The usage of mind altering substances

I was wondering if certain types of drugs alter dreams significantly or slightly. I have experimented to see if dreams would differ after getting high off marijuana, but I was never able to tell.

My main concern is the use of dissociative drugs such as Phencyclidine (PCP) or Dextromethorphan (DXM) due to the fact that it blocks/reduces consciousness signals.

I also was curious about certain other drugs. Hallucinogenic drugs (i.e. LSD, muscimol, psilocybin, psilocin) due to the fact that it alters the perception of reality. As well as opiates (i.e. Opium, oxycodone, methadone) due to the fact that it creates a euphoric state.

Please do not give me a lecture about addiction and bodily harm, I am aware of which drugs can lead to dependence and damage.

i think i remember reading somewhere that opium increases the vividness of your dreams although im not 100% sure

Would this have anything to do with the triggering of endorphin release?

In my experience drugs prevent dreams altogether.

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Originally Posted by Spinagolz

i think i remember reading somewhere that opium increases the vividness of your dreams although im not 100% sure

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IIRC, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Kahn" was inspired by an extremely vivid opium-induced dream. He awoke and began writing the poem, was briefly distracted by something, came back a few minutes later, and couldn't remember the dream, so the poem remained unfinished.

If that story was true, it would seem to support your claim. Opiates are scetchy territory though when it comes to dangers and addiction, as I'm sure you know. Wouldn't be worth it to me.

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Originally Posted by mfratt

IIRC, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Kahn" was inspired by an extremely vivid opium-induced dream. He awoke and began writing the poem, was briefly distracted by something, came back a few minutes later, and couldn't remember the dream, so the poem remained unfinished.

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This is sounds very interesting. I'll have to figure out how opiates effect dreams. Were there ever studies with dreams and drugs?

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Originally Posted by phandentium

This is sounds very interesting. I'll have to figure out how opiates effect dreams. Were there ever studies with dreams and drugs?

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Not sure of any studies. From my experience, marijuana either reduces the vividness of dreams or reduces my ability to recall them, and thats the only drug I've done so I couldn't help you beyond that.

I would be interested to know what effect LSD has on dreams. When I get around to taking it, I'll report back in ;)

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Originally Posted by mfratt

Not sure of any studies. From my experience, marijuana either reduces the vividness of dreams or reduces my ability to recall them, and thats the only drug I've done so I couldn't help you beyond that.

I would be interested to know what effect LSD has on dreams. When I get around to taking it, I'll report back in ;)

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I plan on taking LSD sometime within the next few months as well. We'll both be able to provide some accurate information.

yeah man, I am a big fan of dream work but sadly a bigger fan of herb. when I am smoking I can never remember my dreams no matter what i do. however, when i take a break, I will have crazy vivid dreams. its like my brain is making up for lost time. can anyone relate?

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Originally Posted by spacemanspiff

yeah man, I am a big fan of dream work but sadly a bigger fan of herb. when I am smoking I can never remember my dreams no matter what i do. however, when i take a break, I will have crazy vivid dreams. its like my brain is making up for lost time. can anyone relate?

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I usually get really abnormal dreams after taking a break.