Hallucinogens: Spiritual and Therapeutic Use, Overuse, and Complications

Classic hallucinogens are powerful psychoactive substances with a long history of human use, integral to prehistorical and aboriginal cultures and belief systems. They were later condemned and repressed by evolving civilizations, only to be rediscovered in the 20th century. Their use spread to the general culture, especially among youth during the politically tumultuous 1960s, and was seen as causing cultural upheaval and a public health crisis. After decades of quiescence, rigorous controlled research on hallucinogens has resumed. This chapter covers their historical background, neuropharmacology, cultural use, risks of adverse events and addiction, the recent renaissance of research, and models for optimal use and future implications.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract A fascinating class of psychoactive substances possessing a long and mysterious history of human use are the classic hallucinogens. Forming a vital component of prehistorical and aboriginal culture and belief systems, hallucinogens were ultimately condemned and repressed by evolving civilizations, only to the “rediscovered” in the 20th century. Of compelling interest to anthropologists, ethnobotanists, pharmacologists, medical scientists, and mental health clinicians, their use was diverted to the general culture, particularly among youth during the politically tumultuous 1960s: it was determined to be the cause of a period of cultural upheaval associated with a perceived public health crisis. After decades of quiescence, however, the careful examination of hallucinogens under rigorous and approved research conditions has resumed. This chapter will explore the historical background, neuropharmacology, cultural use, risks of adverse events/addiction, recent renaissance of controlled research, and models for optimal use and implications for the future.