Glossary of Psychedelic Terms
5-HT2A Receptor:
A type of serotonin receptor in the brain that is the primary site of action for many classical psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD. Its activation leads to altered perception, mood, and cognition.
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Ayahuasca:
A traditional Amazonian plant-based brew containing DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) used for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. Known for inducing intense psychedelic experiences.
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​Bad Trip:
A distressing or unpleasant psychedelic experience, characterized by anxiety, fear, confusion, or paranoia. Bad trips are often linked to the set (mindset) and setting (environment) of the experience.
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Cognitive Flexibility:
The ability of the brain to switch between thinking about different concepts or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. Psychedelics are thought to improve cognitive flexibility by promoting neuroplasticity.
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Default Mode Network (DMN):
A network of brain regions that is active during self-referential thought and mind-wandering. Psychedelics are known to reduce the activity of the DMN, leading to ego dissolution and a sense of expanded consciousness.
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DMT (Dimethyltryptamine):
A powerful psychedelic compound found in certain plants and animals, and often referred to as the “spirit molecule” for its ability to induce short, intense psychedelic experiences. DMT is the primary active compound in ayahuasca and can induce profound visual and spiritual experiences.
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​Ego Dissolution:
A feeling of losing one's sense of self or ego, often reported during psychedelic experiences. This can lead to feelings of interconnectedness with the universe or a transcendent state of consciousness.
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Entheogen:
A term used to describe psychoactive substances that are used in a religious, spiritual, or shamanic context to induce altered states of consciousness and facilitate spiritual growth or healing.
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Experience:
In the context of psychedelics, experience refers to the subjective journey or state of consciousness a person undergoes after consuming a psychedelic substance. This can include sensory, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual effects, varying greatly based on the individual, the dosage, and the substance used.
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Flashbacks:
A condition where individuals experience recurring visual or sensory distortions after a psychedelic experience. These flashbacks can occur days or even months after the initial trip.
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Hallucinogen:
A substance that causes changes in perception, thought, and feeling, often resulting in hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t present). Psychedelics are a subset of hallucinogens.
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Ibogaine:
A naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from the root bark of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Ibogaine is used in some treatment contexts to help people overcome addiction, particularly to opioids, due to its ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and promote introspective experiences.
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Insight:
A revelation or profound realization that emerges during a psychedelic experience. These insights often relate to personal, emotional, or existential aspects of life and are thought to be one of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.
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Integration:
The process of reflecting on and incorporating insights or lessons learned from a psychedelic experience into one’s daily life. Integration is a critical phase for achieving long-lasting therapeutic or personal benefits from the experience.
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Journey:
A term often used to describe the overall experience of taking psychedelics, emphasizing the personal or spiritual exploration one undergoes. It implies a deeper, transformative process that unfolds over time during the psychedelic state.
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Ketamine:
A dissociative anesthetic that has psychedelic properties at lower doses. Ketamine is increasingly used in therapeutic settings for its fast-acting antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression. It induces out-of-body experiences and detachment from the physical self.
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LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide):
A potent synthetic psychedelic compound that produces altered states of consciousness, including enhanced sensory perception, intense visual hallucinations, and profound introspective experiences. LSD is known for its long duration and is a key substance in the history of psychedelic research.
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MAOI:
A class of compounds that inhibit the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin. In the context of ayahuasca, MAOIs prevent the breakdown of DMT, allowing it to be active when taken orally.
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MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine):
A synthetic drug known for its empathogenic effects, which enhances feelings of empathy, emotional connection, and well-being. Although not a classic psychedelic, MDMA is used in therapeutic settings to treat trauma and PTSD by allowing patients to process emotions in a safe, open state.
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Mescaline:
A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in peyote and other cacti. It produces altered states of consciousness, including enhanced visual perception, altered sense of time, and introspection.
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Microdosing:
The practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, typically around 1/10th of a regular dose. It’s believed to enhance creativity, focus, mood, and cognitive function without producing full-blown psychedelic effects.
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Microglia:
Immune cells in the brain that regulate inflammation and brain health. Psychedelics have been shown to interact with microglia, potentially reducing neuroinflammation and promoting brain repair.
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Mushrooms:
Refers to psilocybin mushrooms, a type of fungi that contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These mushrooms have been used for centuries in spiritual and healing rituals and are now studied for their therapeutic potential.
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Neurogenesis:
The process of generating new neurons in the brain. Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin and LSD, are thought to promote neurogenesis, enhancing brain plasticity and cognitive function.
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Neuroplasticity:
The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Psychedelics can enhance neuroplasticity, leading to long-lasting changes in cognition, emotion, and behavior.
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Onset:
The period after ingestion when the effects of the psychedelic begin to manifest. Onset times can vary depending on the substance, the method of administration, and the individual’s metabolism, with effects typically beginning anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour after consumption.
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Peyote:
Peyote is a small, spineless cactus (Lophophora williamsii) native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It contains mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound known for its ability to induce altered states of consciousness, including visual hallucinations and profound spiritual experiences.
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Plant-based:
Refers to substances that are derived from natural plant sources, as opposed to synthetic psychedelics. Examples include psilocybin (from mushrooms), mescaline (from cacti), and DMT (from plants like those used in ayahuasca).
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Psilocin:
The active metabolite of psilocybin, responsible for the psychedelic effects. Psilocin directly interacts with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, leading to altered perception, mood, and cognition.
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Psilocybin:
A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms.” Psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin in the body, which produces its psychoactive effects by acting on serotonin receptors.
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Psychedelic Renaissance:
Refers to the renewed scientific, medical, and cultural interest in psychedelics as tools for healing, self-exploration, and spiritual growth, following decades of stigma and prohibition.
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Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT):
A therapeutic approach that involves the use of psychedelic substances (such as psilocybin or MDMA) in a controlled setting to treat mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
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Retreat:
A structured, often multi-day program where participants engage in guided psychedelic experiences, usually in a natural or isolated environment. Psychedelic retreats often include preparation, ceremonial use of the substance, and group or individual integration sessions.
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Rumination:
The process of repetitive, negative thinking or dwelling on problems. In the context of psychedelics, substances like psilocybin and ketamine have been shown to reduce rumination, especially in individuals with depression, by promoting cognitive flexibility and shifting mental patterns.
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Schedule I Substance:
A classification under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which designates drugs or chemicals that are considered to have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. In the context of psychedelics, several well-known substances fall under this category, including: psilocybin, LSD, DMT, MDMA, Mescaline (found in peyote). Despite being classified as Schedule I substances, recent research has shown the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. However, due to this classification, these substances remain illegal at the federal level, with limited exceptions for approved research.
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Serotonin:
A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, cognition, and perception. Many psychedelics act on the serotonin system, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, to produce their effects.
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Session:
A structured period in which a person takes a psychedelic in a controlled or therapeutic setting. Psychedelic therapy sessions often include preparation, the actual ingestion of the substance, and guided experiences with a therapist or guide.
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Set (Mindset):
Short for mindset, it refers to the mental and emotional state of the individual before taking psychedelics. A person’s expectations, mood, and psychological condition can significantly impact the nature of their psychedelic experience.
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Set and Setting:
A term used to describe the psychological (set) and environmental (setting) conditions that influence the quality of a psychedelic experience. A positive mindset and safe, comfortable environment are essential for a beneficial experience.
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Setting:
The physical and social environment in which the psychedelic experience takes place. A safe, comfortable, and supportive setting is crucial to ensuring a positive and beneficial psychedelic journey.
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Shamanism:
A practice involving spiritual or healing rituals, often guided by a shaman, that can include the use of psychedelic substances like ayahuasca to induce visionary states and facilitate healing.
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Synesthesia:
A phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory pathway (e.g., hearing) leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in another sensory pathway (e.g., seeing colors). Synesthesia is commonly reported during psychedelic experiences.
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Transpersonal Experience:
A type of experience that transcends the individual ego and leads to a sense of oneness with the universe or a higher spiritual reality. Psychedelics can often induce these profound states of consciousness.
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Trip Sitter:
A sober individual who accompanies someone during their psychedelic experience, providing emotional support and ensuring the physical safety of the person during their altered state of consciousness.
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Tryptamines:
A class of naturally occurring compounds that include the neurotransmitter serotonin and psychedelic substances like DMT and psilocybin. Tryptamines act on serotonin receptors to induce altered states of consciousness.