Psychedelics
What are they?
Psychedelics, also called hallucinogens, are drugs that change how a person thinks, feels, and sees the world. They can affect mood, senses, and a person’s understanding of reality.
When using psychedelics, people may see or hear things that aren’t there, feel strong emotions, or feel deeply connected to people or nature. Others may feel anxious, confused, or afraid.
Some psychedelics come from plants or mushrooms. Others are made in labs. Some have been used for cultural or spiritual practices for a long time. Today, researchers are studying psychedelics in clinical trials to see if they may help with certain mental health conditions when used in medical settings. However, they are not currently approved to treat mental health conditions in the United States.
Classic hallucinogens mainly affect perception and mood, while dissociative drugs can also make people feel detached from their body or surroundings.
Classic hallucinogens:
- Psilocybin (magic mushrooms, shrooms)
This comes from certain mushrooms. They are usually eaten dried or mixed into food or drinks. They can change how a person sees, hears, and feels things. Effects can range from mild to overwhelming depending on the person and setting. - LSD (acid) - Lysergic acid diethylamide
This is a very strong psychedelic made in a lab. It’s often taken on small paper tabs or as drops. The effects can last 8–12 hours and may include intense visual changes and shifts in thinking. - DMT - Dimethyltryptamine
This is a very powerful, short-acting psychedelic that can come from plants or be made in a lab. It often causes intense visual experiences and a strong shift in awareness for a short time. - Ayahuasca
This is a tea made from plants that contain DMT and other ingredients. It is used in some traditional spiritual ceremonies. It can cause strong psychological effects and often nausea or vomiting. - Mescaline (peyote or San Pedro cactus)
This is a natural psychedelic from certain cacti. It has a long history in some Indigenous ceremonies. Effects can include visual changes and altered sense of time.
Dissociatives
- Ketamine (Special K, K, Super K)
This is a medical anesthetic used in health care and veterinary medicine. At some doses, it can cause dissociative or psychedelic effects like feeling detached from the body. It is also being studied in medical settings as treatment for depression. - PCP (angel dust)
This is a drug known for unpredictable and sometimes dangerous effects. It can cause agitation, confusion, and feeling disconnected from reality. - Salvia (diviner’s sage, sage of the seers)
This is a plant originally from parts of Mexico and Central and South America. People may chew the leaves, drink plant juices, or smoke or vape dried leaves. Salvia can cause very strong, short-lasting hallucinations and changes in perception. Some people report feeling detached from their body, like floating or moving through time. Effects can be unpredictable and may feel confusing or frightening for some people. - MDMA (ecstasy, molly)
MDMA is often grouped with psychedelics because it affects mood and perception. It can increase feelings of closeness and energy but also carries risks like overheating and low mood after use. It is being studied in therapy settings for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
All of these substances can change perception, mood, and thinking. Effects can vary from person to person.
How they work
Classic hallucinogens affect brain chemicals that shape mood, perception, and awareness. Many act on serotonin, a brain chemical involved in mood, sleep, and how we process what we see and feel. This is why people may notice visual changes, intensified emotions, or unusual thoughts.
Serotonin helps regulate:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Sensory perception
- Body temperature
- Appetite
Dissociatives, like ketamine and PCP, work more on glutamate, a brain chemical involved in learning, memory, and pain perception. These drugs can create dissociative effects, meaning a person may feel detached from their body or surroundings.
Psychedelics can also temporarily change how different parts of the brain communicate. This can shift a person’s sense of time, self, and connection to others or the environment.
Experiences vary widely based on:
- Age and body chemistry
- Dose and strength
- Environment or setting
- Mindset and mental health
- Mixing with other substances
Varied reactions to psychedelics mean some experiences feel meaningful or pleasant, while others can feel confusing, overwhelming, or frightening.
In some cases, psychedelics can trigger panic, paranoia, or psychosis (losing touch with reality). This risk increases with high doses, mixing substances, or if someone has a personal or family history of certain mental health conditions.
Short-term effects
Effects can begin within 20–90 minutes and may last several hours depending on the drug.
Possible short-term effects include:
- Changes in time and space perception
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Feeling connected or detached
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seeing colors, shapes, or patterns
- Strong emotions (joy, fear, or panic)
- Sweating or feeling shaky
Some people have a “bad trip,” which can include panic, paranoia, or fear.
There is higher risk for accidents or injuries because judgment and awareness can be affected.
Long-term effects
- Increased anxiety or mood changes
- Ongoing fear or distress after a bad trip
- Possible worsening of mental health conditions
- Rare but possible lasting perception changes
- Tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
Safety note
Street drugs may be laced with fentanyl or other substances. This raises overdose risk.
Wild mushrooms can be misidentified. Some toxic mushrooms can cause serious illness or death.
Combining psychedelics or mixing psychedelics with other drugs can increase the risk of toxic effects like sedation, psychosis, or serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition caused by too much serotonin in the body. It can range from mild to life threatening.
Psychedelics can interact with several drugs used to treat mental health disorders. Make sure to seek care from a qualified health care professional for any new or worsening symptoms while using psychedelics.
Impacts on mental health
Psychedelics can affect mental health.
Some people report meaningful or spiritual experiences. Researchers are studying whether certain psychedelics may help with depression, PTSD, or addiction when the psychedelics are used in medical settings with trained professionals. However, psychedelics are not currently approved to treat mental health conditions in the United States.
Psychedelics may worsen:
- PsychosisPanic disorders
- Schizophrenia
They can be especially risky for people with a personal or family history of psychosis or severe mental illness.
If someone feels overwhelmed, scared, or disconnected after using psychedelics, it can help to talk to a trusted person or a mental health professional.
You’re not alone, and support is available.
Call 988 to speak to someone now.
FAQ's
Are psychedelics addictive?
Are psychedelics addictive?
Most classic psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin are not usually considered addictive, and problems with addiction are rare. However, using them often can still lead to unhealthy or hard-to-control patterns.
Some drugs in this group like PCP, ketamine, and MDMA have a higher risk of misuse and dependence. With repeated use, people may build tolerance and may have withdrawal symptoms when they stop.
Can psychedelics cause overdose?
Can psychedelics cause overdose?
Fatal overdose from classic psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline is rare. However, other drugs in this category, like PCP or ketamine, have a higher risk of overdose.
Even when overdose is not fatal, psychedelics can still be dangerous. They can affect judgment and awareness, which may lead to accidents, risky behavior, or unsafe decisions. There is also a risk of taking the wrong substance, since some toxic plants look similar to psychedelic ones.
What is microdosing?
What is microdosing?
Microdosing means taking a very small amount of a psychedelic drug on a regular schedule, usually about 5–10% of a typical dose. The amount is low enough that people do not feel strong hallucinogenic effects. Some people try microdosing psilocybin to help with mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, or OCD. While some people report feeling better, research has not yet shown that microdosing is safe or effective.
Are psychedelics legal?
Are psychedelics legal?
In Alaska, all psychedelics are illegal for non-medical use. Drugs like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), DMT, and MDMA are classified as controlled substances, which means it is illegal to possess, use, or sell them.
Ketamine is different. It is the only psychedelic that can be legally used in medical settings by licensed providers. However, using ketamine outside of a medical setting is illegal.
Laws can change over time, and enforcement may vary, but in general, non-medical use of any psychedelic is illegal in Alaska.
Are psychedelics used as medicine?
Are psychedelics used as medicine?
Some psychedelics are being studied in medical settings for mental health treatment, but this is not the same as being approved for medical use.
Research studies involve careful screening, trained providers, and careful dosing. Using psychedelics on your own is not the same as receiving medical care and can carry more risk.
When should someone seek help?
When should someone seek help?
Call 911 or seek emergency care if someone:
- Is very confused or panicked
- Has chest pain or trouble breathing
- Has seizures
- Is a danger to themselves or others
- Can’t be woken up
For non-emergencies, reaching out to a health care provider or support line like 988 can help.
Looking for support or safer options?
Explore Next Move’s resources on mental health, coping, and substance use support.