Psychedelics and dissociative substances

Psychedelics and hallucinogens, including LSD and psilocybin, act on the 5-HT2a receptor and have a long history of spiritual and counter-cultural use. They are physiologically safe, do not cause dependence, and are being researched for treating anxiety, addictions, and depression. Ketamine, used as an anesthetic and for resistant depression, has abuse potential; while safe in overdose, it poses acute risks from intoxication and chronic use can damage the urinary tract.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Psychedelics and hallucinogens represent some of the most commonly used drugs in the world, with a history of use steeped in spirituality, counter-culture, and more recently latent therapeutic potential. Sharing a common mechanism of action at the 5-HT2a receptor, drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, while they can rarely induce significant short-term psychopathology, are remarkably safe physiologically, do not cause dependence, and are now being actively researched again for their therapeutic potential in non-psychotic conditions such as anxiety, addictions, and depression. Ketamine is also being explored as a treatment for resistant depression and is in common use as an anaesthetic. However, it has increasingly become recognized as a drug with abuse potential. Although safe in overdose, ketamine carries acute risks related to vulnerability while intoxicated, and chronic use is associated with urinary tract toxicity.