In day-to-day life, the terms psychoactives, psychedelics and psychotropics are often used interchangeably. While each type of drug has some effect on the brain, there are differences between them. The classification can be difficult to grasp because many drugs overlap in different categories. For example, all psychedelic drugs are psychoactive, but not all psychoactive drugs are psychedelic.
When it comes to comparing psychoactive and psychotropic drugs, many sources delineate these as the same thing. This is even true in peer-reviewed academic literature. Other sources note a subtle difference between the two terms. This article provides a detailed guide to the difference between these types of drugs. It also discusses which types of drugs fall into each category and the risks associated with each type.
What Is a Psychotropic Drug?
Psychotropic drugs are medications that are typically used to treat a range of psychiatric disorders. They alter mood, emotional state and behavior and work by targeting the limbic system, which is responsible for emotional regulation. For this reason, they’re used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
Some examples of psychotropic drugs include:
- Antidepressants
- Antiepileptics (or anticonvulsants)
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
While these drugs can be effective in treating neurological and psychiatric illnesses, they come with a host of side effects. As such, it’s important to work closely with a mental health professional when considering psychotropic medication.
Other Definitions
It’s worth noting that the delineation between psychoactive and psychotropic drugs isn’t always clear. Some scientific sources make no distinction between these two classes of drugs, and finding clear definitions for each isn’t that straightforward. But for those who accept the difference, psychoactive substances are defined as anything that crosses the blood-brain barrier, whereas psychotropic drugs lead to noticeable changes in mood and cognition. Psychotropics are also typically used to treat severe neuropsychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or epilepsy.
What Is a Psychedelic Drug?
Psychedelic drugs are drugs that cause changes in mood, perception and cognition. They can distort your sense of reality and cause you to perceive things that aren’t actually there. Psychedelic plants have a rich cultural history and have been used by indigenous cultures for thousands of years. They’re known for inducing mystical experiences, and today there are more than 30 million users of psychedelics in the United States. Common psychedelic drugs include:
- LSD
- Magic mushrooms
- DMT
- Ayahuasca
- Ketamine
While psychedelic drugs are currently being studied for potential therapeutic applications, in rare cases they can lead to schizophrenia and schizophrenic-type disorders in genetically predisposed people. Evidence suggests that psychedelics have a low potential for addiction and are generally considered safe in low doses for healthy individuals. However, they’re illegal in most countries and still involve risks.
Moreover, there are recorded incidences of psychedelic-induced psychotic breaks. The problem is, you don’t know how they’ll affect you before taking them, as there’s no way of knowing if you’re genetically predisposed to schizophrenia or psychosis.
What Is a Psychoactive Drug?
Psychoactive drugs are drugs that affect the brain in any way. They can lead to changes in a person’s mental state but don’t necessarily get them high. Some sources define psychoactive as anything that crosses the blood-brain barrier, including caffeine, nicotine and many other types of mild drugs. Psychoactive drugs don’t necessarily induce noticeable changes to a person’s mental state, although they can. According to the World Health Organization, 270 million people or 5.5% of the world’s population used psychoactive drugs in 2021.
Psychoactive drugs can be divided into four major categories: stimulants, depressants, opiates and hallucinogens.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the brain and body — in other words, they have an excitatory effect. Their effects range from helping keep you awake and alert to increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Examples of stimulants include caffeine and nicotine. They also include illicit drugs like cocaine, speed and methamphetamines.
Stimulants work by interacting with certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that relay messages between nerve cells. For instance, caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing them from having their usual sleep-inducing effect. In general, stimulants increase alertness, attention and energy levels by inhibiting the effects of sleep pressure.
Depressants
Depressant substances slow down the central nervous system. They work by affecting neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognition. As a result, depressants can cause drowsiness and impaired cognition and create the feeling of being high. Common examples of depressants include alcohol, barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
While some of these substances can be therapeutic when used properly, they have the potential for abuse. Overuse may lead to addiction and other serious health problems. Depressant drugs are dangerous when combined with other substances like opioids or Valium. Each drug can amplify the other’s effects and lead to respiratory failure. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with depressant drugs before using them.
Opiates
Opiates are a class of drugs that includes both legal drugs like oxycodone and illegal drugs like heroin. Opiates work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain signals and creating a feeling of euphoria, which is why they may lead to addiction, tolerance and physical dependence.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that produce changes in perception, mood and thought. Commonly used hallucinogens include LSD, magic mushrooms and ketamine. These drugs cause the user to see, feel or hear things that aren’t actually there. Some users report feeling more open and connected to others, while others may feel terrified or out of control. Hallucinogens are also referred to as psychedelics, falling under the broader category of psychoactive drugs.
Precautions
While psychoactives, psychedelics and psychotropics all have potential for therapeutic benefits when used under professional supervision, they also all have potential for causing harm. Because of their effects on cognition, using them may lead to accidents or serious injuries. Moreover, some of these drugs, while often prescribed, have a high potential for abuse. Opiates and depressants pose a high risk for addiction and physical dependency and should only be taken as prescribed by a medical professional.
Need Help?
While the difference between psychoactive vs. psychotropic or psychotropic vs. psychedelic isn’t always clear, each of these drug classes carries the potential for abuse and harm. If you or someone you know is suffering from the negative effects of any of these drugs, contact Restore Mental Health for help. We’re a leading mental health facility ready to help with your substance use and mental health needs. Contact us today at (877) 594-3566.
