Use and abuse of dissociative and psychedelic drugs in adolescence
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior January 27, 2021 M.l. Shawn Bates, Keith A. Trujillo 57 citations
Adolescence involves major behavioral, neural, and hormonal changes and a heightened tendency for risk-taking and drug use. This review of human and preclinical studies on dissociatives (PCP, ketamine, DXM), classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin), and MDMA finds that very little is known about their effects in adolescents. Emerging evidence suggests dissociatives and MDMA produce both reinforcing and aversive effects, and the balance between these may differ between adolescents and adults, potentially affecting drug use and addiction. However, many studies have not directly compared age groups, preventing firm conclusions. Sex differences and long-term consequences of adolescent use remain largely unexplored. Addressing these gaps is crucial given widespread adolescent use and potential therapeutic applications.