Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are drugs that have the ability to induce visual, auditory or other hallucinations and separate the individual from reality. They create a disturbance in cognition and perception causing behavior patterns similar to those of psychotic behavior. Similar to many other drugs, hallucinogens have an effect on the Central Nervous System (CNS) creating sensory illusions and perceptual changes, yet, hallucinogens are generally not physically addicting. Many people who consume drugs do so to relieve pain and let go of a fear, similar to those reasons, individuals take hallucinogens due to peer pressure, stress reduction and for the mind-altering effects and feelings of well being. It allows  for one to think they can hear colors and see sounds. There are many types of hallucinogens. The most common include peyote, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide better known as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, bufotenine, Phencyclidine (PCP), Marijuana, ecstasy, and Ketamine. Hallucinogens are very dangerous and individuals should be aware of their effects.

LSD, made popular by Timothy Leary, is a synthesized drug. It is the most potent mood and perception altering drug. LSD is easily and rapidly absorbed orally and effects begin within thirty to ninety minutes of consumption and it last up to twelve hours, peaking anywhere between two and six hours. Effects of the drug are unpredictable; they include both pleasant and unpleasant emotional, sensory experiences and are dependent on the user’s personality, mood, expectations, and surroundings. Some users suffer long term effects such as flashback, which is referred to as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder  (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Physical effects of LSD include weakness, nausea, hypothermia or hyperthermia, increase heart rate, and sleeplessness. 

PCP, also known as angel dust, is a dissociative drug that distorts perceptions of sight and sound. It produces a feeling of detachment from the environment and self. Within an hour of ingestion, PCP induces a lack of responsive awareness to pain and general environment. It has a profound effect on thinking, time perception, sense of reality and mood; it can cause a dreamlike state, euphoric or depressed moods and bizarre perceptual experiences. Users demonstrate slurred speech, numbness, rapid and involuntary eye movements, amnesia, a feeling of impending doom, disorientation, confusion, anxiety, irritability, paranoid states, and dangerous violent behavior. In some cases it may produce a psychoses indistinguishable from schizophrenia (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration). 

Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States (National Institute on Drug Abuse). The effects of marijuana depends of the type of cannabis,how much delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it contains, the route of consumption, experiences and expectations of the user, surroundings, and if alcohol or other drugs are consumed with it. Effects begin with giddiness and euphoria and then it’s followed by sedation and pleasant tranquility. Marijuana can also cause increase appetite, heightened sensory awareness, and feelings of pleasure. Negative effects can include confusion, anxiety attacks, fear, a sense of helplessness, and loss of self control. Physical effects of marijuana include risk of heart attack due to increased heart rate and palpitations and arrhythmias, and risk of lung infections and respiratory problems (National Institute on Drug Abuse). 

Club Drugs are commonly associated with by those who attend nightclubs, bars,  or attend rave or trance scene. The most common is 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) better known as ecstasy. Ecstasy is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that may produce feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth, and distortions in time, perception, and tactile experiences lasting three to six hours ( National Institute on Drug Abuse). Health hazards include psychological difficulties such as confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, sever anxiety and paranoia. Physical symptoms include muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Although most hallucinogens do not generally cause addiction, tolerance is quickly built and increase amounts are needed to gain to same desired effect. The risks of adverse reactions and overdoes does increase with larger amounts taken as well as the combination with other substances such as alcohol. In some hallucinogens, such as PCP, behavior can get dangerously violent which can harm others. Also, in most types of the drug increase use and mixing with other substances can result in severe brain damage and even death.  

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

    

Marijuana