LSD and Its Impact on Users and Research

A chemical compound extracted from the seed pods of opium poppy plants.

Substances containing opium, its constituents, or similar synthetic drugs.

Synthetically made drugs similar to naturally occurring opioids. For example, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used as an analgesic and anesthetic.

The most potent commercially available opioid, often found in illicit markets.

A measure of a drug's dangerousness based on acute effects, long-term dependence, and societal impacts.

Drugs like LSD, that alter perception and consciousness, are not considered more dangerous than some legal or illegal substances.

The term coined by Humphry Osmond in 1956 to describe mind-manifesting or soul-revealing substances.

A Canadian psychiatrist who collaborated with Humphry Osmond on psychedelic research.

A Swiss chemist who synthesized LSD in 1938.

The day Albert Hofmann accidentally ingested LSD and experienced its effects, later celebrated by LSD users.

Those who used LSD were deemed by authorities as "sick and dangerous", while advocates argued that the established powers were actually the ones who were "sick and dangerous".

Researchers like James Fadiman gave psychedelics to individuals in fields like art, engineering, and science to explore its potential for creativity enhancement.

LSD was seen as a sacred experience that provided visionary insights, similar to those experienced by mystics and esoteric groups.

Engineers attributed the birth of the computer revolution in Silicon Valley to LSD, seeing it as a tool for innovation and creative exploration.

A state of altered consciousness characterized by perceptual distortions, vivid imagery, and an altered sense of self.

Drugs that induce psychedelic experiences, altering perception, cognition, and mood.

A term coined by Timothy Leary to describe the process of awakening from a state of unconsciousness through psychedelic experiences.

A term coined by Timothy Leary referring to applying insights gained from psychedelic experiences to the external world.

A term coined by Timothy Leary referring to a quest for authentic spiritual experiences and a rejection of conventional societal norms.

A state of heightened awareness and sensitivity to perception.

A term used to describe the cultural movement of the 1960s that embraced psychedelic experiences, counterculture ideologies, and artistic expression.

A period of societal change and cultural upheaval fueled by psychedelic experiences and counterculture movements.

The use of psychedelics has been linked to the development of psychosis in some individuals, with reported incidence rates varying from 0.008% to 4.6%. This suggests that a small percentage of people may be vulnerable to psychedelic-induced psychosis.

Studies have shown that individuals hospitalized for LSD-induced psychosis often have a history of previous psychiatric treatment. This finding highlights the importance of considering pre-existing mental health conditions as a potential factor.

A comparison of people with schizophrenia who used drugs versus those who didn't, found that drug users had better psychological adjustment before the onset of schizophrenia. However, they had worse adjustment compared to non-schizophrenic controls.

The research on drug use and schizophrenia is complicated by the fact that individuals often use multiple drugs simultaneously, making it difficult to isolate the specific effects of any one drug. This makes it hard to pinpoint which drug (if any) caused the chronic psychosis.

There are noticeable differences between acute psychoses that occur shortly after LSD use (2-7 days) and those that occur without drug use. This suggests that some individuals may be more susceptible to psychosis induced by psychedelics.

A designation indicating high abuse potential, lack of safety even in medically supervised use, and no current accepted medical use.

Refers to the individual's expectations and mindset at the time of taking a psychedelic drug.

Refers to the physical, social, and cultural environment in which a psychedelic drug is taken.

The more stable of two compounds, psilocybin gets converted to psilocin when ingested, resulting in psychedelic effects.

The main psychoactive substance in the peyote cactus, known for its psychedelic effects.

A powerful psychedelic drug known for its intense and short-lasting effects.

A psychedelic brew made from the Banisteriopsis vines and often combined with other plants, containing DMT and beta-carbolines.

The need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve a desired effect or a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of substance.

A type of psychedelic-induced perceptual disturbance that can happen years after taking a psychedelic drug, sometimes triggered by other drugs or medications.

The recurrence of emotions and perceptions originally experienced while under the influence of a psychedelic drug.

A class of neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions.

Serotonin receptor subtype that has been implicated in the effects of psychedelic drugs.

Increased activity in serotonergic neural pathways, which may be responsible for the altered perceptions and states of consciousness induced by psychedelic drugs.

The part of the brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles.

A shift in perception and consciousness that can lead to a different understanding of oneself and the world.

A type of treatment for alcohol abuse involving LSD sessions, but ultimately found to have no significant impact on long-term outcomes.

A form of therapy that utilizes humane and supportive surroundings within a hospital setting, aiming to improve patients' well-being.

A type of therapy in which the individual is guided by a therapist using hypnosis, often combined with other techniques.

A type of therapy that focuses on the mind-body connection, exploring the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms.

The use of psychedelic drugs, particularly LSD, in therapeutic settings, often aiming to facilitate emotional breakthroughs and personal healing.

A state of heightened awareness and sensitivity to perceptions, characterized by a sense of unity, connectedness, and awe, often encountered during psychedelic experiences.

A research study that investigated the potential similarities between mystics' experiences and those induced by psilocybin.

The subjective feeling of being located outside of one's physical body, often accompanied by a sense of detachment from the physical world.

Experiences reported by individuals who were close to death, often involving feelings of peace, tunnel visions, lights, and encounters with deceased loved ones.

The hypothesis that consciousness or a part of the human personality can survive physical death, suggesting a potential for an afterlife.

The ability to perceive events or information that are not accessible through the five senses, often associated with paranormal phenomena.

A state or ability to foresee future events, commonly associated with precognitive dreams or intuitions about the future.

A phenomenon where the presence of a specific person disrupts or interferes with the functioning of mechanical or electrical devices.

A theory proposing that OBEs are primarily psychological phenomena, resulting from the brain constructing a mental model of itself and its surroundings, leading to the perception of being outside the body.

A state of deep mental engagement and absorption in activities that involve imagination or fantasy, often associated with individuals prone to having OBEs.