Glossary terms

Question 1

After-glow

Answer 1

A positive mental and emotional state that often follows a psychedelic experience, characterized by feelings of well-being, enhanced mood, and increased openness. This period can last from hours to days after the initial effects wear off.

Question 2

Altered States of Consciousness questionnaire

Answer 2

A standardized assessment tool used to measure and categorize the different aspects of consciousness changes induced by psychedelics or other altered states, such as changes in perception, mood, cognition, and sense of self.

Question 3

Ayahuasca

Answer 3

A traditional Amazonian plant-based brew containing the psychoactive compound DMT (from the chacruna plant) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine)

Question 4

Concord Prison Experiment

Answer 4

A 1961–1963 study led by psychologist Timothy Leary, where psilocybin (a psychedelic compound) was administered to prisoners to assess its potential for reducing recidivism. Although initial results seemed promising, follow-up studies cast doubt on its effectiveness

Question 5

Default mode network (DMN)

Answer 5

Network of interacting brain regions that is active during rest and self-referential thoughts, such as daydreaming, reflecting on the past, or planning for the future. Psychedelics are known to temporarily disrupt DMN activity

Question 6

DMT (or N,N-Dimethyltryptamine)

Answer 6

A powerful, naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain plants and animals. Known for inducing intense, short-lived visual and auditory hallucinations, DMT is the active ingredient in ayahuasca

Question 7

DOM

Answer 7

A synthetic psychedelic and stimulant from the amphetamine family, known for its long-lasting effects, sometimes lasting up to 24 hours. DOM produces intense visual and sensory hallucinations and was popular in the 1960s under the street name “STP” (Serenity, Tranquility, and Peace)

Question 8

Ego death

Answer 8

A profound state often experienced under the influence of psychedelics, where one’s sense of self, or ego, temporarily dissolves

Question 9

Empathogen

Answer 9

A class of psychoactive substances that enhance feelings of emotional connection, empathy, and social bonding. Common empathogens include MDMA (ecstasy), which promotes openness and feelings of love toward oneself and others

Question 10

Entheogen

Answer 10

A term used to describe psychoactive substances that are used in a religious, spiritual, or shamanic context to facilitate profound experiences, often considered as a means to connect with the divine or explore consciousness.

Question 11

The Good Friday Experiment

Answer 11

A 1962 study conducted by Walter Pahnke at Marsh Chapel in Boston, where 20 theology students were administered psilocybin during a Good Friday service. The study aimed to explore the effects of psychedelics on religious experiences. Participants reported profound mystical experiences and feelings of unity and connection to a higher power

Question 12

5-HT2A receptor

Answer 12

Subtype of serotonin receptor primarily involved in mediating the effects of psychedelics. Activation of the 5-HT2A receptor by compounds like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT is believed to contribute to altered states of consciousness, visual and auditory hallucinations, and changes in perception

Question 13

5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine)

Answer 13

A potent naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in various plant species and the venom of the Colorado River toad (Bufo alvarius). Known for its intense and rapid onset of effects, 5-MeO-DMT can induce profound mystical experiences, ego dissolution, and altered states of consciousness

Question 14

Hallucinogen

Answer 14

A class of psychoactive substances that cause significant alterations in perception, mood, and cognitive processes. Hallucinogens can induce visual and auditory hallucinations, changes in thought patterns, and altered states of consciousness

Question 15

Hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder

Answer 15

A rare condition characterized by persistent visual distortions and hallucinations that continue after the acute effects of hallucinogenic substances have worn off. Symptoms may include visual snow, trails following moving objects, and altered colors or shapes.

Question 16

Holotropic Breathwork

Answer 16

A therapeutic practice developed by psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, involving accelerated breathing techniques combined with evocative music to facilitate altered states of consciousness

Question 17

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

Answer 17

A powerful synthetic hallucinogenic drug known for its ability to induce significant alterations in perception, mood, and thought processes. Its effects typically last 8 to 12 hours, and it has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications in treating conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Question 18

MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)

Answer 18

A nonprofit organization founded in 1986 dedicated to research and education around psychedelics and their therapeutic applications.

Question 19

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

Answer 19

A synthetic empathogenic drug known for its ability to enhance feelings of emotional connection, empathy, and euphoria

Question 20

Mescaline

Answer 20

A naturally occurring psychedelic compound primarily found in the peyote cactus, as well as in other cacti like the San Pedro and Peruvian torch. Mescaline is known for its ability to induce visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time, and profound spiritual experiences.

Question 21

Microdosing

Answer 21

The practice of consuming sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, typically about one-tenth of a standard recreational dose. Commonly used psychedelics for microdosing include LSD and psilocybin

Question 22

Mystical Experience Questionnaire

Answer 22

A standardized tool used to assess the occurrence and intensity of mystical experiences, often in the context of psychedelic research. Evaluates various dimensions, including feelings of unity, transcendence, ineffability, and a sense of sacredness

Question 23

Phenethylamines

Answer 23

A class of compounds that includes a variety of psychoactive substances characterized by a phenethylamine backbone. This group encompasses both stimulants and hallucinogens, such as amphetamines, mescaline, and 2C-B

Question 24

Psilocin

Answer 24

A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in various species of mushrooms, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms.”

Question 25

Psilocybin

Answer 25

A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, commonly known as “magic mushrooms.” Psilocybin is a prodrug that is converted into psilocin in the body

Question 26

Psychedelic

Answer 26

A class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often leading to vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, changes in thought patterns, and profound emotional experiences. Common psychedelics include LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline

Question 27

Psycholytic and psychedelic therapy

Answer 27

Psycholytic Therapy: A therapeutic approach that involves the use of low to moderate doses of psychedelics, typically in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychedelic Therapy: This approach involves administering higher doses of psychedelics in a controlled therapeutic setting to induce profound altered states of consciousness

Question 28

Psychotomimetic

Answer 28

A term used to describe substances that can induce effects similar to those seen in psychotic disorders, such as hallucinations, delusions, and altered perceptions of reality

Question 29

Santo Daime & Uniao do Vegetal

Answer 29

Two syncretic religious movements from Brazil that utilize ayahuasca as a sacrament in their ceremonies.

Question 30

Set and setting

Answer 30

Key concepts in the context of psychedelic experiences, referring to the psychological state of the individual (set) and the physical and social environment (setting) in which the experience occurs.

Question 31

Tryptamine

Answer 31

A class of organic compounds that are derived from the amino acid tryptophan and are characterized by a tryptamine backbone. Tryptamines include a variety of psychoactive substances, such as psilocybin, DMT, and LSD