Catharsis

Catharsis can be described as the process of purging or releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed negative emotions. This effect is commonly refereed to as "purgative" in nature and very effective for helping the individual overcoming conditions such as PTSD and other things relating to suffered past traumas. This effect varies in its consistence and strength depending on the substance and dosage is most commonly reported among the natural tryptamine psychedelics such as psilocin, 4-AcO-DMT, iboga and ayahuasca.

This process of healing old emotions and traumas (no matter the substance) is often described as feeling very natural and cleansing. The cathartic process generally starts off difficult and is sometimes accompanied by very physically intense sensation which is then typically followed by deep introspection and an analysis of one's character and past events. During this experience, many people describe reliving traumatic events and witnessing painful memories, emotions and even encountering dead relatives during hallucinatory states.

After this experience is over most users report feelings of rejuvination which may last days, weeks or even years after the event is over.

Psychoactive substances

Compounds within our psychoactive substance index which may cause this effect include: