Psychedelic Drugs and Their Effects on the Body and Brain - Literature review Example

Research Paper on Hallucinogens/ Psychedelic Drugs and Their Effects on the Body and Brain Psychology Hallucinogens/Psychedelic Drugs and Their Effects on the Body and Brain Introduction Hallucinogens or psychedelics consist of a broad group of drugs consisting natural and synthetic drugs with a diversity of chemical structure. The best known and widely used of these drugs include: psilocybin which is derived from species of mushrooms; mescaline got from cactus- peyote; phencyclidine (PCP) synthetic Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), it is majorly found in morning glory seeds. Other drugs include harmine, dimethytryptamine (DMT), ibogaine, and harmaline. Ketamine, which has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration as an aesthetic agent for minor procedures, is also included in this class. Synthetic drugs, which are chemically administered like methoxyfated amphetamines and tryptamines, are included in this class of drugs. With this genesis of the class of hallucinogens, this research paper will be aimed at examining the effects that these drugs have on the body and the brain (Grinspoon and Doblin, 2001). Body Prior to understanding the effect of hallucinogens on the body and the brain, it is important to understand the mode of action of the drug to understand the relationship with the effects. Hallucinogens interact with the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is widely distributed in the brain, and the spinal cord hence the ability of the drug to have effects on the brain. Serotonin is involved in the control of mechanisms in the body like perception, behavior, regulatory mechanisms, body temperature, sexual behavior, hunger, sensory perception, and muscle control. The effects of psychedelic drugs on the body will therefore be related to the effects it has on the foretold physiological processed in the body (AADAC, 2002). To begin with, under the influence of hallucinogens, as the name suggests, and individual hallucinates. This is characterized by seeing, hearing, or feeling of sensations that to the individual appear real, but in reality, the perceptions do not exist. The name psychedelic has been coined from the visual colored patterns that individuals under the influence of hallucinogens purport to see but in reality, it does not exist (Grinspoon & Doblin, 2001). Hallucinogens were previously used as reserve for ritual practices as they grew from plants and hence not easily accessible to all. This was however, short lived, following the discovery of LSD; a synthetic hallucinogen that mimics serotonin. LSD produces its effects on the brain at two parts: cerebral cortex and locus ceruleus. The cerebral cortex is responsible for perception, cognition, and mood. These functions are altered upon the use of the drug. The locus ceruleus serves as an intermediary between the brain and the external environment. It serves as a coordination of the brain to bodily functions that adapt to the changing environment. Any interference with this function is exhibited in individual “bad trips” and they become at risk for injury since they are not able to interpret and adjust to the external stimuli (AADAC, 2002). Psychedelic drugs have been used for psychotherapy purposes. They have been regarded as having an effect on the brain by stabilizing the neurotransmitters that are responsible for elated mood and possible mania. It has been used for clinical trials in patients with anxiety, mood disorders, and those who are depressed following trauma. Patients who have used hallucinogens report episodes of calmness in the performance of their day-to-day activities that would have previously in the past elicited anxiety. Patients depressed following loss of a loved one when prescribed hallucinogens have reported dramatic improvement in their mental status (Dobkin, 2002). Consequently, hallucinogens have an effect on both the mind and the brain as they have been reported to be effective in relieving somatic and neurotic symptoms. Somatic symptoms are relieved since psychedelic drugs have a relaxation effect on the muscle fibers. In addition, neurotic symptoms are relieved as evidenced in a clinical trial carried out in patients suffering from chronic pains. Patients who were under palliative care reported reduced excruciating pain, which forms part of their symptoms. This led the psychedelic drugs to be purported to prepare patients for a peaceful death. This was because of their therapeutic nature especially for cancer patients in the adverse stages of the disease. This evidences that hallucinogens have an effect on the body (somatic) and on the brain (neurotic) (Grinspoon, & Doblin, 2001). Following ingestion of MDMA, which is a hallucinogen, this drug, was found to have effect in the thinking process of the individuals. Individuals who had previously experienced inhibition in their intimacy and had reservation that led to underperformance, reported contrary results. They avowed that with the use of the drug, all inhibitions were off and they felt as they were in a euphoric trance. This enabled them to relate openly with their partners, there was also no anxiety and they reported to being calm (Grinspoon & Doblin, 2001). Ketamine and PCP have been described as dissociative drugs. Based on the mode of action, they produce their effect in the brain by inhibiting the transmission of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is responsible for perception of pain, sensation, and memory. Upon the use of ketamine, it inhibits the reuptake of glutamate by the neurons hence there is no perception of pain producing an aesthetic effect. This makes it possible to perform day surgeries like removal of kelloids, warts, lymphomas, and growths that are not extensive (Grinspoon, & Doblin, 2001). Despite the benefits that hallucinogens have on the body and the brain, it has also been reported to cause neurotoxicity. This is following the accumulation of serotonin at the nerve terminal. This is secondary to the mode of action of serotonin that inhibits the uptake of serotonin by the nerve fibers for transmission. This translated to increased accumulation of serotonin at the nerve terminals a condition that may translate to neurotoxicity. The individual therefore presents with tingling sensations in parts of the body transmitted by the dermatome. This therefore necessitates the need for the therapeutic administration of hallucinogens to prevent their administration to toxic levels (Grinspoon, & Doblin, 2001). Hallucinogens, especially LSD have been documented to have physiologic effects on the body systems. To begin with, the drug causes increased heart rate to the cardiovascular system that translates to increased blood pressure. The drug also has sympathomimetic effects since the individual presents with dry mouth, dilate pupil, and increased sweating. To the gastro intestinal system, the individual presents with increased appetite. The neurologic system is characterized with numbness and the individual may present with tremors (AADAC, 2002). Consequently, there has been documented tolerance in individuals who take hallucinogens. The body is able to tolerate drug taken and hence produce no effects, translating to need for increased intake of the hallucinogens. If not corrected early, it can translate to dependence among a majority of individuals. This is attributed to the need to dissociate “take a trip” from unhappy situations or circumstances that the individual is encountering. This has led to the abuse of most hallucinogens especially LSD (AADAC, 2002). Psychedelics have also been documented to cause Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). This is also referred to as flashbacks and is an adverse effect of hallucinogens. This is since these effects can be felt even two to three weeks following withdrawal from the drug. The individual keeps hallucinating especially as pertains to the smell and visual hallucinations that distort the perception of the individual. Though there has been no documented withdrawal symptom, this is one of the adverse effects of hallucinogens but regresses if there is no induction following withdrawal (Wu, Kouzic & Schlenger, 2003). Conclusion Psychedelic/ hallucinogens have both beneficial and adverse effects. This is wholly determined by the frequency in which they are administered and the rationale behind their administration. Hallucinogens have therapeutic advantages as they can be used as mood stabilizers for patients with depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the associated trance “trip”. They are also able to produce anesthetic effect and hence can be used for surgical procedures and as strong analgesic agents for patients with adverse symptoms in terminal stages of chronic illnesses. However, this should be under the discretion of a physician as it can lead to hallucinations, “bad trips”, dependence, risk for injury, neurotoxicity, tremors, numbness, and the sympathomimetic effects. In finality, a drug will only be therapeutic if used within the therapeutic window and so will hallucinogens/ psychedelics. References Albert Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission (2002), ABCs of LSD, Retrieved November 22, 2011from http://www.hawaii.edu/hivandaids/Short%20Term%20Effects%20Long%20Term%20Effects%20LSD%20and%20Addiction.pdf Dobkin, M. (2002). What we can learn from shamanic healing: Brief psychotherapy with Latino immigrant clients. American Journal of Public Health, 92(10), 1576-8. Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215104175?accountid=45049 Grinspoon, L., & Doblin, R. (2001). Psychedelics as catalysts of insight-oriented psychotherapy. Social Research, 68(3), 677-695. Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/209669088?accountid=4504 Wu, L., Kouzis, A., & Schlenger, W. (2003). Substance use, dependence, and service utilization among the US uninsured nonelderly population. American Journal of Public Health, 93(12), 2079-85. Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215103711?accountid=45049 Read More