Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWho Is At Risk?Why Do People Take Psychedelics?How Are Psychedelics Used Therapeutically?Are Psychedelics Addictive?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Who Is At Risk?

Why Do People Take Psychedelics?

How Are Psychedelics Used Therapeutically?

Are Psychedelics Addictive?

What is the most important information I should know about psychedelics?The effects of psychedelics can be unpredictable, and certain populations may be at a greater risk of adverse effects.Research on psychedelic therapy is in the early stages; more study is needed to understand the risk vs. benefits for mental health treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about psychedelics?

The effects of psychedelics can be unpredictable, and certain populations may be at a greater risk of adverse effects.Research on psychedelic therapy is in the early stages; more study is needed to understand the risk vs. benefits for mental health treatment.

At this point, most of us have heard of psychedelics. From counter-culture scenes that glorified theuse of psychedelicsfor artistic expression to the current rise ofpsychedelic-assisted therapy, this class of drugs is gaining steam.

There is increasing evidence that using psychedelics can benefit certain aspects of one’s mental health, which is beginning to destigmatize the use of these substances. Despite these advances, psychedelics are not a fit for everyone.

TheMultidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has information on how you can join apsychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trial.

There is always the risk of a bad reaction to psychedelics and rare but possible harm, but this risk is very low in the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials due to the controlled nature of these trials.Several states have now legalized the use of certain psychedelics in therapeutic settings, so it may be possible to receive this type of care, but people with certain mental health conditions might be more at risk for adverse reactions.

There are some circumstances where it is ill-advised to take psychedelics. Personal autonomy when making a decision regarding taking psychedelics is important. Knowing when it could be harmful to take psychedelics can support you in making an informed decision.

Recreational Use

A small percentage of those who use hallucinogens recreationally are at risk ofhallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).This disorder can lead to individuals re-experiencing theeffects of the hallucinogenthat were experienced while intoxicated with the substance. HPPD can lead to visual perceptual disturbances that can last for weeks, months, or even years and significantly impact one’s life.

Medical Conditions

The use of psychedelic drugs can lead to nausea and vomiting plus a spike in one’s blood pressure, making them especially problematic for those who are immunocompromised, have severe cardiovascular disease, unstable blood pressure or certain other medical and neurological.

Everything You Need to Know About MDMA (AKA Ecstasy or Molly)

Pregnant People

There is minimal research on the effects of psychedelics on pregnant people. Since there is already a 3 to 5% chance of birth defects in every pregnancy, taking substances that have not been explicitly cleared for pregnant people is risky.That being said, there is developing research indicatingpsilocybincould be beneficial forpostpartum depression.

Despite this advance, it is critical to remember that all risks have not been thoroughly studied yet. More research is needed to understand the effects of these substances on pregnancy and prenatal development.

Individuals With Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions

Psychedelics can have profound therapeutic impacts on mental health conditions when taken under the close supervision of a trained professional. While it is rare, those ingesting psychedelics can experiencepsychosisas a result.

For those who have a history of psychosis in their family, have experienced it before, or have a diagnosis that involves psychosis likeschizophrenia, psychedelic use may be containdicated.

Most psychedelics are criminalized, and utilizing them can potentially lead to prosecution. For those who are system-impacted and have already experienced run-ins with the criminal justice system, being caught buying or utilizing psychedelics could only lead to further issues.

If you do have prior convictions and are interested in exploring psychedelics, be aware of the laws and limitations in your jurisdiction. Some states have begun to decriminalize the use of psychedelics, which can make usage safer.

Folks Struggling With Substance Use

Those struggling with substance use may want to take extra care when consideringpsychedelics. Some psychedelics are being studied for their use for certain substance use disorders, but that requires strict protocol under professional supervision.

Some psychedelics have a risk for misuse—for example, MDMA is derived from amphetamine, making it a risky choice for some navigating certain substance use disorders.

There are different reasonswhy people choose to take psychedelics. Recreational use is often linked to the mind-altering effects these substances have. Some people may use psychedelics in an attempt to self-treat mental health problems. Some may be drawn to psychedelics for creative reasons.

Others may try psychedelic-assisted therapy to relieve atreatment-resistant mental health condition., to have “spiritual” experiences, or to just feel different.

Psychedelics should only be used in therapeutic settings under the supervision of trained and experienced medical professionals.

Other than ketamine, psilocybin is the only psychedelic able to be legally used therapeutically in the US, and this is only in a few states.Psychedelicsare now being used as part of numerous therapeutic trials. Typically, a clinician will provide the client with the substance in the session. Then, the client is invited to relax, perhaps while listening to soothing music, noticing any thoughts and sensations that arise. The therapist is present the entire time, and the client is encouraged to engage in a psychotherapeutic process.

Evidence has shown that:

In one study, just one ibogaine treatment has been shown to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and achieve a sustained reduction in use.

I Tried It: At-Home Ketamine Therapy

Psychedelics are generally not considered addictive. People do not become physically dependent on them. They also do not typically experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using psychedelics.

This does not mean, however, that psychedelics have no addiction potential. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that research has not fully determined whether MDMA might be addictive.Other research has found that some people do experience symptoms of ketamine withdrawal.

People can, however, develop a tolerance to some psychedelics.This means that larger doses are needed to achieve the same effects. Taking larger amounts of psychedelics can be risky since these substances' effects can be unpredictable.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

What Are Psychedelic Drugs?

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Husain MI, Umer M, Mulsant BH.Can the revival of serotonergic psychedelic drugs as treatments for mental disorders help to characterize their risks and benefits?Expert Opin. Drug Saf. 2022;21(6):721-724. doi:10.1080/14740338.2022.2063274Orsolini L, Papanti GD, De Berardis D, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Schifano F.The “endless trip” among the nps users: psychopathology and psychopharmacology in the hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2017;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00240National Institute of Health.Psilocybin mushrooms (“Magic Mushrooms”).Jairaj C, Rucker JJ.Postpartum depression: A role for psychedelics?J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36(8):920-931. doi: 10.1177/02698811221093Nature.How ecstasy and psilocybin are shaking up psychiatry.Marks M.The varieties of psychedelic law.Neuropharmacology. 2023;226:109399. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109399Krippner S.Ecstatic landscapes: the manifestation of psychedelic art.JHP. 2017;57(4):415-435. doi:10.1177/0022167816671579Schenberg EE.Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a paradigm shift in psychiatric research and development.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:733. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00733Noller GE, Frampton CM, Yazar-Klosinski B.Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study.Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2018;44(1):37-46. doi:10.1080/00952990.2017.1310218National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is MDMA addictive?Chen LY, Chen CK, Chen CH, Chang HM, Huang MC, Xu K.Association of craving and depressive systems in ketamine-dependent patients undergoing withdrawal treatment.Am J Addict. 2019;29(1):43-50. doi:10.1111/ajad.12978National Institute on Drug Abuse.Psychedelic and dissociative drugs.

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Husain MI, Umer M, Mulsant BH.Can the revival of serotonergic psychedelic drugs as treatments for mental disorders help to characterize their risks and benefits?Expert Opin. Drug Saf. 2022;21(6):721-724. doi:10.1080/14740338.2022.2063274Orsolini L, Papanti GD, De Berardis D, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Schifano F.The “endless trip” among the nps users: psychopathology and psychopharmacology in the hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2017;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00240National Institute of Health.Psilocybin mushrooms (“Magic Mushrooms”).Jairaj C, Rucker JJ.Postpartum depression: A role for psychedelics?J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36(8):920-931. doi: 10.1177/02698811221093Nature.How ecstasy and psilocybin are shaking up psychiatry.Marks M.The varieties of psychedelic law.Neuropharmacology. 2023;226:109399. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109399Krippner S.Ecstatic landscapes: the manifestation of psychedelic art.JHP. 2017;57(4):415-435. doi:10.1177/0022167816671579Schenberg EE.Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a paradigm shift in psychiatric research and development.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:733. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00733Noller GE, Frampton CM, Yazar-Klosinski B.Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study.Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2018;44(1):37-46. doi:10.1080/00952990.2017.1310218National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is MDMA addictive?Chen LY, Chen CK, Chen CH, Chang HM, Huang MC, Xu K.Association of craving and depressive systems in ketamine-dependent patients undergoing withdrawal treatment.Am J Addict. 2019;29(1):43-50. doi:10.1111/ajad.12978National Institute on Drug Abuse.Psychedelic and dissociative drugs.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Husain MI, Umer M, Mulsant BH.Can the revival of serotonergic psychedelic drugs as treatments for mental disorders help to characterize their risks and benefits?Expert Opin. Drug Saf. 2022;21(6):721-724. doi:10.1080/14740338.2022.2063274Orsolini L, Papanti GD, De Berardis D, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Schifano F.The “endless trip” among the nps users: psychopathology and psychopharmacology in the hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2017;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00240National Institute of Health.Psilocybin mushrooms (“Magic Mushrooms”).Jairaj C, Rucker JJ.Postpartum depression: A role for psychedelics?J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36(8):920-931. doi: 10.1177/02698811221093Nature.How ecstasy and psilocybin are shaking up psychiatry.Marks M.The varieties of psychedelic law.Neuropharmacology. 2023;226:109399. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109399Krippner S.Ecstatic landscapes: the manifestation of psychedelic art.JHP. 2017;57(4):415-435. doi:10.1177/0022167816671579Schenberg EE.Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a paradigm shift in psychiatric research and development.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:733. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00733Noller GE, Frampton CM, Yazar-Klosinski B.Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study.Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2018;44(1):37-46. doi:10.1080/00952990.2017.1310218National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is MDMA addictive?Chen LY, Chen CK, Chen CH, Chang HM, Huang MC, Xu K.Association of craving and depressive systems in ketamine-dependent patients undergoing withdrawal treatment.Am J Addict. 2019;29(1):43-50. doi:10.1111/ajad.12978National Institute on Drug Abuse.Psychedelic and dissociative drugs.

Husain MI, Umer M, Mulsant BH.Can the revival of serotonergic psychedelic drugs as treatments for mental disorders help to characterize their risks and benefits?Expert Opin. Drug Saf. 2022;21(6):721-724. doi:10.1080/14740338.2022.2063274

Orsolini L, Papanti GD, De Berardis D, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Schifano F.The “endless trip” among the nps users: psychopathology and psychopharmacology in the hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2017;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00240

National Institute of Health.Psilocybin mushrooms (“Magic Mushrooms”).

Jairaj C, Rucker JJ.Postpartum depression: A role for psychedelics?J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36(8):920-931. doi: 10.1177/02698811221093

Nature.How ecstasy and psilocybin are shaking up psychiatry.

Marks M.The varieties of psychedelic law.Neuropharmacology. 2023;226:109399. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109399

Krippner S.Ecstatic landscapes: the manifestation of psychedelic art.JHP. 2017;57(4):415-435. doi:10.1177/0022167816671579

Schenberg EE.Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a paradigm shift in psychiatric research and development.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:733. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00733

Noller GE, Frampton CM, Yazar-Klosinski B.Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study.Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2018;44(1):37-46. doi:10.1080/00952990.2017.1310218

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is MDMA addictive?

Chen LY, Chen CK, Chen CH, Chang HM, Huang MC, Xu K.Association of craving and depressive systems in ketamine-dependent patients undergoing withdrawal treatment.Am J Addict. 2019;29(1):43-50. doi:10.1111/ajad.12978

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Psychedelic and dissociative drugs.

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