Psychedelic and dissociative drugs can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions. Among other health effects and safety concerns, people who use these substances report feeling strong emotions ranging from bliss to fear and experiencing vast changes in how they perceive reality.
Learn more about NIDA research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic and dissociative drugs, including psilocybin. Along with other partners at the National Institutes of Health, NIDA is supporting research into psilocybin as a potential clinical treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.
If psychedelic-based therapies were to gain FDA approval, protocols to train clinicians will be needed for these therapies to enter mainstream psychiatric treatment, as well as questions answered about credentialing (i.e., what kinds of training, education, and experience qualify someone to deliver psychedelic-based therapy?).
Are psychedelic or dissociative drugs already approved as medicines? Are psychedelic and dissociative drugs being studied as potential medical treatments? What is psychedelic-assisted therapy? How do “mystical experiences” affect psychedelic or dissociative drug outcomes? Do psychedelic and dissociative drugs have side effects?
MDMA, also called Molly or Ecstasy, is a lab-made (synthetic) drug that has effects similar to stimulants like methamphetamine, although some researchers and organizations consider MDMA to be a psychedelic drug because it can also mildly alter visual and time perception. MDMA’s effects may include feeling more energetic and alert and having an increased sense of well-being, warmth, and ...
Psychedelic drugs. NIDA supports research on therapies using psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and dissociative drugs like ketamine. There is some evidence that these drugs may support addiction recovery when used in clinical settings in combination with psychotherapy. More information on treatments being studied by NIDA can be found on our ...