A review of common psychedelic drugs
Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia – November 19, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelics, once dismissed as drugs of abuse, are experiencing a significant medical resurgence. With a history over 10,000 years, these substances saw clinical use in the 1950s and 60s before widespread prohibition. Current drug studies reveal their immense therapeutic value, particularly as adjuncts to psychotherapy for conditions like addiction. This comprehensive review explores the chemical synthesis and biochemical analysis of psychedelics, detailing classifications, effects, and bodily interactions. Psychiatry and psychology are keenly observing this shift, recognizing their potential for novel patient care.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have traditionally been used in medicine and religious rituals. Their use dates back thousands of years with fossil evidence as old as 10 000 years. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s psychedelics were used in clinical studies. These drugs then saw widespread use in hippie culture and were viewed as a drug of abuse with no medicinal value. Currently, psychedelics are being investigated as adjuncts to existing psycho therapeutic approaches including depression and addiction. This article will look at definitions, classifications, effects and basic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these drugs. In this review I will refer to this group of drugs as psychedelics.