A new classification of the psychoactive substances (stimulants, entactogens, hallucinogens)
Pharmacopsychiatry August 31, 2009 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240195 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA new classification of psychoactive substances is proposed, based on the idea that specific psychophysical activation and deactivation patterns are preformed in normal neurophysiological states such as hypnagogic states, postorgasmic states, and dreaming. These patterns can be activated by various means of altering consciousness, including different psychoactive substances. The classification draws on the author's experimental studies of altered states induced by hallucinogens and other methods, along with a comprehensive literature review. The model may have implications for psychophysiology, psychopharmacology, and addiction research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Mescaline Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Consciousness Psychoactive drug |
| Key finding | Proposes that preformed matrices of psychophysical activation/deactivation in ordinary physiological states can be activated by different psychoactive substances, leading to a new classification model. |
Abstract
The classification of psychoactive substances (stimulants, entactogens, hallucinogens) in the frame of psychopharmacology was not worked on since the 1960s. Based on the authors empirical and theoretical research about the psychophysical correlates of waking altered states of consciousness, he lecture will present a recently developed new classification of psychoactive substances. Method: The author did diverse experimental studies about the alterations of experience and consciousness during altered states of consciousness induced by different hallucinogens and other means. From these experiments the hypothesis was developed, that in the spectrum of usual (neuro-)physiological processes/states (for example: hypnagogic states, postorgasmic state, dreaming) may be preformed matrices of specific psychophysical activation/deactivation patterns given, which can be activated through different means of altering consciousness, especially different psychoactive substances. Results: Based on the aforementioned studies and concepts as well as a comprehensive search of the relevant scientific literature the lecture introduces a new model about the classification of psychoactive substances, which may have significant implications for psychophysiology, psychopharmacology as well as addiction research.