Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are….

A substance that produces psychological

effects normally

associated with dreams,

schizophrenia, or religious

visions.

Drugs that produces

changes in perception, thought and

feeling.

Drugs that affect each

person differently.

Psychedelics Dissociatives Deliriants

A substance which

produces hallucinations.

Types of Hallucinogens

Type Brief description

LSDAlso known as Acid; was discovered in 1938 by Dr. Albert Hofmann; one of the most potent brain changing chemicals known.

PeyoteFound in a small, spineless cactus in which the principal active ingredient is mescaline; can also be produced through chemical synthesis.

PsilocybinAlso known as magic mushrooms because it’s obtained from certain types of mushrooms; typically contains another hallucinogen called psilocin.

PCPAlso known as angel dust; developed in the 1950’s as an intravenous anesthetic; has since been discontinued due to adverse side effects.

Neurological Effects

Hallucinations, which are profound distortions in a person’s perception of

reality.

Effects are caused by disrupting the interaction of nerve cells and the

neurotransmitter serotonin.

The serotonin system is distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord and is

involved in the control of behavioral, perceptual, and regulatory systems,

including mood, hunger, body temp, sexual behavior, muscle control, and sensory

perception.

Physiological Effects

Effects depend

largely on the amount taken

Dilated pupils

Raised body temperature

and blood pressure

Loss of appetite Sleeplessness Dry mouth

Dramatic changes in sensations

and feelings

DelusionsSense of time

and self is altered

May ‘cross over’ senses

(feel/hear colors, see sounds)

Psychedelic Effects

Typically last eight to twelve hours

Visual hallucinogens including

uninterrupted: pictures, radiant

kaleidoscopic colors,

curved/warped patterns,

things/people morphing, objects

appearing to ripple/breathe

Energy Music sounds betterIntensity varies from person to

person

Strong sense of spirituality Euphoria

Tripping on acid

One night at a party, Nina age 19, is offered the opportunity to trip on acid. At first she is apprehensive, but then agrees to partake. She pays her five dollars and is given a small piece of acid laced blotter paper with a cool design on it. She places it on her tongue and waits the few minutes for it to dissolve. Thirty minutes later, Nina starts to feel nauseous, but forces herself to breathe through it, and not give in and vomit because her friends have told her that it is normal to feel that way when the drug starts kicking in. Shortly, Nina doesn’t feel sick anymore, and the effects of the acid are beginning. Suddenly Nina feels like the knowledge of everything has been opened up to her. Everything seems perfect and wonderful and she is in a state of complete and total happiness. She has lots of energy and can’t stop thinking, talking, and writing. She sees brilliant, indescribable colors, shapes and motions. She wants this to last forever. She feels that she is in control of her behavior for the most part, and enjoys a pleasant night and a mind opening experience. About 12 hours after consumption, the drug starts to wear off. Nina is left feeling sad, empty, depressed, and longing to return to that place in her mind. Nina then goes home and sleeps for 18 hours and then wakes up feeling relatively normal and able to function. She plans on tripping again someday.A bad trip, on the other hand, is not something that anyone would want to experience again. This is when the euphoria turns into something sinister and frightening. It can be triggered by a threatening or adverse environment, the surfacing of difficult or unconscious memories, or a sense of being overwhelmed by the power of the drug. A bad trip includes strong and intense feelings of paranoia, sensations of dying, fear, and anxiety. It is a deeply uncomfortable and traumatic state.

Health Risks

Short term Long term

Unaware/indifferent to your surroundings Flashbacks

Impaired good decision making Decreased motivation

Mood changes Prolonged depression

Increased heart rate Impaired memory

Rapid breathing Increased tolerance

Disorientation Desire to take the drug again

Irrational behavior anxiety

Signs and symptoms of hallucinogen abuse

Difficulty concentrating/communicating

Unable to distinguish between reality and illusion

Panic attacks

Agitation

Paranoia

Uncontrollable laughter

Perceptual distortions

Audio, visual, sensory hallucinations

Euphoria/mania

Does this sound like you…?

You have tried acid or other hallucinogens and you really liked it. Now it’s all you can think about. Obtaining and using the drug has become your life’s main focus. Well, let me reassure you that there is help available, and you can overcome the urge to use. Seeking professional help will help you to begin finding happiness in other places besides drugs. Please visit these webites as a first step in the direction toward sobriety:

www.abovetheinfluence.com www.drugabuse.gov/publicationswww.drugfree.org/drugguide/lsdwww.howstuffworks.com www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hallucinogenswww.thegooddrugsguide.com/lsd