[An overview of natural entheogens].
Revue medicale suisse – April 03, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Entheogens, a group of lesser-known psychoactive substances, pose potential risks in outpatient care. Despite their prevalence, only limited studies address their long-term health effects. Five specific entheogens were examined, revealing a gap in medical literature and authority oversight—niche consumption is often overlooked. With no rapid screening methods available, overdose management typically relies on non-specific supportive treatments like benzodiazepines. This highlights an urgent need for improved understanding and protocols surrounding these substances to ensure patient safety and effective care.
Abstract
Entheogens are a group of little-known psychoactive substances which consumption is nevertheless frequently mentioned in outpatient care and which can have harmful effects. This raises the question of appropriate management of their effects, as well as the treatment of any overdose. In this article, we focus on five of these substances, which are rarely described in the medical literature. At present, few studies exist on their long-term effects on health, and this type of niche consumption does not seem problematic from the authorities' point of view. Rapid screening is unavailable because it has not been developed, and the management of overdoses is often limited to non-specific supportive treatment with benzodiazepines.