The use of ayahuasca in the trademark traditions of South America is believed to have roots extending back several thousand years. While some have a staunch belief that it has emerged recently, sufficient evidence hints at connections to ancient practices.
DMT (dimethyltryptamine), one of the most renowned and profound psychedelics globally, has been documented in various regions of South America as being inhaled or smoked from plants containing DMT, dating as far back as 900 BC. These methods of consumption bypass the need for a stomach inhibitor.
According to studies, the DMT has been found capable of consistently eliciting mystical experiences that hold therapeutic potential for addressing deep psychological traumas, confronting personal truths, and treating psychological illnesses. Research is in place to discover the potential of DMT as it is hypothetically known to treat anxiety, depression, addiction, migraine, and more.
Many shamans claim that their rituals originated from guidance during altered states of consciousness, such as dreams and visions, where plants, particularly ayahuasca, communicated with them. During these altered states, they learned to combine the two plants and create the ayahuasca brew.
The historical record of native South American cultures utilizing a brew known for its “mystifying and bewitching” properties in their ceremonies can be traced back to the accounts of Jesuit Missionaries, including Pablo Maroni and later Franz Xavier Veigl, who visited from Spain and Portugal in the 1700s. However, the initiative was taken a century later by a Victorian explorer and botanist named Richard Spruce, who visited the tropical rainforest of the Amazon in Brazil. He scientifically investigated the traits of the plants involved. He sent some samples back home, Britain, where they remained untouched until a century later when their interest was reignited.
Richard Evans Schultes is often hailed as the pioneering figure in modern ethnobotany, known for his extensive documentation of plants utilized by indigenous communities in South America. In his legendary 1979 book, “The Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Properties,” Schultes comprehensively explained the Botanical knowledge of these people Schultes’s contributions played a crucial role in drawing the attention of notable Western intellectuals, mentioning figures like William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, both prominent figures in the Beat Generation literary movement. This movement was characterized by deviating from orthodox narratives and societal conformity in favor of spiritual quests and exploring what people experience.
The practices surrounding ayahuasca naturally resonated with these intellectuals. Burroughs, in particular, was intrigued by the rumored potential of ayahuasca to alleviate addiction cravings, as reflected in the “Yage Letters,” a collection of written exchanges between Burroughs and Ginsberg during Burroughs’ travels in South America in the 1950s.
Despite the passage of time, traditional ayahuasca usage remains prevalent among various Amazonian groups. However, the allure of participating in ayahuasca ceremonies or embarking on an “ayahuasca journey” has extended beyond indigenous communities to captivate non-Amazonian individuals.
From medical marijuana to mushrooms, it might seem we are witnessing a significant cultural shift. This shift coincides with a growing mental health crisis, escalating healthcare expenses, and the perceived limitations of traditional talk therapy and mainstream psycho-pharmaceutical treatments. Many individuals are now seeking alternative approaches to address mental health concerns to avoid the associated stigma, find quicker and seemingly more practical solutions, or when conventional treatments have proven ineffective.
Many use plant-based medicines to alleviate suffering, facilitate healing, enhance consciousness, or explore spirituality. Some have experimented with psychedelics independently or in the past, whether through participation in ayahuasca ceremonies abroad, seeking ketamine infusion treatments at local clinics, or embarking on micro-dosing regimens. Many view these natural treatments as a more holistic alternative to the pharmaceutical industry’s prevalent “pop-a-pill and feel better” approach.
Psychedelics have been a valuable addition to the whole toolkit of treatment. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, around 22% of adults took psychotropic medications in March 2022. Despite the clear indication of increased use of drugs by adults to cope with issues, the overall suicide rate keeps growing and has risen by 35% over the past two decades. Mental health disorders continue to grow in our society. Insult to injury has been COVID-19, which has contributed significantly to the deterioration of the mental health of the masses. The invention of new psychiatric medications could not meet expectations, putting the field of psychiatric medicine in a dilemma. Estimates made by credible sources state that the cost surrounding mental health conditions will surpass $6 trillion by the end of 2030.
Psychedelics are not a newbie. They have been a talk of the town since results of a research that was conducted in 1940 showed its potential to treat various mental conditions. While no globally recognized definition of psychedelics exists, drugs in this category are generally understood to illicit effects that include hallucinations and expand consciousness, offering unique experiential journeys.
Among the psychedelics most renowned for these purposes are:
● Ketamine
● LSD
● MDMA
● Psilocybin
Psychedelics and Their Impact on the Brain
Psychedelics are substances that interfere with the normal functioning of our brain. This interference usually happens at molecular levels. They’re like brain explorers, reshaping our neural pathways through chemical changes. They have three main types
● Serotonin Agonists: Most common psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD are included in this category. They’re like serotonin mimickers, making our brain cells dance differently.
● Serotonin-Releasing Agents: Think of entactogens like MDMA (ecstasy). They don’t just mimic serotonin; they release more of it into our brain, cranking up the mood and sensory experiences.
● NMDA Receptor Antagonists: These are dissociative anesthetics like PCP and Ketamine. They block a specific receptor called NMDA, sending our brain into a kind of disconnected state.
Neurotransmitters, our brain’s messengers, are key players in the psychedelic symphony. Recent research led by Danilo Bzdok at McGill University in Canada digs deep into this trippy world. They analyzed over 7,000 stories of psychedelic journeys, picking out about 15,000 words like “moving,” “color,” and “happy.” These words formed a map of how our minds shift when we’re tripping.
They then linked these words to receptors in our brain, like connecting dots in a cosmic puzzle. This helped them understand how different drugs mess with specific receptors and how this messiness affects our consciousness. It’s like they cracked the code to our psychedelic experiences. One big finding: it’s not just the 5-HT2A receptors (related to serotonin) that make us see wild stuff. Other receptors nearby join the party, shaping how we feel and think. It’s not a one-receptor show.
Surprisingly, this research also revealed that the brain areas responsible for visual hallucinations are tight-knit with other brain regions. The 5-HT2A receptor, a serotonin superstar, is like the DJ of this party. Interestingly, folks with depression seem to have too many of these receptors. This could be a clue to understanding depression better. Normally, serotonin activates these receptors, but psychedelics can do it too. When they do, our neurons start to groove in different ways. This causes a change in how we perceive things. Commonly used drugs of this nature have a tendency to interfere with serotonin receptors, acting directly on their activity.
Different psychedelics act differently at these receptors, explaining why each trip is unique. If you add a blocker like ketanserin (which says “No entry!” to 5-HT2A receptors) to psilocybin, the trippy effects fade. So, these receptors are like the gatekeepers of our trips. But psychedelics aren’t just about tripping; they’re also like brain fitness trainers. They boost something called “neural plasticity,” which is like your brain’s ability to reshape itself. Imagine it doing yoga, getting flexible and adaptable.
Conditions like depression often mess up our brains, causing our neurons (the brain’s messengers) to shrink. This location for this phenomenon is the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that controls mood and feelings. Psychedelics like LSD and DMT can actually help grow these brain branches back.
LSD, in particular, is a superstar antidepressant because it’s really good at this. It beats ketamine, another popular antidepressant, in the brain gym. But there are some bouncers at this gym – receptors like 5-HT2A, TrkB, and mTOR. If you block them, you can slow down the brain’s reshaping process. So, psychedelics are like brain gardeners, making new connections and helping us feel better. This is way different from regular antidepressants, which just tweak our brain chemistry.
Here’s the kicker: psychedelics also crank up something called “brain entropy.” It’s like the chaos level in your brain. More entropy can mean more creativity and connection-making. It’s why tripping can lead to brilliant insights. In a nutshell, psychedelics aren’t just for trippy adventures. They’re brain wizards, rewiring our minds, boosting brain flexibility, and diving into the depths of consciousness. They’re like the explorers of inner space, helping us see our brains and ourselves in a whole new light.
Exploring the Mechanisms Behind Psychedelic Experiences
In his influential work “The Doors of Perception” (1954), Aldous Huxley digs deep into his encounters with mescaline, introducing the concept of the “reducing valve theory”, which was initially coined by English philosopher C.D. Broad. This theory states that the brain acts as a filter, minimizing the inflow of information to focus only on necessary information for survival. Huxley says that psychedelics stop this filter’s functioning for a time, overwhelming consciousness with novel sensory experiences. This release of the “valve” is essential in getting familiar with the psychedelic experience.
Confirmation Through Modern Science
More than 50 years later, scientific investigations confirmed the reducing valve theory. Groundbreaking research depicted the brain on LSD, revealing compromised communication within the default mode network (DMN). This network, often the neural hub of the ‘ego,’ ordinarily masks consciousness, regulating sensory awareness. LSD’s influence on the DMN leads to unconventional connections between distinct brain regions, eventually leading to feelings of ego dissolution, unity, and mysticism. This link between DMN attenuation and mystical experiences suggests that psychedelics achieve their effects by altering the brain’s network.
A Gateway to New Mental Landscapes
Studies have also hinted at the weakening of the DMN with flexible thinking, benefiting individuals grappling with depression and addiction by demolishing the chains of rigid thought patterns. This suggests that psychedelics could provide us with a solution to treating mental health disorders.
The Future of Psychedelic Research
As research on psychedelics makes significant strides, it offers ever-clearer insights into their mode of action. From molecular activity to broad-scale network changes, the mystery of how psychedelics function is becoming increasingly understandable.
Potential Applications in Mental Health
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy:
The incorporation of psychedelics in mental health treatment requires a holistic approach. It includes preparation, therapy, and integration phases. Providing the potential for eliciting harmful effects like psychosis, increased anxiety, and panic, careful screening is decisive in identifying suitable candidates. During therapy, constant monitoring by both medical and mental health professionals should be carried out side by side. A dedicated session aids individuals in processing and deriving insights from their experiences. It is strongly discouraged for clients to self-administer these substances or for practitioners to sell them.
The Power of Psilocybin
Derived from mushrooms like psilocybe, psilocybin undergoes metabolic transformation. It reaches its optimum functionality approximately 100 minutes after oral consumption. It has a half-life of 160 minutes. It tends to induce dose-dependent positive fluctuations in mood, perception, and mystical experiences, with minimal and transient adverse effects, including dysphoria, anxiety, headaches, and nausea.
Research has shown promise in using psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol and tobacco addiction, with reduced drinking days, decreased heavy drinking, and enhanced smoking cessation rates in prior failures. Furthermore, psilocybin gained FDA breakthrough therapy status as a treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder.
A Glimpse into the Psychedelic Future
The landscape of psychedelic research, which keeps evolving, is giving birth to exciting possibilities for mental health treatment that can soon be converted into realities. By understanding the mechanisms and mode of action of psychedelics and embracing a comprehensive therapeutic approach, we may be able to manipulate the potential of these substances to alleviate the suffering of individuals grappling with various mental health challenges. The future of this field holds momentous significance in the quest for holistic well-being.
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
LSD is derived from various sources like the ergot fungus and wood rose. After you take it, it rises to optimum levels in your blood about 1.5 hours later, and it can elicit its effects from 3.6 to 12 hours. Studies have shown that LSD can help people with terminal illnesses, helping them relax for some time. These feelings of well-being can last up to 12 months, and no harmful effects last longer than a day. It’s also been used to help folks with alcohol in their journey towards sobriety. Even in healthy people, a single shot of LSD can alter their mood for good, a more positive perspective, and increase kindness. These positive effects can continue to impact you for months once the drug is administered. Experiments are in place to check for the potential of drugs in coping with the adverse conditions that arise in individuals with incurable diseases.
MDMA
MDMA, loaded with stereoisomers, comes from the oil of sassafras trees. It is known to undergo biotransformation at fluctuating rates. This tratithanks to cytochrome P450 & catechol-O-methyltransferase pathways. According to studies, the half-life of MDMA is around 9 hours. However, thanks to the complicated mode of action of inhibition, drugs have nonlinear pharmacokinetics that can resist drug metabolism for days at a time if multiple doses are administered. According to research, the incorporation of MDMA into psychotherapy for individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder yielded positive results in alleviating symptoms up to thirty per cent in most participants. Some of the participants showed promising results, with PTSD wholly eradicated. Worth mentioning is a reach in which nearly 75% of participants ended up with remission of symptoms for 3 to 5 years after the initial therapy. The milestone of MDMA breakthrough therapy designation for treating PTSD was achieved in 2017 after it was formally granted. After this, several studies were conducted at the international level to check for potential therapeutic advantages of MDMA in treating depression, anxiety and social anxiety in adults with an autism spectrum disorder.
Ketamine
According to studies, women experience an advanced rate of drug elimination nearly 20% higher than men. So, men are known to report more prominent signs. Ketamine is regarded as a novel compound that is mainly obtained from phencyclidine. Its clinical implications and half-life depend upon the route of administration. Intravenous administration results in the most rapid onset. FDA approved the Esketamine nasal spray ( a particular form of Ketamine) to treat depression. It’s nearly impossible to treat with other drugs. After that, it was officially to treat people suffering from major depression and suicidal thoughts. It takes a few days to show its impacts on the human body. The employment of hallucinogens to deal with mental issues comes with complications. No questions are asked about the mode of action of Prozac, a drug that works on the brain. Citing the fact that it is a hallucinogen, it is a million-dollar question of how they help with depression.
Psychedelics Concerns
There is a growing concern about Ketamine that it can be abused for fun. Some psychedelic drugs are deemed to be as dangerous as some of the most commonly abused recreational drugs. However, trustworthy studies have shown that consumers of psychedelics don’t get addicted to them quickly. Despite this, they are included in the Schedule Class 1 drugs category, deemed the most dangerous even citing the fact that there is no direct evidence of any abuse reported regarding these drugs in a clinical setting. Ritalin, which is deemed OK in a clinical setting, stands as the most abused drug in the United States of America. The Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, which has an expert panel, reviewed 20 potential drugs of abuse in 2010. All the medications reviewed were designated a number between 0 and 100, with a higher number depicting higher risk. Alcohol led the charts with 72, followed by Heroin with 55. However, Ketamine, MDMD, and LSD were ranked considerably lower, with none exceeding 15. This depicts that drug rules nowadays are based on conventional ideas rather than solid evidence. According to some research, all three above cannot be as risky as they are deemed. To cement this idea, Scientists used mice. When these drugs( at low doses) were injected into the mice, it didn’t make them want more. But, once the doses were administered at an increased level, it caused a depletion of interest among them in seeking rewards. The drugs reached their optimum activity level within 10 minutes, and its implications lasted about 100 minutes.
Consequently, the decreased potential of psychedelic drugs proved experimentally, can be considered less harmful than other recreational drugs. However, this is one side of the coin. Understanding the danger they pose requires in-depth analysis.
Physical Dangers of Psychedelic Drug Effects
As we have already discussed, the traits of these drugs are not as hazardous as other drugs; it still does not rule out that they are dangerous and cause problems. They should be used under the direction and supervision of a credible and certified authority. NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) says unpleasant adverse effects after hallucinogens are not a rarity. Some of the effects can be pretty dangerous, including:
Physical Dangers:
It might include:
● Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA have a tendency to interfere with blood pressure, alleviating it through a number of mechanisims like vasoconstriction. Fluctuating blood pressure especially the one the rise can be threatening.
● MDMA can badly impact your thermoregulatory system, causing your body temperature to increase rapidly. It then causes dehydration, leading to cell death.
● LSD and peyote can increase your body’s metabolism, ultimately leading to weight loss. It can decrease essential nutrients to alarming concentrations.
● Most psychedelics tamper with the normal functioning of your gastric juice, which can be quite risky as the stomach is one of the vital organs in our body.
● Some psychedelics can mess with your voluntary control of your muscles.
Psychological Dangers:
One of the leading causes of abusing this class of drugs is the feeling of well-being it can induce, the rise in the activity of mixed senses and the creation of an unearthly feeling for individuals. However, its adverse effects include the following :
● Sometimes, you might face psychedelic effects in the shape of anxiety, panic and terrifying circumstances that may not exist.
● Visual disturbances and extreme paranoia can be caused as a result of long-term exposure to any of the psychedelic drugs.
● Flashbacks to past drug trips can mimic severe medical conditions even months or years later.
● Although not common, addiction can occur with long-term abuse, and your tolerance can grow, pushing you to try riskier substances.
Behavioral Dangers:
● Depression leads to self-harm or even suicide attempts.
● PCP can trigger highly violent behavior, making intoxicated individuals a danger to themselves and others.
● People can hurt themselves due to drug-induced confusion or delusion.
Side Effects:
Short-term effects include increased heart rate, nausea, high blood pressure, dry mouth, and panic. Long-term effects are rare but may include persistent psychosis and HPPD. Psychosis is an ongoing mental problem that creates serious complications. HPPD is an abbreviation for Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, which are flashbacks that might occur days after exposure to the drug. The long-term effects might also involve another closely resembling development, Bad Trip. It encompasses the long-term adverse effects of prolonged exposure to hallucinogens. Bad Trips are highly unpredictable. It is best to remain in a safe and secure environment.
MCQS
1) What is the primary active compound in ayahuasca?
A. LSD
B. MDMA
C. DMT
D. Psilocybin
Answer: C. DMT
2) Who is often credited as a pioneering figure in modern ethnobotany and extensively documented plants used by indigenous communities in South America?
A. Aldous Huxley
B. Richard Evans Schultes
C. William S. Burroughs
D. Franz Xavier Veigl
Answer: B. Richard Evans Schultes
3) Which literary movement was characterized by a deviation from orthodox narratives and societal conformity?
A. Romanticism
B. Realism
C. Beat Generation
D. Surrealism
Answer: C. Beat Generation
4) What is the primary focus of the Beat Generation’s interest in ayahuasca?
A. Enhancing physical fitness
B. Alleviating addiction cravings
C. Promoting orthodox narratives
D. Exploring mainstream psycho-pharmaceutical treatments
Answer: B. Alleviating addiction cravings
5) Why are many individuals turning to alternative approaches for mental health concerns?
A. To increase healthcare expenses
B. To embrace mainstream psycho-pharmaceutical treatments
C. To reduce stigma associated with mental health issues
D. To promote traditional talk therapy
Answer: C. To reduce stigma associated with mental health issues
6) What percentage of adults took psychotropic medications in March 2022, according to the National Institute of Mental Health?
A. 10%
B. 22%
C. 35%
D. 50%
Answer: B. 22%
7) What significant challenge does the field of psychiatric medicine face, as mentioned in the article?
A. A lack of new psychiatric medications
B. An oversupply of mental health professionals
C. Decreasing mental health disorders in society
D. The success of conventional treatments
Answer: A. A lack of new psychiatric medications
8) Which of the following is not mentioned as a common psychedelic substance?
A. Ketamine
B. LSD
C. MDMA
D. Cocaine
Answer: D. Cocaine
9) What is the primary way in which psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin affect the brain?
A. By increasing dopamine levels
B. By blocking serotonin receptors
C. By reshaping neural pathways through chemical changes
D. By inducing a state of unconsciousness
Answer: C. By reshaping neural pathways through chemical changes
10) Which receptor is often associated with serotonin and plays a significant role in psychedelic experiences?
A. 5-HT2A receptor
B. NMDA receptor
C. TrkB receptor
D. mTOR receptor
Answer: A. 5-HT2A receptor
11) What is the relationship between the 5-HT2A receptor and depression, as mentioned in the article?
A. People with depression have too few 5-HT2A receptors.
B. People with depression have an overabundance of 5-HT2A receptors.
C. There is no link between depression and 5-HT2A receptors.
D. 5-HT2A receptors are only found in individuals with depression.
Answer: B. People with depression have an overabundance of 5-HT2A receptors.
12) How do psychedelics like LSD and DMT impact the brain’s neural plasticity?
A. They inhibit neural plasticity.
B. They have no effect on neural plasticity.
C. They enhance neural plasticity.
D. They cause neurons to shrink.
Answer: C. They enhance neural plasticity.
13) What term is used to describe the increased chaos level in the brain caused by psychedelics?
A. Entropy
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Neural plasticity
D. Hallucinations
Answer: A. Entropy
14) According to Aldous Huxley’s “reducing valve theory,” what does the brain act as during normal functioning?
A. A filter
B. A transmitter
C. A receptor
D. A processor
Answer: A. A filter
15) What does LSD do to the default mode network (DMN) in the brain, according to scientific research?
A. Enhances its functioning
B. Has no impact on it
C. Compromises its communication
D. Increases serotonin production
Answer: C. Compromises its communication
16) How does the article suggest psychedelics may benefit individuals struggling with depression and addiction?
A. By exacerbating rigid thought patterns
B. By strengthening the default mode network
C. By weakening the default mode network
D. By blocking serotonin receptors
Answer: C. By weakening the default mode network
17) What is emphasized as a crucial component of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the article?
A. Self-administration of substances
B. Selling substances by practitioners
C. Careful candidate screening
D. Inadequate monitoring during therapy
Answer: C. Careful candidate screening
18) Which substance, derived from mushrooms, has shown promise in treating alcohol and tobacco addiction?
A. MDMA
B. Psilocybin
C. Ketamine
D. Ayahuasca
Answer: B. Psilocybin
19) What is the abbreviation for Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)?
A. PTSD
B. OCD
C. HPPD
D. ADHD
Answer: C. HPPD
20) According to the article, why are some psychedelic drugs classified as Schedule Class 1 drugs?
A. Due to their high addiction potential
B. Because they have a proven history of abuse
C. Based on solid scientific evidence
D. Following conventional ideas rather than evidence
Answer: D. Following conventional ideas rather than evidence
