psychedelic drug
Học thuậtThân thiện
A scientist studies the effects of a psychedelic drug in a controlled laboratory.
Definition
Noun: A psychoactive substance that significantly alters perception, mood, and cognitive processes, typically by inducing hallucinations, vivid sensory experiences, or a sense of expanded consciousness.
Usage
This term is used to classify and describe a specific category of drugs based on their primary psychological effect. It is a formal and clinical term often found in medical, psychological, and legal contexts.
Examples
- The study examined the long-term effects of a psychedelic drug on patients with treatment-resistant depression.
- In the 1960s, some researchers experimented with psychedelic drugs like LSD to explore the nature of the mind.
- The possession and use of most psychedelic drugs are illegal in many countries.
Advanced Usage
- In research contexts: The term is often specified further, e.g., "classic psychedelic drugs" (like psilocybin or DMT that act on serotonin receptors) versus "dissociative psychedelic drugs" (like ketamine).
- In historical/cultural contexts: It can be used to describe substances used in traditional spiritual or religious rituals, such as peyote in certain Native American ceremonies.
Variants and Related Words
- Psychedelic (adjective): Describing the drug itself or the experiences it produces. (e.g., ).
- Psychedelia (noun): The subculture or style associated with the use of psychedelic drugs and their influence on music and art.
- Hallucinogen (noun): A closely related and often synonymous term, though some classifications distinguish "psychedelics" as a subtype of hallucinogens.
- Entheogen (noun): A term for psychoactive substances used in religious or spiritual contexts.
Synonyms
- Hallucinogen
- Psychotomimetic (an older, less common term implying mimicry of psychosis)
- Mind-altering drug
Antonyms
- Depressant
- Stimulant (while stimulants are psychoactive, their primary effect is different)
- Sober (state)
Related Phrases
- Bad trip: A distressing or frightening experience while under the influence of a psychedelic drug.
- Set and setting: A concept emphasizing that the effects of a psychedelic drug are influenced by the user's mindset ("set") and physical/social environment ("setting").
A scientist studies the effects of a psychedelic drug in a controlled laboratory.
Noun
- a psychoactive drug that induces hallucinations or altered sensory experiences