Addictive potential of Psychedelics?

[The Unknowing]

I'd like for people to raise their thoughts on this because some people who have never tried them are concerned (that I've spoken to). I know they're not physically addictive, but do you think it is possible to get psychologically addicted to the consciousness-expanding experience?

My answer to that would be: are vegetables addictive? All jokes aside, I think the experience is too intense and if you have to muster up the courage to take it, it probably isn't even remotely addictive.

Share your thoughts!
Much Love,
OneEye

 

[pau]

These substances can show someone things they need to work on internally ... and it is up to that individual to choose how they go ahead and do that. That work can be difficult...even VERY difficult. It's been clear to me that at some point continuing to take these substances can be avoidance ... a kind of addictive fun ... rather than doing the work. However, I wouldn't call it "addictive" in the clinical, physical dependency sense.

 

[DreaMTripper]

Well the euphoria from DMT can be so clean and clear I can see how some people will binge on it, especially mixed with other drugs such as MDMA or Ketamine to make it a recreational trip.
There's also the escapism element that many will find consolement in.
So yeah I think some psychedelics do have potential for psychological addiction, just like sugar or the internet.

 

[indydude19]

Entheogens are still drugs and if your brain likes something, its going to try and get more, whether its drugs, food, music or sex.

I define a high as a temporary alteration in consciousness, and therefore recognize hallucinogens as the strongest drugs that produce strongest highs and longest highs.

When i first discovered DMT i broke through about 40 times over the course of 3 days. The experience was incredibly intense, but it was an intensity i loved, until i learned to slow my roll haha.

Any drug can be addictive in some way, the main determinant IMO is the person. I don't like opiates, strong stimulants, or downers. I do have a sweet spot for tripping though and have felt the psychological tug from the other side of hyperspace before..... And mushrooms, i LOVE some good fungi.

 

[Nathanial.Dread]

Edit - removed
Blessings
~ND

 

[jamie]

you friend like sounds a bit off..I took mushrooms often more than once a week when I was 21-23 or so, while smoking an ounce a week and I did not get any kind of tolerance so bad that I couldnt get stoned nor did I go insane or psychotic..and mushrooms are not a cannabis sustitute even when you have cannabis tolerance..something about all of that adding up to what you described just doesnt make sense unless you friend was already off his rocker somewhat. Any time I have seen people go kind of crazy and violent with psychedelics etc it was always with a person who already had some kind of issues. A really difficult trip is one thing and normal, a complete violent psychotic break is not normal.

There is a difference between addiction and just stupid/reckless use also..well maybe the two are not mutually exclusive. You can be psychologicaly addicted to many things..that does not mean those things themselves are addictive.

Psychedelics are not addictive. This is such a rediculous claim people make. They are not addictive..find some kind of evidence that shows classical psychedelics are addictive..you wont. They are not addictive. There is no physical withdrawl. People might develope psychological patterns of addiction when taking them, the same way some people might get addicted to bird watching or bicycle riding. Does not mean you can say bird watching or bicycle riding is addictive.

 

[Guyomech]

Specifically, psychedelics do not hijack the reward center in the direct and disruptive manner that opiates, alcohol and nicotine do. These truly addictive substances can lead to a point where the user becomes physically ill without them. This is vastly different from a psychological dependency. I love smoking weed and will do it at least twice a day most days, but when circumstances call for abstention (parental visit etc) I can do that without physical side effects. A person who is physically addicted to something can't just arbitrarily take time off whenever they choose; that's just not an option.

You will occasionally run across someone who abuses psychedelics to the point where they have a hard time functioning. It is rare and, I think, a product of deeper issues rather than being a trait of the substances themselves. I think that most of us who get heavily involved in psychedelics will at one point or another reach the end of the honeymoon and adopt a much more measured, moderate approach. Most of the middle-aged psychonauts that I know are content with a handful of experiences a year... Not what you would normally think of as addictive behavior.

 

[hardboiled]

Agreeing with jamie & Guyomech here. Psychedelics are not addictive at all. It all comes down to particular person and it's problems. If your trying to run away from your physical life and problems with psychedelics it's gonna come back and bite you in your ass in one form or other.
These are tools to be used with proper manner, attitude, caution and it's not for everyone.
If you are serious explorer and you do strong doses than you most definitely need a lot of time off for integration in my view. People going of their rocker is a symptom of abusing this tools and not taking time to integrate plus not to mention usually they have some prior mental problems that haven't been properly addressed.

Powerful spirit and mental tools/medicine that need to be RESPECTED at all times! That is why i don't do recreational doses and use. Only when called upon.

 

[anrchy]

I don't see why anyone would say that anything can't be addictive. Yes there is a difference between psychologically and biologically. Psychedelics are not this special thing that is free from those with addictive personalities.

Yes it is less likely due to the power of the substances. But I mean come on, some people jump off of buildings playing with death. Double backflips 200 ft through the air on ATVs. Those two things are equally if not more scary than DMT (depending).

I have seen people take 35mg DMT and get blasted off hard. And have zero anxiety or fear. It is possible and its not the same for everyone.

 

[endlessness]

Psychedelics can absolutely be addictive, and when you abuse them, you can really do a number on your brain.

Blessings
~ND

Source?

 

[obliguhl]

Some people find them psychologically addictive.

Personally, i think chances are pretty low. After a decent dose, most people would probably want to stop and process the experience before trying again. At least that would be my guess...got no data to back that up though... just my personal experience.

 

[Entheogenerator]

From my understanding pretty much anything that creates euphoria, or anything that is enjoyable, can be "psychologically addictive". So basically yes, psychedelics can be "addictive", but only in the sense that yoga, exercise, skateboarding, and the internet can be "addictive".

The "classic" psychedelics do not create a physiological dependence. They are not "physically addictive" in the way that alcohol, opiates, nicotine, cannabis (debatable), et cetera can be.

 

[universecannon]

What they all said ^

It's silly to call them addictive at all, IMO. Being obsessed with visionary medicine for the mind is quite different than addiction. Some do 'abuse' them without anything but the next best high in mind, but from what I've seen that was when they'd just take lower doses. I honestly have never seen what I would call a person addicted to psychedelics

The nexus is more addictive

 

[hardboiled]

What they all said ^

It's silly to call them addictive at all, IMO. Being obsessed with visionary medicine for the mind is quite different than addiction.

The nexus is more addictive

Hmmm...you kinda hit the head on the nail there UC.:!:

 

[SnozzleBerry]

Psychedelics can absolutely be addictive, and when you abuse them, you can really do a number on your brain.

Blessings
~ND

Source?

+1