Are Psychedelics Addictive, Helpful, or Harmful?
Psychedelics hold a strange position in the world of drugs. On one hand, many people in society view them as scary, dangerous, or holding strong potential to make someone “crazy”. On the other extreme, individuals who experiment with psychedelic drugs can sometimes rely on them too heavily for finding meaning in life or escaping the challenges of reality, or simply for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Sometimes, casual/ recreational substance users might hold a viewpoint that psychedelics aren’t dangerous or addictive– especially in comparison to other addictive substances such as opioids or cocaine. But does that mean there are fewer dangers with these types of drugs compared to others? Are psychedelics addictive? Or is it a myth promoted by people who fear to explore their minds in a deeper way? More recently, people report using these drugs for their social or therapeutic potential, including to have fun, deal with stress, have a spiritual experience, or just to feel diffe...