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Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
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Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
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Psychedelic Microdosing: Prevalence and Subjective Effects.

Lindsay P Cameron1, Angela Nazarian2, David E Olson3,4,5

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Psychedelic microdosing, taking small doses of psychedelic substances, is popular among young adults. Participants reported improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced cognition, but cited risks and access issues for discontinuation.

Keywords:
LSDPTSDPsychedelicanxietydepressionmicrodosing

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Psychedelic microdosing involves taking sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelic compounds intermittently.
  • This practice is increasingly popular among young adults for purported mental health and cognitive benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Assess the prevalence and demographics of psychedelic microdosers.
  • Determine subjective associations between microdosing and mood, cognition, social interaction, and physiology.
  • Investigate reasons for discontinuing psychedelic microdosing.

Main Methods:

  • An anonymous online survey was administered to 2347 individuals.
  • Data collected included demographics, microdosing practices, perceived effects, and reasons for cessation.

Main Results:

  • 17% of respondents reported engaging in psychedelic microdosing.
  • Microdosers subjectively attributed improved mood, decreased anxiety, enhanced memory, attention, and sociability to the practice.
  • Primary reasons for discontinuation included risks of illegal substance use (24.28%) and difficulty in obtaining compounds (22.63%).

Conclusions:

  • Psychedelic microdosing is a relatively common practice.
  • The practice is subjectively associated with diverse positive socio-affective, cognitive, and physical outcomes.
  • Barriers to continued use include legal risks and access challenges.