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The Truth About Psychedelic Drugs and Mental Illness

    Psychedelic drugs are, in a way, confusing. It is quite common to get different views on it from other people. The answer majorly depends upon who you ask the question. Many enthusiasts have claimed that limited and responsible use of classical drugs can help you achieve tranquility and spiritual enlightenment. 

    However, the hallucinogens or psychedelics have created a negative image in people that consumers are made to suffer from flashbacks and other symptoms for a lifetime. This is not true. 

    But what people do not realize is the risks and side effects associated with psychedelics. Sometimes it can cause mental illness as well. 

    Let us know a bit more about psychedelics and mental illness then. 

    Psychedelics: what is it?

    Psychedelics are different medications that change an individual’s familiarity with environmental factors, just as their contemplations and sentiments. They are usually separated into classic psychedelics (like LSD) and dissociative medications (like PCP). The two sorts of psychedelic drugs can cause pipedreams or sensations and pictures that appear to be genuine; however, they are not. Moreover, dissociative medications can make clients feel wild or detached from their bodies and surroundings. 

    Some hallucinogens are naturally found. They are derived from plants and mushrooms, to be specific. And some others are synthetic drugs.

    From a historical point of view, these drugs were used to enlighten people spiritually. 

    But later on, these have been considered proper medications for certain nervous conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and many more. 

    However, recreational use has been increasing daily. People are taking these drugs more often! And to be honest, that is where all the concern lies. 

    Common classic hallucinogens or psychedelics include the following:

    LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide)

    It is one of the most powerful and potent hallucinogens to be mentioned in the first place. It has been used as a medication for severe mental conditions. 

    It is a clear or white material. This odorless drug is made from lysergic acid found in a certain type of rye fungus. 

    Peyote (mescaline) 

    This one is also common. It can be found naturally in small, spineless cactus. However, this drug can be synthetic as well. 

    DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) 

    It is an incredible compound normally found in some Amazonian plants. Ayahuasca is a tea produced using such plants, and when taken in this structure, it is otherwise called aya, hoasca, and yagé. Individuals can likewise make DMT in a lab. Engineered DMT ordinarily appears as a white glasslike powder that is smoked.

    And on the other hand, common dissociative drugs include the following:

    PCP (Phencyclidine)

    It was created during the 1950s as a sedative for a medical procedure. However, it is not generally utilized for this reason because of genuine side effects. PCP can be found in various structures, including tablets or cases; notwithstanding, fluid and white crystal power are the most popular ones. 

    Dextromethorphan (DXM) 

    It is used in clearing cough and cold-related issues. This mucus clearing ingredient is quite old and can be found in tablets and syrups. 

    Ketamine

    It is utilized as a surgery anesthetic for people and creatures. A large part of the ketamine sold unjustly comes from veterinary workplaces. For the most part, it sells as a powder or as a tablet, yet it is additionally accessible as an injectable fluid. Ketamine is grunted or, in some cases, added to drinks as a date-rape drug.

    Side effects and mental illness:

    There is something one should understand before taking hallucinogens. There is no safe option of taking drugs like this. Hence, the side effects associated with it should be taken into consideration. 

    However, the most significant thought among people nowadays is that these can make you lunatic. 

    Michael Pollan once said, 

    “The biggest misconception people have about psychedelics is that these are drugs that make you crazy…”

    Later, he also added,

    “We now have evidence that that does happen sometimes — but in many more cases, these are drugs that can make you sane.”

    Hence one thing to remember here is that the drugs might or might not affect your health. And that entirely depends upon you. 

    A regular basis consumption and significantly increasing amount of drugs may cause you mental unrest and illness. The hallucinations, bad trips, or mood shifts can be rapid and vivid. And if taken with alcohol or other drugs, this might cause fatal results. 

    However, one must not forget that these drugs have been used for a long time for sedation, tranquility, and mental peace as well. Hence, limited use of drugs can help you win your own discomfort. 

    Bottom line

    To some extent, hallucinogens or psychedelics can be dangerous and addictive. The tolerance might increase. And with that, the intake capacity of drugs also increases significantly. Hence, using drugs comes along with many other conditions. 

    However, the problems like PTSD, depression, anxiety, fear, mental imbalance have been cured using some drugs. So a measured quantity will eventually help you get through your situation. However, the addiction or unlimited usage might cause the breakdown of your mental health

    Be wise and use smartly. 

    Good luck!