Psychedelic and Hallucinogenic Drugs Overview

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards focused on the terminology and concepts related to psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs.

Psychedelic

Mind-manifesting; associated with self-exploration, spiritual or mystical experiences, often induced by substances like LSD or psilocybin.

Psychotomimetic

Imitating psychosis; characterized by pathological mimicry of mental illness, a description sometimes applied to dissociatives like PCP at high doses.

Psychodysleptic

Mind-disturbing; induces cognitive disruption or confusion.

Psycholytic

Mind-loosening; aims at therapeutic facilitation and insight.

Hallucinogen

A substance that induces hallucinations, alters perception of reality, such as LSD, psilocybin, or PCP.

LSD

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide; a potent hallucinogen that acts primarily as a 5-HT_2A agonist.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that is affected by many hallucinogenic drugs, particularly those like LSD.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter related to arousal and awake states, also implicated in the effects of certain hallucinogens.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that some hallucinogens, such as amanita muscaria, indirectly affect.

Psilocybin

A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, which converts to psilocin in the body.

MDMA

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine; a synthetic drug with stimulant and empathogenic properties.

Cannabis

A plant from which marijuana is derived; contains THC, which has psychoactive effects.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol; the primary psychoactive component of cannabis that acts as a cannabinoid receptor agonist.

CBD

Cannabidiol; a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis known for potential medicinal effects.

Rave Drug

Stimulant substances commonly used in party environments, often including MDMA.

Flashback

A spontaneous recurrence of drug effects after the drug has been eliminated from the body, most notably associated with classic hallucinogens like LSD.

HPPD

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder; characterized by persistent visual disturbances after hallucinogen use, predominantly seen after classic psychedelic use.

Synesthesia

A condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway, a common effect induced by psychedelic drugs like LSD.

Acute Effects

Immediate physiological and psychological effects experienced after drug administration, e.g., altered perceptions after LSD intake or increased heart rate from MDMA.

Bad Trip

An adverse or distressing psychedelic experience characterized by feelings of fear, anxiety, and paranoia, often associated with use of LSD or psilocybin.

Set and Setting

Psychological state and physical environment which can influence the experience of a psychedelic substance, such as LSD or psilocybin.

Ergot Fungus

A fungus that produces alkaloids including LSD; historically significant in psychedelic studies.

Albert Hofmann

The chemist who synthesized LSD and accidentally discovered its psychoactive effects.

Cross-tolerance

A phenomenon where tolerance to one drug diminishes the effects of a second drug, e.g., between drugs like LSD and psilocybin.

Depersonalization

A feeling of detachment from one's body or thoughts; can occur during psychedelic experiences, often reported with dissociative drugs like PCP or ketamine.

Dissociation

A psychological phenomenon where a person feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, a primary effect of drugs like ketamine and PCP.

Psychedelic Era

A period in the 1960s characterized by widespread experimentation with psychedelics in counterculture.

Microdosing

The practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances to enhance cognitive function or creativity.

Neurobiological Effects

The changes in brain connectivity and neurotransmitter activity caused by psychedelics.

Therapeutic Index

The ratio between the toxic and therapeutic dose of a drug; used to assess its safety.

Lethal Dose

The amount of a drug that causes death in a specified proportion of subjects.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

A dissociative anesthetic known for producing hallucinations and feelings of detachment from reality.

Ketamine

A quickly-acting anesthetic that produces dissociative effects and has been investigated for depression treatment.

Euphoria

An intense feeling of happiness and well-being, often experienced under the influence of certain drugs like MDMA or cannabis.

Delirium

An acute condition characterized by disturbed attention and cognition, often related to drug use, particularly with anticholinergic drugs like scopolamine.

Neurotoxicity

Toxic effects on the nervous system that can result from certain drugs, including MDMA.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that plays roles in pleasure, movement, and attention, affected by many drugs including stimulants like MDMA.

Psychedelic Therapy

Utilizing psychedelics in a controlled, therapeutic context to treat mental health disorders.

Reverse Tolerance

The phenomenon where less of a drug is needed to achieve the same effects after prolonged use, which can sometimes be observed with cannabis.

Cognitive Effects

Influences on mental processes such as memory, attention, and decision-making caused by drug use.

Emotional Variability

Fluctuations in emotional states often experienced during psychedelic experiences.

Analgesic

Substances that relieve pain, such as opioids or dissociatives like ketamine.

Altered State of Consciousness

A state of awareness that differs from normal waking consciousness, often induced by psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin.

Scopolamine

An anticholinergic drug used for motion sickness and to induce sedation.

Visual Hallucinations

Seeing things that are not present, typical in various drug-induced states, especially with hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin.

Acute Panic Reactions

Intense feelings of fear or anxiety that can occur during a hallucinogenic experience, particularly with drugs like LSD.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications used to treat anxiety, potentially effective for managing acute LSD toxicity.

Cognitive Decline

A reduction in cognitive abilities, often examined in long-term cannabis users.

Amotivational Syndrome

A condition associated with decreased motivation and cognitive function seen in chronic cannabis users.

Neural Connectivity

The patterns of connections between neurons in the brain, influenced by various drug effects, such as those of psychedelics.

Sensation Enhancement

Increased sensitivity to sensory input, often reported on MDMA.

Dose Dependency

The relationship between the dose of a drug and its effects on the user.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movement that can occur with the use of certain drugs, such as PCP or ketamine, or under specific conditions.

Somatic Effects

Physical effects resulting from drug use, such as increased heart rate or pupil dilation, commonly seen with stimulants like MDMA or psychedelics like LSD.

Pharmacological Profile

A description of how a drug acts on the body and brain, including its effects and side effects.

Behavioral Effects

Changes in behavior commonly reported by users of psychoactive substances.

Physical Dependence

A physiological state resulting from repeated drug use, characterized by withdrawal symptoms, commonly seen with opioids or alcohol.

Drug Interactions

Effects that occur when a drug is taken in combination with other substances.

Spiritual Experience

A profound personal transformation or insight often reported during psychedelic experiences with drugs like psilocybin or LSD.

Cultural Symbolism

The representation of values and beliefs, particularly those associated with the psychedelic movement fueled by drugs like LSD.

Legalization Effects

The impacts of changing laws on drug use patterns, crime rates, and tax revenues, relevant for substances like cannabis.

Substance Use Disorders

Disorders characterized by a compulsion to use a substance despite adverse consequences, affecting users of many drugs.

Gateway Drug Theory

The hypothesis that the use of less harmful drugs, such as cannabis, can lead to the use of more dangerous substances.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; a condition that can be treated with psychedelics in controlled settings, e.g., with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

Psychoactive

Substances that alter perception, mood, cognition, or behavior, including a wide range of drugs.

Synthesize

To produce a substance by chemical or biological processes, as Albert Hofmann synthesized LSD.

Blotter Paper

A common form in which LSD is administrated, typically infused with the drug.

Psychoactive Substance

Any chemical substance that alters brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, or behavior, encompassing drugs like LSD, MDMA, or cannabis.

Synthesis

The combination of components or elements to create a connected whole, especially in chemistry, relevant to drug creation.

Intoxication

The physiological state resulting from the consumption of a substance, leading to impaired functioning, applicable to any intoxicating drug.

Serotonin Receptors

Proteins in the brain that interact with serotonin, influencing mood and perception, famously targets of LSD and psilocybin.

Visual Distortions

Changes in visual perception, often reported with hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin.

Psychoactive Effects

The changes in mental state associated with the consumption of drugs.

Addiction Potential

The likelihood that a substance will lead to addiction or dependence, varying significantly among drugs.

Safety Profile

An assessment of the potential risks versus benefits of a drug.

Distribution

The dispersal of a drug throughout the body after its administration.

Peak Effects

The most intense effects experienced after drug administration.

Long-term Effects

Consequences of drug use that persist over time, often evaluated in clinical studies for drugs like cannabis or MDMA.

Drug Regulations

Laws and guidelines governing the use, sale, and distribution of psychoactive substances.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical or mental symptoms that occur when a person stops taking a substance they are dependent on, such as opioids or alcohol.

Therapeutic Effects

The beneficial effects of a substance used in a controlled manner for medical treatment, as seen with ketamine for depression or MDMA for PTSD.

Receptor Binding

The interaction of a drug with specific receptors in the nervous system, for example, LSD binding to 5-HT_2A serotonin receptors.

Psychoactive Agents

Substances that can alter brain function and result in changes in perception, mood, or consciousness, encompassing drugs