Synthetic Drugs and Behavioural Addictions: LSD, MDMA and Digital Toxicity
June 1, 2026 Sharda More-Pol
This chapter argues that modern psychological stressors, synthetic drug abuse (LSD, MDMA), and behavioral addictions such as gaming can be understood through ancient Ayurvedic concepts of Madya (intoxicants), Mada (intoxication), and Prajñāparādha (cognitive perversion). By examining classical texts from the Brihatrayi, it proposes that overstimulation from chemicals or screens causes deterioration of mental faculties, described as Ojas depletion and Manovaha Srotas vitiation. Drawing parallels with modern neurobiology—including 5-HT2A receptor agonism, monoamine depletion, and dopamine-driven reward-circuit changes—the authors present an integrative framework for emergency stabilization, behavioral modification, cognitive rehabilitation (Sattvāvajaya Cikitsā), and rasayana recovery protocols in integrative clinical psychiatry.