SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Metzy S. Dalondonan
APSY 1-2
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
MISCONCEPTIONS & FACTUAL INFORMATION ABOUT PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS

1. Psychedelics
“Party Drugs”
Many patients with mental illnesses, trauma, and cancer have found relief with psychedelics, and
they have all reported their experiences as being very joyful and uplifting.
psychedelics promote brain healing and the release of harmful habits instilled by trauma. This
means that they are generally beneficial for creating new neural pathways that assist users in
coping with challenging situations in a healthy way.

2. Marijuana

“Addictive”
According to studies on cannabis users, many users disagree that it is addictive, however the
difference is that it only gives you a good feeling when you use it. yet it is not addictive. It can be
as harmful as cigarettes.
The bottom line is, marijuana can be addictive if you’re finding that marijuana interferes with
many aspects of your life.

3. LSD
“No one died on LSD”
Hallucinogens (LSD) cause disorientation, confusion, and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things
that aren't actually there), which can increase the risk of injury or death. People who are on a 'bad
trip' may become aggressive towards themselves or others.

4. Alcohol
“isn’t as harmful as other drugs”
Alcohol increases your risk of many fatal diseases, including cancer. Drinking too much alcohol
in a short period of time can result in alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal.
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5. Ecstasy MDMA molly

“It’s safer than other drugs.”
Many people believe that because molly is a purer form of ecstasy, it is safer. This is incorrect
because the drug is still cut (or mixed) with other drugs during the refining process.

Even if someone obtains pure MDMA, there are still significant risks, such as body temperature
dysfunction. Cases of MDMA-induced hyperthermia have resulted in deaths.

6. PCP
“Embalming Fluid”

This appears to be a basic misunderstanding of both chemicals. PCP stands for phencyclidine,
which is available in both powder and liquid form. Embalming fluid is typically a mixture of
formaldehyde, methanol, glutaraldehyde, and other chemicals that aid in the temporary
preservation of human bodies. The terms "embalming fluid" and "PCP" are sometimes used
interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. If injected or smoked, true embalming fluid can
kill you. All of the chemicals in it are toxic and should not be consumed.

7. OxyContin
“Not Addictive”
OxyContin is a highly addictive drug, regardless of whether it is manufactured by a reputable
pharmaceutical company.
The active ingredients in OxyContin are opiates, a highly addictive class of drugs found in heroin
and other prescription pain relievers.
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8. Crystal Meth
“Can Cause Cancer”

Meth is a CNS stimulant with well-known toxic effects on the brain and liver, though no clear link
between meth and cancer has been discovered. However, there is some evidence that meth can
harm people's DNA. Meth can also oxidize DNA, which can result in mutation, according to
research.

9. Heroin
“Less Dangerous When Smoked Or Snorted”
It is a common misconception that injecting heroin is the most dangerous method of
administration. While using heroin needles is associated with a number of health risks, smoking
or snorting the drug is also dangerous.
Addiction and overdose are always a risk no matter how a person uses heroin.
Ingesting heroin slows motor function and breathing, and if enough heroin is consumed or mixed
with other depressants such as alcohol, breathing may stop completely.

References:
https://www.farcanada.org/understanding-addiction/drug-facts-and-myths/

https://www.popsci.com/drugs-common-misconceptions/