USO DE PSICOTRÓPICOS EN CULTURAS ANCESTRALES: UN VIAJE A TRAVÉS DEL TIEMPO Y LAS TRADICIONES

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8022401041

• Palavras-chave: alucinógenos, ancestralidad, psilocibina, depresión,

• Keywords: hallucinogens, ancestry, psilocybin, depression,

• Abstract: The use of hallucinogenic plants dates back thousands of years, they have been used since prehistory, with traces of these substances being found in different cultures around the world, from ancient Egypt to the pre-Columbian civilizations of America. The objective of the article is to describe the use of psychotropics in ancient cultures and in today's world. Material and Methods: A review of articles indexed in regional databases, WoS of Science, Scopus is carried out. Results: The American continent stands out as a melting pot of natural hallucinogens. From peyote and psilocybin mushrooms in Mesoamerica, to ayahuasca in the Amazon, indigenous cultures have developed a deep knowledge and ritual use of these substances. The need for a new therapeutic has become more urgent amid an epidemic of opioid abuse and suicide in the United States. Several studies have shown that classic hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin are not addictive and do not cause any organ damage even at high doses. Conclusions: Although researchers are still trying to understand the cognitive and therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics, they have concluded that psilocybin, DMT, and other psychoactive chemicals can help people feel more tolerance, understanding, and empathy. They also induce neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and reorganize thought patterns, allowing people with psychological disorders to find new ways to process anxiety, depression, or deep-seated trauma.