Psychosomadelics: The case for renaming psychedelics

Summary

The term 'psychedelics' is proposed to be replaced with 'psychosomadelics' to better encompass both the mental and bodily effects of these substances. The current term is seen as too focused on psychological effects, neglecting the significant somatic impacts that are increasingly recognized. The new term aims to enrich discussions by acknowledging the relationship between mind and body in the context of these substances.

Study at a glance

Abstract

It is proposed that the term ‘psychedelics’, used for a certain class of psychoactive substances, be replaced by our new term 'psychosomadelics'. In our view, this step is necessary because the term 'psychedelics' is psychocentric (i.e. focusing primarily on the effects on the mind) and therefore neglects the somatic (bodily) effects of these substances. This is of particular importance as knowledge of the extensive effects that these substances have on the body is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, from a philosophical point of view, this new term also evolves and expands the connotations of such substances and their effects, as it indirectly relates to philosophical mind-body ontologies and phenomenologies. The term 'psychosomadelics' denotes both mind and body concepts, and also connotes their proposed relations – thereby providing balance and enrichment to the associated discourse. We thus suggest that the new term be adopted.

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