They can be chemically-based, like ketamine, or plant-based, like DMT. Though many people use psychedelics recreationally, certain substances are being studied as a potential treatment for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Psychedelics vary in how they impact an individual’s brain. Here are common short-term and long-term effects to expect for many major substances.
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a chemically-made hallucinogen that was first synthesized in the 1930s. Many psychiatrists investigated it as a potential treatment in the 1950s and 1960s, and it’s been studied more recently to alleviate symptoms of various mental illnesses.
How LSD Affects the Brain
Studies have shown that in the short-term, LSD can reduce left amygdala (the part of the brain that experiences emotions) reactivity to fearful stimuli. It can also enhance empathy, and increases connectivity between brain areas that are typically dissociated. LSD connects the primary visual cortex with other brain areas, which may be responsible for hallucinations. In one long-term study, 16 participants took a single dose of LSD and reported back one and 12 months afterward. At 12 months, the participants reported increased levels of well-being, altruism, and positive mood. Furthermore, 10 of the 14 remaining participants reported that taking LSD was one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic that’s increasingly being studied as an effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression.
How Ketamine Affects the Brain
Neuroimaging studies have found that ketamine can increase activity involved in reward processing, and decrease activity in areas that control self-monitoring. Some studies have pointed out that ketamine can produce psychosis-like symptoms. One finding administered intravenous ketamine to 27 participants, and had them self-report psychosis-like symptoms via the Psychotomimetic States Inventory (PSI). Many of them reported increases in metrics such as delusional thinking, perceptual distortion, and mania. In the long-term, ketamine use may pose additional risks. In one review, long-term ketamine use (both recreationally and for medical purposes) was associated with impairments in memory and executive functioning.
Psilocybin
Magic mushrooms are a type of fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally-occurring hallucinogen.
How Psilocybin Affects the Brain
Studies have shown that psilocybin has the potential to reduce anxiety and increase positive mood. In one finding, 12 participants were assessed one day before, one day after, and one month after receiving a 75 mg dose of psilocybin. After one month, they reported higher levels of positive emotions and lower levels of anxiety when compared to the baseline. Psilocybin may also be beneficial in the long run. One study had cancer patients participate in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, and after 4.5 years, 60% to 80% of the participants met the criteria for clinically significant reductions in depression and anxiety.
DMT
Dimethyltryptamine, known commonly as DMT, is a naturally-occurring psychedelic that’s found in plants and animals, including humans. DMT is the hallucinogenic component in ayahuasca, a South American plant used in rituals. Its effects are shorter than other psychedelics, lasting about an hour.
How DMT Affects the Brain
In the short term, DMT can lead to mixed outcomes. One study found that DMT, when used recreationally, could alleviate anxiety and produce feelings of euphoria. However, DMT can also produce acute cardiovascular distress, and may lead to paranoia in certain individuals. In a study that measured MRI reports of the brains of regular ayahuasca users, many participants reported increases in spiritual feelings. These findings are limited in that they are correlational, and further research is required to determine DMT’s lasting effects in a controlled setting.
Mescaline
Mescaline occurs naturally in cacti plants throughout the southwest United States, Mexico, and South America. Like DMT, it has traditionally been used by Native Americans in religious ceremonies and to alleviate certain physical ailments.
How Mescaline Impacts the Brain
One study that assessed mescaline’s acute effects on regular users found that it led to self-reported improvements in depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms. Many respondents also classified mescaline use as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Ecstasy
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as “molly” or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug. It’s been popular in rave and music festivals since the 1970s. Ecstasy has a high potential for abuse when compared to other psychedelics.
How Ecstasy Affects the Brain
Ecstasy produces an immediate feeling of pleasure by releasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is responsible for reward and motivation, while serotonin is associated with happy and calm feelings. Researchers are examining the impact of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on individuals with PTSD. Findings indicate that at 12 months after receiving two to three doses of 75mg to 125 mg, participants continue to show symptom improvement. However, other sources have pointed out that long-term effects of ecstasy can include depressive symptoms and memory deficits. Further studies are required to determine the lasting effects of ecstasy on the brain within a controlled setting.
Getting Help
Though there is evidence for the therapeutic benefit of certain psychedelics, it’s important to note that these have occurred in clinical settings under specific dosages. Long-term misuse or abuse of psychedelics can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes, including persistent psychosis, visual disturbances, paranoia, distorted thinking, and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder—recurring visual disturbances or flashbacks that can occur more than a year after drug use. If you or someone you know is struggling with psychedelic abuse, speak to your doctor about receiving treatment. This will often include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address thought patterns, and medication to reduce psychological symptoms.
