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If you are tired of seeing the world through the lens of hallucinations and you want to regain your grasp on life, call the Recovery Connection helpline now at . Our coordinators can answer your questions and address your fears and help you find the appropriate treatment program for your needs. All calls are confidential. You can reach our helpline 24/7.
Hallucinogens can be derived from fungus plants that have chemical properties which alter a human's perception of the world. Hallucinogenic drugs distort what people see, hear, smell, taste and feel. Because the neurotransmitters in the brain are modified, a person can hallucinate (have a vision that does not exist). The most common neurotransmitters affected are serotonin and acetylcholine, which is responsible for behavior, perception, and the body's regulatory systems (mood, hunger, body temperature, sexual behavior, muscle control). Hallucinogens are rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, are absorbed directly into the venous system via the mucous membranes, or can be injected directly into the venous system. Some can even be inhaled.
LSD is a synthetic hallucinogenic agent that was developed as an analeptic, or a drug that stimulates the cardiorespiratory system. With the advent of this synthetic drug, the use of hallucinogenic drugs was no longer determined by climate, geography or seasonal changes because LSD comes from a laboratory, rather than needing to be grown seasonally, as are mushrooms. All LSD manufactured in this country now is illegal, as are PCP, and Ecstasy. These drugs and mushrooms are controlled as Class I Scheduled Narcotics by the DEA. However, ketamine and dextromethorphan are legally prescribed hallucinogenic drugs, as is marijuana in several jurisdictions.
The effects of hallucinogens upon a person are both variable and unreliable. For example, a person can use PCP or LSD several times and enjoy the experience, yet the next time he or she may have a bad trip. Visions or flashbacks from the one bad trip can haunt the individual years later.
Naturally occurring hallucinogenic drugs, such as mescaline, have been used in many cultures for thousands of years, generally in religious or healing ceremonies. These were also the first hallucinogens to be studied in-depth starting in the 20th century. In the 1940s LSD was discovered by a man named Albert Hofmann. It was found that the combination of chemicals in LSD were thousands times more potent than mescaline. During the 1950s several new hallucinogenic drugs were synthesized in hopes of discovering medically useful drugs. But, in the 1970s most studies of hallucinogens were stopped as the Controlled Substance Act placed restrictions on human trials of hallucinogens.
The abuse of hallucinogenic drugs in the United States received a great deal of public attention in the 1960s and 1970s when LSD was the "craze". A subsequent decline in its use in the 1980s was seen. But, in the mid to late 1990s the popularity of the club scene ignited a resurgence of the use of hallucinogenic drugs which now included ecstasy, and other newer hallucinogenic drugs. Sadly, mushrooms, LSD, and ecstasy have become popular among junior and senior high school students with frightening consequences.
The most commonly used hallucinogens are:
The molecular architecture of hallucinogens varies greatly, as do the effects upon the brain’s neurotransmitters.
Does the prospect of having to see the world through hallucinogenic lens weary you? Call now and speak with a Recovery Connection coordinator. Our staff can answer most of your questions about addiction and treatment. You can get the help you need to live in the real moment, not one created by drugs. It only takes one phone call to turn your life around.
Today, young adults aged 18-25 are most likely to use hallucinogenic drugs. Hallucinogenic drugs are neurotoxic in humans and can leave users with permanently impaired judgment. Rash decisions, risky sexual behavior, accidents, and suicide can often be related to hallucinogenic abuse. Dehydration, cardiac effects and seizures from these substances can lead to death or permanent disability.
Hallucinogens can create what is known as a psychedelic effect which includes abstract, rapidly moving, intensely colored visual affects. It is combined with intermittent anxiety, and euphoria.
Like other drugs, a tolerance for hallucinogens can develop quickly, requiring greater amounts to be used. Common symptoms of hallucinogen use are:
The medical treatment for hallucinogen intoxication and/or withdrawal is primarily based on stabilization of physiologic processes and treatment of psychosis. The patients may need to be sedated due to hostile or aggressive behavior.
While there is no specific protocol for hallucinogens, there are medications that can calm the body and mind during withdrawal and then, if necessary, handle any psychological shifts do to the absence of the drug. Other addiction treatment therapies will be necessary for the addict to learn to live without using drugs for mind altering, recreational reasons. It is rare that a drug user will use hallucinogens alone. Oftentimes, a hallucinogen user will need to be treated for addiction to other substances as well.
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