Tag: Psychedelics

Chronic stress and major depressive disorder can significantly decrease neurogenesis in the hippocampus [1]. Emerging research is exploring what drugs induce neurogenesis to potentially counteract this effect and develop new treatments for psychiatric and neurological conditions [2, 3].

While the mature human brain has a limited capacity for regeneration, producing only a small number of new neurons each day primarily in the hippocampus, scientists are actively investigating what drugs are used to regenerate brain cells in damaged areas. The ultimate goal is to find therapeutic agents that can repair neurological damage caused by disease or injury.

Research has shown that several classes of drugs can stimulate the hippocampus, influencing brain functions related to memory and learning. While some substances provide acute stimulation that contributes to addiction, others, like certain antidepressants, promote lasting structural changes through neurogenesis. Understanding what drugs stimulate the hippocampus offers insight into both the mechanisms of addiction and potential therapeutic pathways for cognitive enhancement.

Historically, hallucinogenic plants have been used in religious rituals to induce states of detachment and spiritual visions. Today, the motivations behind the use of hallucinogenics are more varied, as people seek everything from profound personal insights to therapeutic breakthroughs and recreational enjoyment.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 7 million Americans used hallucinogens in 2021, highlighting the widespread use of substances that alter consciousness. This diverse category of substances, often described by the keyword **What is a drug that alters reality?**, includes psychedelics and dissociative drugs that profoundly distort a person's perception of the world. Understanding their distinct mechanisms and effects is crucial for grasping their impact on the human mind.

In 2019, an estimated 5.5 million or more people in the U.S. reported using hallucinogens [1.3.1]. A drug that alters perception, also known as a hallucinogen, is a substance that changes a person's thoughts, feelings, and perception of reality [1.2.2, 1.2.3].

Recent decades have seen renewed scientific interest in a class of compounds, sometimes termed 'psychoplastogens', that rapidly stimulate neuroplasticity. A recent review noted that hundreds of clinical trials are now investigating the therapeutic effects of these agents, including classic psychedelics and ketamine, to treat a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. This guide will explore exactly what drugs stimulate neuroplasticity, their mechanisms, and their potential clinical applications.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Schedule I substances have the highest potential for abuse of all controlled substances. This article explains **what is a number 1 controlled substance** and details the specific criteria that place a drug in this restrictive category, outlining the severe legal and medical implications of this classification.

Structurally, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is very similar to the naturally occurring neurotransmitter serotonin. Both are classified as tryptamines and share an indole and an ethylamine group, yet they produce vastly different effects on the brain due to slight molecular differences. Understanding how DMT is similar to serotonin is key to grasping how this powerful psychedelic compound exerts its influence.

Based on anecdotal evidence and preliminary research, a microdose is typically defined as a sub-perceptual quantity, falling below the threshold for noticeable changes. This practice, particularly with psychedelics, raises a fundamental pharmacological question: What is the size of a microdose and how does this sub-perceptual quantity affect the body and mind?