Wikidelika

Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that produce profound changes in perception, thinking, mood and consciousness. Classic psychedelics – including psilocybin, LSD, DMT and mescaline – act primarily as agonists at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. This activation leads to increased neural connectivity between brain regions that normally communicate little with each other, while simultaneously reducing activity in the so-called Default Mode Network (DMN) – the network associated with ego and self-image.

Classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, DMT, mescaline) act via serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and produce visual phenomena, emotional depth and altered time perception with full consciousness. Dissociatives like ketamine or PCP act as NMDA receptor antagonists and create a feeling of detachment from body and reality. Entactogens like MDMA increase the release of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, promoting empathy and emotional openness without classic hallucinations.

Classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD are not considered physically addictive according to current research. They do not activate dopaminergic reward circuits to the extent that substances like opiates or stimulants do. Moreover, regular use quickly develops tolerance, making escalation of use unattractive. However, psychological dependency patterns can develop, and misuse is possible. MDMA and ketamine have higher addiction potential and should be approached with greater caution.