Digital Drugs: A Comprehensive Analytical Study of Scientific, Psychological, Social, and Legal Aspects

كامل محمدكامل السيد عشري 10/18/2025 07:23:00 PM

 


1. Introduction and Definition

Traditional drugs are chemical substances introduced into the body to alter mental or sensory performance.
“Digital Drugs (al-Mukhaddarat al-Raqamiyya),” however, refer to audio files or auditory (and sometimes visual) stimuli promoted as capable of inducing mental changes similar to the effects of narcotic substances—without ingesting any chemical compound.

The most well-known example is the I-Doser application, which sells audio tracks called “doses,” labeled after real drugs such as LSD, MDMA, and DMT, claiming to replicate their psychological effects ([Wikipedia][1]).

The core scientific concept here is binaural beats, which occur when each ear receives a slightly different frequency. The brain perceives a third tone equal to the difference between the two frequencies. It is claimed that this phenomenon can “tune” brain waves and alter mental states ([The Open Public Health Journal][2]).

Importantly, digital drugs contain no chemical substance; they are purely auditory or digital stimuli. However, their marketing as equivalents of real narcotics raises research, regulatory, and ethical questions.

2. Scientific Basis and Mechanism of Action

2.1 What Are Binaural Beats?

When the left ear hears a tone at frequency (f₁) and the right ear a tone at (f₂), with a small difference between them (Δf = |f₂ − f₁|), usually between 1–30 Hz, the brain perceives an internal beat at Δf.
Example: 400 Hz in the left ear and 404 Hz in the right → perceived beat of 4 Hz.

It is hypothesized that this beat can entrain brain waves (α, β, θ, δ) associated with relaxation or focus ([The Open Public Health Journal][2]).

2.2 Research Evidence

  • A review titled “Binaural Beats’ Effect on Brain Activity and Psychiatric Disorders” found that binaural beats may improve memory or reduce anxiety in some cases, but results remain inconsistent ([The Open Public Health Journal][2]).

  • A global survey by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (UNSW Sydney) as part of the Global Drug Survey 2021 reported that 5.3% of 30,896 respondents used binaural beats to “mimic drug effects” ([PubMed][3]).

  • A paper titled “A Brief Study on Digital Drugs (Binaural Beats)” from India described the topic as an open research field, exploring legality and applications ([ijcrt.org][4]).

  • A media analysis by Discover Magazine noted: “It’s unclear whether anyone is actually getting ‘high’ through headphones” ([Discover Magazine][5]).

2.3 Scientific Assessment

Evidence suggests that binaural beats can affect brain waves and mood, but there is no strong proof that they reproduce the same effects as chemical drugs.
Hence, the label “digital drugs” is more media or marketing-oriented than scientifically validated.
Future studies must adopt controlled, double-blind experimental designs using EEG, behavioral, and subjective measures to precisely evaluate their effects.

3. Patterns of Use and Social Spread

3.1 Prevalence

  • According to the Global Drug Survey, 5.3% of participants listened to binaural beats to alter mood or mimic drugs ([PubMed][3]).

  • 72.2% used them for relaxation or sleep, 34.7% for mood change, and 11.7% to simulate a drug-like experience ([PubMed][3]).

  • The majority of users were young adults, average age 27, predominantly male (60.5%) ([PubMed][3]).

3.2 Access and Usage

  • Files are widely available via YouTube, audio download platforms, and smartphone apps ([PubMed][3]).

  • Marketed as “doses” or “experiences” meant to be played through headphones in quiet settings, some apps even offer “contextual” warnings ([Sounding Out!][6]).

3.3 Associated Factors

  • Users often have a prior history of drug or alternative substance use (e.g., marijuana, psychedelics) ([PubMed][3]).

  • In some contexts (e.g., Saudi Arabia), awareness among health professionals about this phenomenon is limited ([core.ac.uk][7]).

4. Claimed Effects and Risks

4.1 Claimed Effects

  • Promoters claim these tracks cause “euphoria,” altered consciousness, relaxation, or expanded perception ([Psychology Today][8]).

  • They are often marketed under drug-inspired names like Digital THC or Digital LSD (see I-Doser Digital Drug Pack on [Apple Music][9]).

4.2 Potential Risks

  • Unpredictable responses such as dizziness, anxiety, or attention disruption have been reported ([WTVM][10]).

  • Psychological dependence: users might believe the experience gives them “a high,” leading to habitual use to escape reality—without clear scientific basis.

  • Gateway effect: experts warn it may lead some to experiment with real narcotics ([drugs.ie][11]).

  • Lack of regulation: most files are marketed without oversight or long-term safety data, creating an unmonitored environment ([drugs.ie][11]).

5. Critical Evaluation and Research Gaps

5.1 Confirmed Facts

  • The use of binaural beats as “digital drugs” is documented in global research ([PubMed][3]).

  • Some evidence suggests they influence mood, anxiety, or cognition, though findings are inconsistent ([The Open Public Health Journal][2]).

5.2 Research Gaps

  • Lack of controlled trials comparing “digital drug” files with placebo sounds.

  • Long-term effects remain unknown.

  • Individual variability is high—age, psychological history, and listening context may influence response.

  • Overlap with traditional drug use complicates data interpretation.

  • Minimal studies explore Arab or Middle Eastern contexts socially or legally.

6. Legal and Ethical Dimensions

  • Most countries do not classify audio files under drug laws, as no substance enters the body.

  • Marketing them as “drug simulations” raises ethical questions: should they be regulated like health products? Should minors be warned?

  • Schools and parents in some U.S. states expressed concern about students experimenting with such files ([Sounding Out!][6]).

  • Ethically, transparency in marketing is essential—claims without scientific backing must be disclosed.

  • Digital literacy programs should include awareness that digital doses are not safe or verified drug alternatives.

7. Recommendations and Policy Suggestions

  • Educational campaigns in schools and universities clarifying that digital drugs are neither proven nor safe substitutes.

  • Support rigorous experimental research (Randomised Controlled Trials) on medium- and long-term effects of binaural beats.

  • Labeling requirements for products marketed as “digital doses,” clearly stating unproven efficacy.

  • Encourage digital platforms to review and flag content promoting “digital highs,” providing factual awareness links.

  • Integrate this topic into addiction prevention programs addressing digital-age behaviors.

8. Conclusion

Digital drugs represent a new intersection of technology, sound, and psychology.
On one side, they hold therapeutic potential for relaxation or mood enhancement. On the other, their commercial promotion as replacements for narcotics lacks solid evidence and poses social and ethical risks.

Scientific consensus remains cautious: while minor effects are plausible, no data confirm equivalence with chemical drugs in strength or duration.
With proper regulation and scientific inquiry, the field could contribute to neurotherapy—but today, caution and awareness are advised, especially among youth.

Selected References

  1. Barratt M., Maddox A., Davis J.L., Smith N. What are "binaural beats" and do they affect our brain? The Conversation / ABC News, March 31, 2022.

  2. Global Drug Survey 2021. Who uses digital drugs? An international survey of 'binaural beat' use (PubMed).

  3. Review: Binaural Beats’ Effect on Brain Activity and Psychiatric Disorders. Open Public Health Journal, Vol. 17.

  4. Philipose G., Aswathnarayanan K. A Brief Study on Digital Drugs (Binaural Beats). IJCRT 11(3), March 2023.

  5. i-Doser: Digital Crack or Crock? CBS News, July 2010.

  6. Bingham T. i-Dosing – Digital Drug Craze Sparks Safety Alert. Drugs.ie, July 2010.


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