Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes. They are also known as hallucinogens, because they can cause people to see, hear, feel, and taste things that are not really there. Psychedelics can also alter people’s sense of time, space, and self.

Psychedelics have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures around the world for their spiritual and medicinal properties. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction.

Some of the most well-known psychedelics include:

• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
• Psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms)
• Mescaline (the active compound in peyote)
• DMT (dimethyltryptamine)
• Ayahuasca (a South American brew that contains DMT)

Psychedelics are typically taken orally, but they can also be smoked or injected. The effects of psychedelics vary depending on the substance, the dose, and the individual user. However, most psychedelics produce a similar range of effects, including:

• Altered perceptions of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell
• Changes in mood and emotion
• Altered sense of time and space
• Enhanced creativity and imagination
• Spiritual experiences

Psychedelics can be powerful and transformative drugs. However, they are also associated with some risks, including:

• Bad trips: Bad trips can be characterized by anxiety, fear, and paranoia. They can be very distressing and can even lead to violence or self-harm.
• Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD): HPPD is a condition in which people experience flashbacks of psychedelic effects even after they have stopped using the drugs. HPPD is usually mild and goes away on its own, but it can be chronic and debilitating in some cases.
• Other risks: Psychedelics can also interact with other medications and cause serious health problems. It is important to talk to your doctor before using psychedelics, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.