Updated 07/07/2026, reading time approx. 5 minutes
How do psychedelics work?
Psychedelics hold a special place in modern science. For a long time, they were primarily associated with recreational use, hallucinations, and counterculture. But over the past 10 to 20 years, interest in psychedelics—especially from the scientific community—has grown tremendously
A great deal of research is being conducted on psychedelics and their potential medical and therapeutic applications. The central question is: How do psychedelics actually work?
The short answer: psychedelics appear to temporarily alter the way the brain processes information. Among other things, they influence our perception, emotional interpretation, and sense of self. As a result, thoughts, memories, emotions, and sensory impressions can be experienced differently.
We don't yet fully understand how they work. However, a clearer picture is slowly emerging. Psychedelics seem to temporarily make the brain more flexible, less predictable, and more receptive to new connections.
The default mode network: the network of the self
One of the most widely discussed brain networks in psychedelic research is the default mode network. This network is active when you’re reflecting on yourself, recalling memories, daydreaming, or engaging with your own story.
Research shows that psychedelics increase both blood flow and brain activity, particularly in areas associated with the default mode network.
And that’s interesting, because this network is often linked to self-concept, inner narratives, and interpretations of reality (beliefs). The experience of the self can also shift. In both personal and clinical contexts, people sometimes describe feeling more detached from their thoughts, having a less rigid self-concept, or seeing patterns that normally feel self-evident in a different light.
To put it mildly: psychedelics seem to temporarily loosen the brain’s usual grip on the way it interprets itself and the world.
Greater communication between brain regions
In addition to changes in the default mode network, researchers have observed that psychedelics can alter communication between brain regions. In a 2016 study on LSD, clear changes were observed in cerebral blood flow, electrical activity, and network communication. Among other things, the researchers found that LSD is associated with increased communication between brain regions that function more independently when the brain is in a sober state.
Another study found that LSD increased functional connectivity in the brain, and that this increase was associated with subjective experiences of ego dissolution.
This may help explain why psychedelic experiences are often described as associative, visual, or unusually meaningful. Sensory impressions, memories, emotions, and ideas may temporarily become more closely intertwined.
Not because “new truths” are literally emerging, but because the brain seems to combine information differently.
How microdosing works: the effect of LSD on the brain
The brain becomes temporarily less predictable
An influential theory in psychedelic research is the entropic brain hypothesis. This theory posits that psychedelics can temporarily reduce the normal predictability of brain activity. The brain then enters a more dynamic state, with greater variation in the way information is processed.
The later REBUS theory builds on this. REBUS stands for “relaxed beliefs under psychedelics.” According to this model, psychedelics seem to temporarily loosen the grip of deep-seated beliefs. As a result, beliefs about yourself, your past, your relationships, or your place in the world, in particular, can be experienced differently.
That’s what makes this theory so interesting: it links brain activity to psychology. It’s not just about what psychedelics do to the brain, but also why someone might temporarily view themselves, their memories, or their emotions differently.
Neuroplasticity: More Receptive to New Patterns
Another important area of research is neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to form, strengthen, or alter connections. In clinical research, psychedelics appear to influence processes related to plasticity in nerve cells.
Research into so-called “critical periods” is also interesting. A 2023 study published in *Nature* found that various psychedelic substances could reopen a critical period for social learning in mice. That doesn’t mean the same thing happens exactly the same way in humans, but it does fit into the broader idea that psychedelics can temporarily make the brain more receptive to new information and context.
This seems to be the source of much of the current interest. It is not only the acute experience itself that is interesting, but also the period during which the brain may be more receptive to reflection, the search for meaning, and new patterns.
Why Emotions and Memories Can Feel Different
When people think of psychedelics, they often think of visual effects, tripping, and hallucinating. Yet the emotional aspect seems to be just as important. Under the influence of psychedelics, memories, feelings, and personal themes can surface in different ways. Sometimes not as rational thoughts, but as images, physical sensations, insights, or sudden connections.
This appears to be related to several processes: serotonin activity, altered network communication, less dominant self-models, and greater sensitivity to context. The brain seems to be temporarily less focused on confirming existing patterns and more open to new interpretations.
That is why psychedelics are receiving so much attention in research on therapeutic settings—not because they simply “eliminate” a symptom, but because, under certain circumstances, they seem to open a window through which people can view themselves, their emotions, or their memories in a different light.
In summary: How do psychedelics work?
If we combine the studies, the picture that emerges is roughly this:
Psychedelics appear to act primarily through the serotonin 2A receptor. This alters the way brain cells process information. Large brain networks, including the default mode network, appear to function differently for a time. At the same time, communication between different brain regions may increase.
The result is a state of mind that seems more flexible, less predictable, and more receptive to new connections. Thoughts, memories, emotions, and sensory impressions can form different connections with one another. Old beliefs may temporarily feel less absolute. New perspectives can emerge more easily.
With microdosing, the effects seem more subtle and less clear-cut. Personal experiences often mention increased focus, a better mood, greater creativity, and self-reflection
The bottom line: psychedelics don’t seem to simply add something to the brain. Rather, they appear to temporarily loosen the brain’s normal filters, patterns, and hierarchies. That is precisely why they are so fascinating to neuroscience, psychology, and the broader conversation about consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do psychedelics work in the brain?
Psychedelics appear to primarily affect serotonin 2A receptors, brain networks, and communication between brain regions. As a result, information may be processed differently for a time.
What is the standard mode network?
The default mode network is a brain network involved in self-reflection, memories, daydreaming, and inner narratives. Psychedelic research often examines changes in this network.
How does microdosing work?
Microdosing is often described as a more subtle form of psychedelic experience. People mention themes such as attention, mood, creativity, and self-reflection, but research shows that expectations and context likely play an important role.
Do psychedelics work the same way for everyone?
No. Experiences vary greatly from person to person. Sensitivity, environment, mood, expectations, sleep, stress, and the substance used can all influence how psychedelics are experienced.
More about microdosing
Introduction to Microdosing
What Is Microdosing
What Are Psychedelics?
What are the benefits of microdosing
Is microdosing safe
Is microdosing legal
Experiences with microdosing
Videos about microdosing and psychedelics
Frequently Asked Questions
See also
Buy Microdosing
Buy magic truffles
Microdosing research kits
Videos: how does microdosing with psychedelics work?
Frequently Asked Questions
What microdosing regimens (protocols) are there?
The two best-known protocols are the Fadiman microdose protocol and the Stamets microdosing protocol .
More info:
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing a Microdosing Protocol
A Guide to MicrodosingWhy should I include breaks in my microdosing regimen?
Microdosing is mainly a matter of “less is more.” It is therefore advisable to take a break every now and then.
During a rest period, you'll have time to process and integrate the insights you experienced while microdosing.
Can I drive a car while microdosing?
Like LSD, magic mushrooms and truffles contain psychoactive compounds that can affect perception, mood and cognitive processes, even at small doses. Although the effects in microdosing are very subtle, they can sometimes lead to (temporary, intermittent) decreased alertness, absent-mindedness and reduced reaction times - all critical factors during activities such as driving a car or operating a forklift.
We do not recommend driving on microdosing days if you are microdosing with psychedelics, and this applies even more so to people who have little or no experience with the effects of microdosing.
See also:
Driving and microdosingCan I drink alcohol while microdosing?
Combining microdosing with alcohol or other substances can have unpredictable effects. Alcohol can affect perception, judgment, mood, and physical performance. We do not recommend combining these substances.
I get nauseous from microdosing, what can I do about it?
Nausea sometimes occurs in people who microdose with psychedelics. To prevent or reduce nausea, drinking fresh ginger tea may help.
I get tired when I microdose. Is that normal?
Fatigue with microdosing occurs mostly with truffles and to a lesser extent with magic mushrooms (this side effect is reported by people with some regularity).
You may also experience (episodes of) fatigue when microdosing LSD or 1P-LSD, but this effect is rare with (1P)LSD. If you do experience it, it may very well be that you are actually (over)tired, but that you notice it less or not at all in your normal daily life, or (unconsciously) do not allow yourself to acknowledge it.
See also:
Possible side effects of microdosingI sometimes get scared, stressed or hypersensitive when I microdose. What can I do about that?
Anxiety, stress, or hypersensitivity are signs you should take seriously. Microdosing is often described as a subtle experience, but that doesn’t mean every experience is pleasant or appropriate. Mood, sleep, busyness, physical exertion, medication, and combining substances can all affect how a person feels.
If you feel restless, anxious, or overwhelmed, exercise caution. Stop if symptoms persist or become severe, and contact a doctor or qualified professional—especially if you have mental health issues, are taking medication, or are unsure.
Microvibes does not provide personalized advice on use or dosage, nor does it recommend adjusting dosages or switching to a different product. Please also read the information on interactions with other products.
See also:
Possible side effects of microdosingWhat happens if I accidentally take a "microdose" that is (much) too high?
If you take too high a dose (for example, if you forgot that you’d already taken your microdose and take it again), you may start to feel the physical and/or mental effects of the substance you’re microdosing with.
Effects you may then begin to feel include hot/cold waves through your body, mild hallucination, temporary confusion (for example, simple actions suddenly become very complex) and nausea/fatigue (with psilocybin).
If someone experiences unexpectedly strong or unpleasant effects, it is important to remain calm, find a safe place, and not take any additional substances. If you experience panic, confusion, physical symptoms, or have any doubts, contact a doctor, an after-hours medical service, or the emergency department.