Empathogen-entactogen

Empathogen-entactogen is a class of psychoactive drugs that produce experiences of emotional communion, oneness, relatedness, emotional openness—that is, empathy or sympathy—as particularly observed and reported for experiences with MDMA (Ecstasy). The term was coined in 1986 by Ralph Metzner to denote a growing class of psychoactive substances that were being used for their ability to induce a sense of inner peace and self-acceptance.

History

The history of empathogens is closely tied to the history of MDMA, the most well-known empathogen. MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck. However, it was not until the 1970s that the psychoactive properties of MDMA were discovered by Alexander Shulgin, a chemist and psychopharmacologist.

Effects

Empathogens are known for their ability to induce feelings of empathy, love, and emotional closeness to others. These effects are thought to be due to the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation. In addition to these emotional effects, empathogens can also produce physical effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and dilated pupils.

Risks

While empathogens can produce positive emotional experiences, they also carry risks. These include the potential for abuse and addiction, as well as physical health risks such as heart problems and neurotoxicity. Furthermore, the use of empathogens can lead to dangerous behaviors, such as unsafe sex or driving under the influence.

Legal status

The legal status of empathogens varies by country. In many countries, including the United States, MDMA and other empathogens are classified as Schedule I drugs, meaning they have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

See also

• Psychedelic drug
• Hallucinogen
• Dissociative
• Deliriant