[An overview of natural entheogens].

Entheogens are little-known psychoactive substances whose use is frequently encountered in outpatient care and can cause harm. This article examines five such substances rarely described in medical literature. Few studies exist on their long-term health effects, and authorities do not view this niche consumption as problematic. Rapid screening is unavailable, and overdose management is often limited to non-specific supportive care with benzodiazepines.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Entheogens are a group of little-known psychoactive substances which consumption is nevertheless frequently mentioned in outpatient care and which can have harmful effects. This raises the question of appropriate management of their effects, as well as the treatment of any overdose. In this article, we focus on five of these substances, which are rarely described in the medical literature. At present, few studies exist on their long-term effects on health, and this type of niche consumption does not seem problematic from the authorities' point of view. Rapid screening is unavailable because it has not been developed, and the management of overdoses is often limited to non-specific supportive treatment with benzodiazepines.