Microdosing is a method of drug usage that is mostly implemented with LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs. With microdosing, the user ingests smaller-than-normal amounts of the substance that they’re taking and they might take those smaller doses more regularly than they would take larger doses. One of the definitive elements of microdosing is that by doing it, individuals ingest such small doses of psychedelic drugs that it doesn’t produce a perceivable “trip” or hallucinatory effect. According to Medical News Today, the common goals of microdosing differ from that of taking normal psychedelic or hallucinogenic substances. “Microdosers tend to take these doses to improve their well-being or enhance their emotional or mental state… Proponents of microdosing claim that taking these psychedelics in small, measured doses benefits the mind, making them think more clearly or feel more open throughout the day.” That being the case, microdosing any drug, hallucinogenic or not, comes with risks that many mircodosers don’t consider when going into it. Keep reading to learn about the risks associated with microdosing as well as the negative impacts that it can have on the human body.
Effects on Default Mode Network in Brain
As mentioned, microdosing is a popular way of taking psychedelic drugs more than any other category. This means that drugs such as psilocybin mushrooms and LSD (also known as Acid) are substances that someone would be more likely to microdose. That being the case, just because one isn’t experiencing hallucinations and dramatic “trips” as a result of taking these drugs, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t having an adverse effect on those taking these drugs. American Addiction Centers claims that microdosing can influence the brain in ways that aren’t necessarily natural.
According to their research, “the chemical compound of LSD and psilocybin (in magic mushrooms) is very similar to the chemical compound of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter most associated with mood stabilization.” It is also said that “the use of psychedelics may also present pathways that your brain does not do naturally. These new connections may also dampen the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), which is responsible for daydreaming, self-reflection, and thinking about the past or future.” In several cases, individuals who struggle with depression report that the dampening of these DMNs are responsible for less depressive feelings. That being the case, the Default Mode Network (DMN) is nothing to tamper with, seeing as it can potentially have effects on one’s capacity to daydream, reflect, or just imagine things outside the current moment.
More Risks of Microdosing Drugs
A number of studies have been conducted in order to determine what the potentially adverse effects of microdosing could be. In one study, participants reported experiencing several challenges associated with microdosing, according to VeryWellMind.com. Some of the issues that were reported during the study included:
- Physiological discomfort
- Impaired focus
- Impaired energy
- Increased symptoms
- Impaired mood
- Increased anxiety
- Social interference
- Cognitive interference
- Addiction to the substance
Scientists who have researched the effects of microdosing also make it clear that “some people with certain medical conditions such as anxiety may find that these substances can make their symptoms worse. People who have a history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may want to also avoid psychedelic substances at any dosage level.” So while microdosing may seem like a one-size-fits-all solution for lessened anxiety and added focus and creativity, it can actually agitate the mental state of those that are already experiencing challenges with their mental health.
Contact the Last Resort Recovery Center for Freedom from Drug Usage
If you or any of your loved ones find yourselves microdosing regularly without any end in sight, it may be time to experience full detachment from psychedelic drugs altogether. At the Last Resort Recovery Center, our expert team has helped hundreds of individuals overcome addiction issues and move on to lead fruitful, prosperous lives. Contact us today to learn about our robust treatment programs. If you or a loved one is experiencing issues with prescription drugs like opioids, stimulants, or sleeping pills, our team of abuse treatment specialists is here for you. At The Last Resort Recovery, we’ve helped countless men overcome their issues with prescription drugs through our variety of levels of care.
