Dissociant

A dissociant is a substance or experience that induces dissociation, a psychological state characterized by a disconnect from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. This detachment can range from mild feelings of unreality to severe fragmentation of the self. Dissociants often alter perceptions of time, space, and the environment, leading to feelings of detachment from one's body (depersonalization) or the external world (derealization). They primarily work by affecting the neurotransmitter systems, particularly the NMDA receptor system, which can lead to altered consciousness and sensory experiences.

Dissociant meaning with examples

• After taking the medication, the patient reported feeling like they were watching themselves from outside their body, a classic sign of a dissociative effect. The doctor noted this as the dissociant's impact and adjusted the dosage to minimize such sensations. It was a difficult process but through testing and adjusting, this particular medicine seemed to have a helpful benefit without these particular side effects.
• Ketamine, known for its anesthetic properties, can also act as a dissociant at lower doses, leading to dream-like states and altered perceptions. It is a highly regulated substance. The user experienced detachment. Studies have found that dissociant drugs can have both therapeutic and potentially harmful effects, depending on the context of their use.
• During a particularly traumatic event, the individual described feeling a sense of detachment, as if they were observing the situation from afar, exhibiting a classic reaction to severe stress and was a notable response associated with dissociation. This dissociant state helped them temporarily cope. Therapists often recognize and address this dissociative response in the recovery process.
• The shaman utilized a specific plant, which acted as a powerful dissociant to induce altered states of consciousness during the ritual. This experience could range from a sense of separation from the body and time to encounters with spirits or a blurring of reality, for spiritual exploration. The goal was to reach new levels of the mind.