The use of psychedelics has been a long-standing topic of interest in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and pharmacology, with these substances having been used for centuries in various cultures for their healing and psilocybe truffles energetic properties. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the research and development of psychedelics as potential treatments for mental health disorders, such as existential dread, apprehension, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

From a pharmacological perspective, psychedelics act on the brain's neurotransmitter systems, especially the serotonin system, to produce their effects. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in regulating emotional stability and reality processing. Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, are classified as serotonergic agents, meaning they interact with the serotonin receptors in the brain.

Psilocybin, the active compound in hallucinogenic plants, is a potent inhibitor of the serotonin transporter, a protein that regulates the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. By blocking this protein, psilocybin increases the amount of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft, where it can bind to serotonin receptors and produce its outcomes. These effects include modifications in perception, such as changes in reality processing, and increased feelings of self-insight.

LSD, on the other hand, is a non-selective serotonin receptor activator, meaning it binds to multiple serotonin receptors with equal affinity, producing a wide range of effects. LSD is known to bind to the 5-HT2A receptor, which is involved in the control of perception and awareness. Activation of this receptor is thought to play a role to the psychedelic outcomes of LSD, including shifts in visual perception, visions, and modified sense of self.

DMT, a short-acting psychedelic, is produced endogenously in the brain as a neurotransmitter and is also found in various plants and animals. DMT is thought to interact with the 5-HT2A receptor in a similar fashion as LSD, producing intense perceptual modifications and modified states of awareness.

In contrast to other psychoactive substances, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, psychedelics have a comparatively low likelihood of dependence and are typically not associated with physical dependence. This is thought to be due to their distinct biological effects, which involves activation of serotonin receptors rather than gabaergic systems, which are more commonly associated with dependence.