Ever wondered about the word “psychedelics” meaning? You’re not alone!
Psychedelics are substances that produce profound changes in perceptions, moods, and thoughts. The term “psychedelic” comes from the Greek words psychḗ (“soul”) and dēleín (“manifest”). Psychedelics are also known as entheogens because they can catalyze spiritual experiences.
The most well-known psychedelic is LSD, which was first synthesized by Albert Hofmann in 1938. Other psychedelics include psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, mescaline, and ayahuasca.
Psychedelics in psychology are becoming more common. But they also have a long history of use in shamanic traditions across the world. They are also being studied as potential treatments for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD.
Psychedelic Synonyms
Psychedelic has many synonyms. Some of these terms include:
- hallucinatory
- hallucinogenic
- consciousness-expanding
- mind-bending
- mind-blowing
How Psychedelics Work
Hallucinogens affect various neurotransmitters in the brain by stimulating, shutting off, or altering their activities. They impact neurotransmitter systems based on the chemicals they are made of.
The brain’s chemical equilibrium is disrupted when it consumes psychedelic drugs because they cause a temporary chemical imbalance in the mind, which results in hallucinations and other symptoms such as euphoria.
Psychedelic Effects
Psychedelics can have a variety of physical and psychological effects. They may produce:
- vivid hallucinations
- distorted sensory perceptions
- altered consciousness or mental state
- hyper-emotionality, or intense feelings
- emotional swings between moods
- exposure to the “inner self” or psyche via symbols, images, thoughts, feelings, etc.
It is not known how long the effects of psychedelic drugs last because there are no sensory organs that monitor time in the body. However, they do produce immediate effects regardless if they are injected or taken orally.
The psychedelic experience is often described as a “trip” because users’ senses behave strangely and their perceptions of reality change during the experience.
Psychedelic Dangers
The side effects of psychedelic drugs are largely unpredictable, especially when consumed in uncontrolled settings by people who have no medical training to manage the situation.
Psychedelics may trigger latent mental disorders or exacerbate existing ones, so it is highly advised to not use them without first consulting a medical professional.
If you want to try, make sure you are in a safe, comfortable environment with people you trust who are aware of the possible side effects.
Psychedelics Meaning FAQ
How do you describe psychedelic?
A psychedelic experience is defined by the discovery of elements of one’s mind that are previously unknown, or by the liberated creativity of the intellect free from its typically restrictive constraints.
What are psychedelics used to treat?
Psychedelics are currently being studied as potential treatments for depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD.
Are psychedelics legal?
Currently, recreational use of psychedelic drugs for any reason is illegal in the United States. However, there are several states that have legalized the use of marijuana.
How do psychedelics affect the brain?
Hallucinogens are thought to alter users’ perceptions by acting on neural circuits in the brain, especially those in the prefrontal cortex.
Who created psychedelics?
The term psychedelic, from the Greek for “mind-manifesting,” was first used by Humphry Osmond, a British psychiatrist working in Canada in the 1950s. In a letter to novelist Aldous Huxley, he wrote: “To fathom hell or soar angelic / Just take a pinch of psychedelic.”
How many psychedelic plants are there?
At present, there are over 120 psychedelic plants known throughout the world. This may not appear like much, but when you consider the number of plants consumed for food, it is a large number.
Closing on Psychedelics Meaning
Psychedelics are mind-manifesting, to say the least. They have a variety of effects that can both be fascinating and frightening. If you plan on consuming any type of psychedelic drug, make sure to do so responsibly with people who know what they’re doing!
