Hallucinogens

Owen Alexander
Definition
“Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that cause profound distortions in a person's
perceptions of reality, otherwise known as hallucinations. While under the
influence of hallucinogens, users might see images, hear sounds or feel
sensations that seem to be real but aren't.” - Very Well Mind

“Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter perception (awareness of

surrounding objects and conditions), thoughts, and feelings. They cause
hallucinations, or sensations and images that seem real though they are not.
Hallucinogens can be found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) or
can be made by humans. People have used hallucinogens for centuries, mostly for
religious rituals.” - DrugAbuse.gov
Examples of Hallucinogens
Ayahuasca

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine

Lysergic acid diethylamide

Marijuana

Mescaline
LSD tabs Psilocybin
Phencyclidine

Psilocybin (found in mushrooms)

LSD Effects (Physical)
● Increased heart rate
● Dilated pupils
● Increased body temperature
● Increased blood pressure
● Increased breathing rate
● Sweating
● Sleeplessness
● Loss of appetite
LSD Effects (Behavioral, Social, Emotional)
● Euphoria
● Anxiety
● Schizophrenia triggers
● Depression
● Mood swings
● Fear
● Distorted senses
● ‘Floating’ sensation
● Flashbacks
● Distorted perception of time
● Terrifying thoughts
Short & Long Term Effects of Hallucinogens
Short-term examples:

● Changed physical experience (eg. increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, etc.)
● Changed senses perceptions (eg. seeing things larger or smaller than they should be, hearing
things, etc.)
● Altered perception of time
● Nausea

Long-term examples:

● Persistent Psychosis
● Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)
● Increased tolerance
The importance of following substance label guidelines
It is important to follow the guidelines for sake of your health. The FDA states,
“Whenever you use an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, reading the drug product's
labeling is important for taking care of yourself and your family.” The labels list
how the drug should be use because they have tested it and are the producers.
The only time it would be appropriate to go against the label guidelines is if a
doctor recommends to for the specific situation.
Sources
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-hallucinogens-63386

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/hallucinogens

https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/lsd

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000795.htm

https://www.drugs.com/illicit/lsd.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295966#other-short-term-effects

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-effects-of-lsd-on-the-brain-67496

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/hallucinogens-dissociative-drugs/how-do-hall
ucinogens-lsd-psilocybin-peyote-dmt-ayahuasca-affect-brain-body