7 Myths And Misconceptions
About Psychedelics
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
There is much misinformation about psychedelics in modern society, many of which have been spread by different authorities. In the confusion of information overload, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction amid stories of terror and transcendence. Having a sharp eye and an open mind are necessary to navigate this maze of false information and break the stigma of psychedelics.
However, growing scientific research is causing a steady change in the psychedelic community. But this trip is also tainted by the lingering effects of the “War on Drugs,” which has made many people skeptical of these substances. We’ve broken down some common myths about psychedelics to try to bring some sense of clarity within the chaos.
1. Psychedelics are Addictive
In contrast to what the general public believes, natural psychedelics do not cause physical dependency or lead to addiction. But before we can properly debunk this myth, let’s define addiction. Anything that is used as an escape from reality has the potential to become addictive, be it food, sex, or social media.
Because psychedelics don’t affect the same brain receptors as addictive substances like opioids or stimulants, it’s nearly impossible to use them regularly. The quick tolerance buildup will make them useless after an everyday binge. However, there are reports of abuse among certain populations but is relatively unlikely to happen, especially with “strong” psychedelics like Ayahuasca or 5-MeO-DMT.
2. Psychedelics Will Make You Crazy
Some people have the misconception that psychedelic substances cause momentary insanity, which is characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Indeed, many people might experience hallucinations and see extraordinary visuals at greater doses. These effects, however, are fundamental to psychedelics and, for the majority of users, are brief, fading as the substance wears off.
The only grain of truth in this theory is that psychedelics may, in certain cases, worsen mental health conditions that go untreated or people with a strong genetic predisposition may have their conditions triggered by psychedelics. Therefore the use of psychedelics should be avoided by people who are already prone to psychosis and mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
3. Psychedelics are Only Party Drugs
While some people do use psychedelics at music festivals to enhance the overall experience, they’re not just fun and games. The landscape of psychedelics is in constant flux, fueled by the rapid expansion of scientific research in the field.
Numerous studies and publications from before psychedelics were outlawed in the 1970s to the present psychedelic renaissance clearly show how beneficial psychedelic medications may be. It’s no wonder we are seeing more and more clinics and psychotherapists using these substances in their work.
4. Psychedelics Can Create Holes in the Brain
There’s a widespread belief that psychedelics have the potential to create holes in the brain or “fry” it. You probably saw those brain-imaging pictures depicting what appear to be significant holes in the brain after using psychedelics, well they’re nothing but a “War on Drugs” propaganda.
5. Everyone Has the Same Experience
This is yet another common misconception if your tripping buddy undergoes an ego death or has a bad trip it doesn’t mean that you’ll have the same experience. Even when you take the exact same dose, each person’s psychedelic journey will be completely different.
6. Psychedelics Can Be Fatal
Among all types of medicine and drugs, psychedelics are one of the safest compounds that ever existed. In fact, fatalities linked to psychedelics pale in comparison to those resulting from tobacco, alcohol, drugs like opioids and stimulants, and even prescription medications.
Believe it or not, you are more likely to die from a lightning strike than from taking any psychedelics. This is because psychedelics, especially entheogens and natural substances, have no known long-term physical side effects and do not harm any of the body’s organs.
7. They Will Always Make You Hallucinate
Taking psychedelics doesn’t always end up in vivid hallucinations and changes in cognition, it all depends on the dosage. There’s a new trend known as Microdosing, and according to online forums, people report a variety of benefits from this procedure.
Essentially it’s a practice of taking minuscule, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics with an aim to improve creativity, enhance mood, and improve overall well-being.
If you want to learn more about microdosing visit MamaDose and get informed!
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