{"id":391,"date":"2023-03-02T20:16:29","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T20:16:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/reading-hallucinogens\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T17:29:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:29:42","slug":"reading-hallucinogens","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/reading-hallucinogens\/","title":{"raw":"Drugs and Substances: Learn It 5\u2014Hallucinogens","rendered":"Drugs and Substances: Learn It 5\u2014Hallucinogens"},"content":{"raw":"<h2>Hallucinogens<\/h2>\r\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\r\n<h3>hallucinogens<\/h3>\r\n<section data-depth=\"2\">\r\n<p><strong>Hallucinogens<\/strong> are a diverse class of drugs that induce significant changes in sensory perception and cognitive experiences. These alterations can manifest as visual or auditory hallucinations, distorted body sensations, and a skewed sense of time. Some well-known hallucinogens include psilocybin (commonly known as \"shrooms\"), mescaline (found in peyote), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). These are sometimes called <a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/research-topics\/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs#what-are\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">psychedelic or dissociative drugs<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h4><b>Common examples<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Classic psychedelics<\/b><\/span>: Psilocybin (in \u201cmagic mushrooms\u201d), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Mescaline (from peyote cactus)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Dissociatives<\/b><\/span>: Ketamine and PCP (\u201cangel dust\u201d)<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">These act on different neural systems\u2014classic psychedelics often act via <span class=\"s1\"><b>serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors<\/b><\/span>, while dissociatives act more via <span class=\"s1\"><b>NMDA glutamate receptor antagonism<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4><b>How they work in the brain<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline) function primarily as <span class=\"s1\"><b>serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists<\/b><\/span>, altering sensory and perceptual processing.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Public Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Dissociatives (ketamine, PCP) block or modify the action of <\/span><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-family: 'Public Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\"><b>NMDA glutamate receptors<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Public Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">, which can fragment normal consciousness, change body-awareness, and affect memory.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Because their effects are more about perception and cognition than about intense reward or relief of negative states, hallucinogens are generally seen as <span class=\"s1\"><b>less physically addictive<\/b><\/span> than stimulants or opioids\u2014but that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re risk-free.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"241\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224652\/CNX_Psych_04_05_Psychedelic.jpg\" alt=\"An illustration shows a colorful spiral pattern.\" width=\"241\" height=\"181\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Psychedelic images like this are often associated with hallucinogenic compounds. (credit: modification of work by \"new 1lluminati\"\/Flickr)[\/caption]\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\" aria-label=\"Key Takeaway\">\r\n<h3>cannabis<\/h3>\r\n<p><strong>Cannabis,<\/strong> also known as <strong>marijuana,<\/strong> is often grouped with hallucinogens, but it's essential to note that its effects are more varied and can include features of stimulants and depressants. It is not officially classified as a hallucinogen. The active compound in marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, affecting mood, perception, and appetite<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2>Understanding Marijuana<\/h2>\r\n<p>Marijuana has various mental and physical effects, which include euphoria, relaxation, altered states of mind and sense of time, difficulty concentrating, impaired short-term memory, impaired body movement (balance and fine psychomotor control), and an increase in appetite. The onset of effects is felt within minutes when smoked, but may take up to 90 minutes when eaten. The effects usually last for two to six hours, depending on the amount used. Physical effects may include dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, or nausea. At high doses, mental effects can include anxiety, delusions (including ideas of reference), hallucinations, panic, paranoia, and psychosis.<\/p>\r\n<p>While many argue that marijuana is not as harmful as other commonly abused drugs, it is still a mind-altering substance that comes with risk. Though it is not as addictive as nicotine, 30% percent of marijuana users are likely to develop a dependency on the drug.[footnote]NIDA. 2021, April 13. Is marijuana addictive? Retrieved from https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/research-reports\/marijuana\/marijuana-addictive on 2023, October 17[\/footnote] There is also a strong relation between cannabis use and the risk of psychosis, though the direction of causality is debated. Other long-term adverse effects may include decreased mental ability in those who started regular use as adolescents, chronic coughing, susceptibility to respiratory infections, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.<\/p>\r\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\r\n<h3>Medical Marijuana<\/h3>\r\n<div data-type=\"title\">\r\n<p>As of 2025, medical marijuana remains in a state of regulatory flux. While medical marijuana is legal in most U.S. states and recreational use is permitted in several, federal law continues to classify marijuana as an illegal Schedule I substance. This classification has traditionally indicated substances with no accepted medical use and high abuse potential.<\/p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"325\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224654\/CNX_Psych_04_05_Marijuana.jpg\" alt=\"A photograph shows a window with a neon sign. The sign includes the word \u201cmedical\u201d above the shape of a marijuana leaf.\" width=\"325\" height=\"177\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/> <strong>Figure 2<\/strong>. Marijuana can be used for medical reasons, but its best usage and dosing is still being researched (credit: Laurie Avocado).[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>However, significant policy changes are underway. In May 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III\u2014a classification reserved for substances with accepted medical uses and lower abuse potential. This proposal underwent public comment and hearings in late 2024, though marijuana remains Schedule I as the rescheduling process continues into 2025. The disconnect between state and federal law complicates both patient access and scientific research.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>Medical marijuana is prescribed for various health conditions. Common medical uses include stimulating appetite in chemotherapy patients experiencing treatment-related weight loss, managing chronic pain, treating muscle spasms, and addressing anxiety and depression.<\/p>\r\n<p>Recent research has provided mixed but often encouraging findings about marijuana's therapeutic effects. A 2024 longitudinal study from the University of Melbourne found that patients using prescribed medical cannabis reported significant improvements in chronic pain during the first six months of treatment, with sustained benefits in depression, anxiety, and sleep problems over a full year (Halman et al., 2024).[footnote]Halman, A., Chenhall, R., &amp; Perkins, D. (2024). Changes in pain and mental health symptoms associated with prescribed medicinal cannabis use: A one-year longitudinal study. Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 39(1), 38-50. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/15360288.2024.2414898[\/footnote] Similarly, a 2020 observational study tracking patients over 12 months found improvements in pain severity and interference, along with better physical and mental health outcomes (Safakish et al., 2020).[footnote]Safakish, R., Ko, G., Salimpour, V., Hendin, B., Sohanpal, I., Loheswaran, G., &amp; Yoon, S. Y. R. (2020). Medical cannabis for the management of pain and quality of life in chronic pain patients: A prospective observational study. Pain Medicine, 21(11), 3073-3086. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/pm\/pnaa163[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p>Patients in both studies also reported reducing their use of other pain medications, including opioids. However, the evidence remains complex. While survey data from Florida's medical cannabis program showed that over 95% of patients reported improvements in anxiety and chronic pain (Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 2024), the Centers for Disease Control notes that scientific evidence supporting cannabis for most types of chronic pain remains limited, with the strongest support for neuropathic pain specifically.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\">\r\n<section data-depth=\"2\">\r\n<div data-type=\"note\" data-label=\"Dig Deeper\">\r\n<div data-type=\"title\">\r\n<div data-type=\"title\">\r\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\">[ohm2_question height=\"400\"]3979[\/ohm2_question]<\/section>\r\n<section class=\"textbox connectIt\" aria-label=\"Connect It\">\r\n<h3>Emerging Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Scientists are exploring how certain psychoactive drugs, combined with psychotherapy, might help treat mental health conditions. This growing field\u2014called <span class=\"s1\">psychedelic-assisted therapy<\/span>\u2014revived in the 2010s after decades of research restrictions under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Two of the best-known substances being studied are <span class=\"s1\"><b>psilocybin<\/b><\/span> (from certain mushrooms) and <span class=\"s1\"><b>MDMA<\/b><\/span> (often known as ecstasy). Both have received <span class=\"s1\">\u201cbreakthrough therapy\u201d<\/span> status from the FDA for potential use in mental health treatment\u2014psilocybin for <span class=\"s1\">depression<\/span> and MDMA for <span class=\"s1\">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/span>.[footnote]National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. https:\/\/www.ptsd.va.gov\/professional\/treat\/txessentials\/psychedelics_assisted_therapy.asp[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Early studies suggest that, when used in carefully controlled settings with professional therapy, these drugs can reduce symptoms for some people. However, research is still limited, and in 2024 the FDA decided that more large-scale trials are needed before approving MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.<\/p>\r\n<h4><b>Ketamine for Depression<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ketamine<\/b><\/span>, a long-used anesthetic, can produce rapid relief from depression symptoms\u2014sometimes within hours. A related drug, <span class=\"s1\"><b>esketamine<\/b><\/span>, was approved by the FDA in 2019 as a nasal spray for <span class=\"s1\">treatment-resistant depression<\/span>. Roughly one-quarter to one-half of patients respond, though the effects often fade without follow-up doses. Common side effects include short-term dissociation, nausea, and raised blood pressure.[footnote]Yavi, M., Lee, H., Henter, I. D., Park, L. T., &amp; Zarate, C. A. (2022). Ketamine treatment for depression: A review. Discover Mental Health, 2, 9. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s44192-022-00012-3[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">These treatments remain <span class=\"s1\">experimental<\/span>. Most require intensive therapy sessions, medical supervision, and specially trained professionals. Except for ketamine, the drugs are still <span class=\"s1\">Schedule I controlled substances<\/span>, which limits research and clinical access.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2>Summary of Psychoactive Drugs<\/h2>\r\n<p>Substance use disorder is defined in DSM-5 as a compulsive pattern of drug use that persists in spite of negative consequences. Both physical and psychological dependence are often involved with this disorder.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that affect GABA neurotransmission.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Cocaine, amphetamine, cathinones, and MDMA are all central nervous stimulants that agonize dopamine neurotransmission, while nicotine and caffeine affect acetylcholine and adenosine, respectively.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Opiate drugs serve as powerful analgesics through their effects on the endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Hallucinogenic drugs cause pronounced changes in sensory and perceptual experiences and vary with regard to the specific neurotransmitter systems they affect.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<section class=\"textbox linkToLearning\">Visit the Mouse Party website to <a href=\"http:\/\/learn.genetics.utah.edu\/content\/addiction\/mouse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see a visual example of how drugs alter the chemicals in the brain<\/a>.<\/section>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<section>\r\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\">[ohm2_question height=\"1200\"]3980[\/ohm2_question]<\/section>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/section>","rendered":"<h2>Hallucinogens<\/h2>\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\n<h3>hallucinogens<\/h3>\n<section data-depth=\"2\">\n<p><strong>Hallucinogens<\/strong> are a diverse class of drugs that induce significant changes in sensory perception and cognitive experiences. These alterations can manifest as visual or auditory hallucinations, distorted body sensations, and a skewed sense of time. Some well-known hallucinogens include psilocybin (commonly known as &#8220;shrooms&#8221;), mescaline (found in peyote), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). These are sometimes called <a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/research-topics\/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs#what-are\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">psychedelic or dissociative drugs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><b>Common examples<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Classic psychedelics<\/b><\/span>: Psilocybin (in \u201cmagic mushrooms\u201d), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Mescaline (from peyote cactus)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Dissociatives<\/b><\/span>: Ketamine and PCP (\u201cangel dust\u201d)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">These act on different neural systems\u2014classic psychedelics often act via <span class=\"s1\"><b>serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors<\/b><\/span>, while dissociatives act more via <span class=\"s1\"><b>NMDA glutamate receptor antagonism<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>How they work in the brain<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline) function primarily as <span class=\"s1\"><b>serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists<\/b><\/span>, altering sensory and perceptual processing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Public Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Dissociatives (ketamine, PCP) block or modify the action of <\/span><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-family: 'Public Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\"><b>NMDA glutamate receptors<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Public Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">, which can fragment normal consciousness, change body-awareness, and affect memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">Because their effects are more about perception and cognition than about intense reward or relief of negative states, hallucinogens are generally seen as <span class=\"s1\"><b>less physically addictive<\/b><\/span> than stimulants or opioids\u2014but that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re risk-free.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<figure style=\"width: 241px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224652\/CNX_Psych_04_05_Psychedelic.jpg\" alt=\"An illustration shows a colorful spiral pattern.\" width=\"241\" height=\"181\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Psychedelic images like this are often associated with hallucinogenic compounds. (credit: modification of work by &#8220;new 1lluminati&#8221;\/Flickr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\" aria-label=\"Key Takeaway\">\n<h3>cannabis<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Cannabis,<\/strong> also known as <strong>marijuana,<\/strong> is often grouped with hallucinogens, but it&#8217;s essential to note that its effects are more varied and can include features of stimulants and depressants. It is not officially classified as a hallucinogen. The active compound in marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, affecting mood, perception, and appetite<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2>Understanding Marijuana<\/h2>\n<p>Marijuana has various mental and physical effects, which include euphoria, relaxation, altered states of mind and sense of time, difficulty concentrating, impaired short-term memory, impaired body movement (balance and fine psychomotor control), and an increase in appetite. The onset of effects is felt within minutes when smoked, but may take up to 90 minutes when eaten. The effects usually last for two to six hours, depending on the amount used. Physical effects may include dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, or nausea. At high doses, mental effects can include anxiety, delusions (including ideas of reference), hallucinations, panic, paranoia, and psychosis.<\/p>\n<p>While many argue that marijuana is not as harmful as other commonly abused drugs, it is still a mind-altering substance that comes with risk. Though it is not as addictive as nicotine, 30% percent of marijuana users are likely to develop a dependency on the drug.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"NIDA. 2021, April 13. Is marijuana addictive? Retrieved from https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/research-reports\/marijuana\/marijuana-addictive on 2023, October 17\" id=\"return-footnote-391-1\" href=\"#footnote-391-1\" aria-label=\"Footnote 1\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[1]<\/sup><\/a> There is also a strong relation between cannabis use and the risk of psychosis, though the direction of causality is debated. Other long-term adverse effects may include decreased mental ability in those who started regular use as adolescents, chronic coughing, susceptibility to respiratory infections, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\n<h3>Medical Marijuana<\/h3>\n<div data-type=\"title\">\n<p>As of 2025, medical marijuana remains in a state of regulatory flux. While medical marijuana is legal in most U.S. states and recreational use is permitted in several, federal law continues to classify marijuana as an illegal Schedule I substance. This classification has traditionally indicated substances with no accepted medical use and high abuse potential.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 325px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224654\/CNX_Psych_04_05_Marijuana.jpg\" alt=\"A photograph shows a window with a neon sign. The sign includes the word \u201cmedical\u201d above the shape of a marijuana leaf.\" width=\"325\" height=\"177\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 2<\/strong>. Marijuana can be used for medical reasons, but its best usage and dosing is still being researched (credit: Laurie Avocado).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, significant policy changes are underway. In May 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III\u2014a classification reserved for substances with accepted medical uses and lower abuse potential. This proposal underwent public comment and hearings in late 2024, though marijuana remains Schedule I as the rescheduling process continues into 2025. The disconnect between state and federal law complicates both patient access and scientific research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Medical marijuana is prescribed for various health conditions. Common medical uses include stimulating appetite in chemotherapy patients experiencing treatment-related weight loss, managing chronic pain, treating muscle spasms, and addressing anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n<p>Recent research has provided mixed but often encouraging findings about marijuana&#8217;s therapeutic effects. A 2024 longitudinal study from the University of Melbourne found that patients using prescribed medical cannabis reported significant improvements in chronic pain during the first six months of treatment, with sustained benefits in depression, anxiety, and sleep problems over a full year (Halman et al., 2024).<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Halman, A., Chenhall, R., &amp; Perkins, D. (2024). Changes in pain and mental health symptoms associated with prescribed medicinal cannabis use: A one-year longitudinal study. Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 39(1), 38-50. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/15360288.2024.2414898\" id=\"return-footnote-391-2\" href=\"#footnote-391-2\" aria-label=\"Footnote 2\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[2]<\/sup><\/a> Similarly, a 2020 observational study tracking patients over 12 months found improvements in pain severity and interference, along with better physical and mental health outcomes (Safakish et al., 2020).<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Safakish, R., Ko, G., Salimpour, V., Hendin, B., Sohanpal, I., Loheswaran, G., &amp; Yoon, S. Y. R. (2020). Medical cannabis for the management of pain and quality of life in chronic pain patients: A prospective observational study. Pain Medicine, 21(11), 3073-3086. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/pm\/pnaa163\" id=\"return-footnote-391-3\" href=\"#footnote-391-3\" aria-label=\"Footnote 3\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Patients in both studies also reported reducing their use of other pain medications, including opioids. However, the evidence remains complex. While survey data from Florida&#8217;s medical cannabis program showed that over 95% of patients reported improvements in anxiety and chronic pain (Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 2024), the Centers for Disease Control notes that scientific evidence supporting cannabis for most types of chronic pain remains limited, with the strongest support for neuropathic pain specifically.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\">\n<section data-depth=\"2\">\n<div data-type=\"note\" data-label=\"Dig Deeper\">\n<div data-type=\"title\">\n<div data-type=\"title\">\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"ohm3979\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/ohm.one.lumenlearning.com\/multiembedq.php?id=3979&theme=lumen&iframe_resize_id=ohm3979&source=tnh&show_question_numbers\" width=\"100%\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe><\/section>\n<section class=\"textbox connectIt\" aria-label=\"Connect It\">\n<h3>Emerging Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\">Scientists are exploring how certain psychoactive drugs, combined with psychotherapy, might help treat mental health conditions. This growing field\u2014called <span class=\"s1\">psychedelic-assisted therapy<\/span>\u2014revived in the 2010s after decades of research restrictions under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Two of the best-known substances being studied are <span class=\"s1\"><b>psilocybin<\/b><\/span> (from certain mushrooms) and <span class=\"s1\"><b>MDMA<\/b><\/span> (often known as ecstasy). Both have received <span class=\"s1\">\u201cbreakthrough therapy\u201d<\/span> status from the FDA for potential use in mental health treatment\u2014psilocybin for <span class=\"s1\">depression<\/span> and MDMA for <span class=\"s1\">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/span>.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. https:\/\/www.ptsd.va.gov\/professional\/treat\/txessentials\/psychedelics_assisted_therapy.asp\" id=\"return-footnote-391-4\" href=\"#footnote-391-4\" aria-label=\"Footnote 4\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[4]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Early studies suggest that, when used in carefully controlled settings with professional therapy, these drugs can reduce symptoms for some people. However, research is still limited, and in 2024 the FDA decided that more large-scale trials are needed before approving MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.<\/p>\n<h4><b>Ketamine for Depression<\/b><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ketamine<\/b><\/span>, a long-used anesthetic, can produce rapid relief from depression symptoms\u2014sometimes within hours. A related drug, <span class=\"s1\"><b>esketamine<\/b><\/span>, was approved by the FDA in 2019 as a nasal spray for <span class=\"s1\">treatment-resistant depression<\/span>. Roughly one-quarter to one-half of patients respond, though the effects often fade without follow-up doses. Common side effects include short-term dissociation, nausea, and raised blood pressure.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Yavi, M., Lee, H., Henter, I. D., Park, L. T., &amp; Zarate, C. A. (2022). Ketamine treatment for depression: A review. Discover Mental Health, 2, 9. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s44192-022-00012-3\" id=\"return-footnote-391-5\" href=\"#footnote-391-5\" aria-label=\"Footnote 5\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">These treatments remain <span class=\"s1\">experimental<\/span>. Most require intensive therapy sessions, medical supervision, and specially trained professionals. Except for ketamine, the drugs are still <span class=\"s1\">Schedule I controlled substances<\/span>, which limits research and clinical access.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2>Summary of Psychoactive Drugs<\/h2>\n<p>Substance use disorder is defined in DSM-5 as a compulsive pattern of drug use that persists in spite of negative consequences. Both physical and psychological dependence are often involved with this disorder.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that affect GABA neurotransmission.<\/li>\n<li>Cocaine, amphetamine, cathinones, and MDMA are all central nervous stimulants that agonize dopamine neurotransmission, while nicotine and caffeine affect acetylcholine and adenosine, respectively.<\/li>\n<li>Opiate drugs serve as powerful analgesics through their effects on the endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system.<\/li>\n<li>Hallucinogenic drugs cause pronounced changes in sensory and perceptual experiences and vary with regard to the specific neurotransmitter systems they affect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"textbox linkToLearning\">Visit the Mouse Party website to <a href=\"http:\/\/learn.genetics.utah.edu\/content\/addiction\/mouse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see a visual example of how drugs alter the chemicals in the brain<\/a>.<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section>\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"ohm3980\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/ohm.one.lumenlearning.com\/multiembedq.php?id=3980&theme=lumen&iframe_resize_id=ohm3980&source=tnh&show_question_numbers\" width=\"100%\" height=\"1200\"><\/iframe><\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<hr class=\"before-footnotes clear\" \/><div class=\"footnotes\"><ol><li id=\"footnote-391-1\">NIDA. 2021, April 13. Is marijuana addictive? Retrieved from https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/research-reports\/marijuana\/marijuana-addictive on 2023, October 17 <a href=\"#return-footnote-391-1\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 1\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-391-2\">Halman, A., Chenhall, R., &amp; Perkins, D. (2024). Changes in pain and mental health symptoms associated with prescribed medicinal cannabis use: A one-year longitudinal study. Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 39(1), 38-50. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/15360288.2024.2414898 <a href=\"#return-footnote-391-2\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 2\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-391-3\">Safakish, R., Ko, G., Salimpour, V., Hendin, B., Sohanpal, I., Loheswaran, G., &amp; Yoon, S. Y. R. (2020). Medical cannabis for the management of pain and quality of life in chronic pain patients: A prospective observational study. Pain Medicine, 21(11), 3073-3086. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/pm\/pnaa163 <a href=\"#return-footnote-391-3\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 3\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-391-4\">National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. https:\/\/www.ptsd.va.gov\/professional\/treat\/txessentials\/psychedelics_assisted_therapy.asp <a href=\"#return-footnote-391-4\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 4\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-391-5\">Yavi, M., Lee, H., Henter, I. D., Park, L. T., &amp; Zarate, C. A. (2022). Ketamine treatment for depression: A review. Discover Mental Health, 2, 9. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s44192-022-00012-3 <a href=\"#return-footnote-391-5\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 5\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":20,"menu_order":27,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Substance Use and Abuse\",\"author\":\"OpenStax College\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/4-5-substance-use-and-abuse\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction\"},{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Modification, adaptation, and addition of link to learning\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Drugs interactive\",\"author\":\"Jessica Traylor for Lumen Learning\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Cannabis\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Wikipedia\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cannabis_(drug)\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"part":364,"module-header":"learn_it","content_attributions":[{"type":"cc","description":"Substance Use and Abuse","author":"OpenStax College","organization":"","url":"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/4-5-substance-use-and-abuse","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":"Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction"},{"type":"original","description":"Modification, adaptation, and addition of link to learning","author":"","organization":"Lumen Learning","url":"","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":""},{"type":"cc","description":"Drugs interactive","author":"Jessica Traylor for Lumen Learning","organization":"Lumen Learning","url":"","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":""},{"type":"cc","description":"Cannabis","author":"","organization":"Wikipedia","url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cannabis_(drug)","project":"","license":"cc-by-sa","license_terms":""}],"internal_book_links":[],"video_content":null,"cc_video_embed_content":{"cc_scripts":"","media_targets":[]},"try_it_collection":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/391"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7131,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/391\/revisions\/7131"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/364"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/391\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=391"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=391"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}