnosed condition where some effects of hallucinogenic drugs persist after a long time.hallucinogenic drugs persist after a long time. Medical technology has yet to determine what causes this Medical technology has yet to determine what causes this

condition.condition.

Psychedelic PsychotherapyPsychedelic Psychotherapy

Some hypothesize that drugs such as LSD may be Some hypothesize that drugs such as LSD may be useful in psychotherapy, especially when the patient is useful in psychotherapy, especially when the patient is unable to “unblock” repressed subconscious material unable to “unblock” repressed subconscious material through other psychotherapeutic methods. through other psychotherapeutic methods.

Experiments concerning the use of psilocybin in the Experiments concerning the use of psilocybin in the treatment of personality disorders and other uses in treatment of personality disorders and other uses in psychological counseling have also been conducted.psychological counseling have also been conducted.

Psychedelic PsychotherapyPsychedelic Psychotherapy

Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) began in 2001 to study the effects of psilocybin (MAPS) began in 2001 to study the effects of psilocybin on patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.on patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

http://www.maps.org/pioneers/images/hofmann_large.jpg http://www.maps.org/pioneers/images/huxley_large.jpg

Psychedelic PsychotherapyPsychedelic Psychotherapy

Psycholytic Therapy: Psycholytic Therapy: Primarily studied in Europe, psycholytic therapy involves Primarily studied in Europe, psycholytic therapy involves

the use of low to medium doses of psychedelic drugs, the use of low to medium doses of psychedelic drugs, repeatedly at intervals of 1-2 weeks.repeatedly at intervals of 1-2 weeks. The therapist is present during the peak of the experience and at The therapist is present during the peak of the experience and at

other times as required.other times as required. He or she assists the patient in processing material that arises and He or she assists the patient in processing material that arises and

is present to offer support when necessary.is present to offer support when necessary.

Psychedelic TherapyPsychedelic Therapy Primarily researched in North America, psychedelic Primarily researched in North America, psychedelic

therapy involves the use of very high doses of therapy involves the use of very high doses of psychedelic drugs, with the aim of promoting a psychedelic drugs, with the aim of promoting a transcendental, ecstatic, religious, or mystical peak transcendental, ecstatic, religious, or mystical peak experience.experience.

Psychedelic PsychotherapyPsychedelic Psychotherapy

Current Research and Therapy:Current Research and Therapy: Current research therapy includes using psilocybin with Current research therapy includes using psilocybin with

terminally ill patients in the intention of helping them to terminally ill patients in the intention of helping them to accept their condition.accept their condition.

The stress and anxiety experienced by many terminally The stress and anxiety experienced by many terminally ill patients causes them much suffering in the last ill patients causes them much suffering in the last months of their livesmonths of their lives Some patients claimed that the use of psilocybin helped them Some patients claimed that the use of psilocybin helped them

tremendously in terms of acceptance.tremendously in terms of acceptance. Other therapies include the use of MDMA, more Other therapies include the use of MDMA, more

commonly known as Ecstasy, to treat Post-Traumatic commonly known as Ecstasy, to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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%2C_dissociatives_and_deliriants%2C_dissociatives_and_deliriants http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_therapyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_therapy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin_mushroomshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin_mushrooms Benjamin, C. “Persistent Psychiatric Symptoms After Eating Benjamin, C. “Persistent Psychiatric Symptoms After Eating

Psilocybin Mushrooms.” Psilocybin Mushrooms.” British Medical JournalBritish Medical Journal. 1.6174 (1979): . 1.6174 (1979): 1319-20.1319-20.

Eveloff, Herbert H. “The LSD Syndrome—A Review.” Eveloff, Herbert H. “The LSD Syndrome—A Review.” California California MedicineMedicine. 109.5 (1968): 368-73. . 109.5 (1968): 368-73.

Snyder, Solomon H., and Elliot Richelson. “Psychedelic Drugs: Snyder, Solomon H., and Elliot Richelson. “Psychedelic Drugs: Steric Factors that Predict Psychotropic Activity.” Steric Factors that Predict Psychotropic Activity.” ScienceScience. 60 . 60 (1968): 206-13.(1968): 206-13.

The Lancet. “Reviving Research into Psychedelic Drugs.” The Lancet. “Reviving Research into Psychedelic Drugs.” The The LancetLancet. 367.9518 (2006): 1214.. 367.9518 (2006): 1214.