WENDY MCGURK

HALLUCINOGENS

Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that work on the brain to affect the senses and cause hallucinations (seeing, hearing, touching things that are not there).

Some hallucinogens occur naturally in trees, vines, seeds, fungi (eg psilocybin or magic mushrooms) and leaves.

Others are made in laboratories by mixing different chemical substances

WHAT ARE HALLUCINOGENS

PCP (Phencyclidine)is an anesthetic legally used only on animals

LSDan odorless, colorless chemical that comes

from ergot, a fungus that grows on grains.Mescaline

occurs naturally in certain types of cactus plants, including the peyote cactus

Different Types of Hallucinogens

Different Types of HallucinogensMushrooms

(Psilocybin)psilocybin is the

hallucinogenic chemical found in approximately 190 species of edible mushrooms.

Ketaminean anesthetic used

on both humans and animals.

PCPangel dust, peace pill

KETAMINESpecial K, K, ket, kitkat, super K

LSDAcid, blotter, cubes, microdot, yellow sunshine, blue

heaven, CidMUSHROOMS

Simple Simon, shrooms, silly putty, sherms, musk, boomers

MESCALINECactus, cactus buttons, cactus joint, mesc, mescal, mese,

mezc, moon, musk, topi

STREET NAMES

Neurological Effects Hallucinogens work by

disrupting how your nerve cells and the neurotransmitter serotonin interact throughout the brain and spinal cord.25 By changing the normal, healthy structure of serotonin in the body, hallucinogens twist and alter the way your brain processes your senses, feelings and visual information. When you are unable to get a grip on reality, normal events and situations can take on an unreal and frightening quality.

Physiological EffectsAnxietyParanoiaFlashbacks after

useDizzinessImpaired

coordinationNausea and

vomiting

Increased rapid heart beat

Higher blood pressureAgitationIncreased body

temperature and sweating may lead to chills

Bad hallucinationsPanic attacks

Relaxation. Giggling. Like being stoned but with enhanced visual perception: colors may seem brighter, patterns recognition enhanced, colors and details more eye-grabbing.

Physically, a feeling of lightness and euphoria, and a slight tingling in the body. Energy. A sense of urgency. Music sounds better.

Mild Psychedelic Effects

Stronger visual hallucinations. Radiant colors. Objects and surfaces appear to ripple or breathe. Colored patterns behind the eyes are vivid, more active. Moments of reflection and distractive thought patterns. Thoughts and thinking become enhanced. Creative urges. Euphoria. Connection with others, empathy. Ability to talk or interact with others however slightly impaired. Sense of time distorted or lost.

More Intense Psychedelic Effect

Very strong hallucinations such as objects morphing into other objects. Tracers, lingering after-images, and visual echoes. Intense depersonalization. The barriers between you and the universe begin to break down. Experiencing contradictory feelings simultaneously. Senses blend into one. Sensations of being born. Multiple splitting of the ego. Powerful awareness of mental processes and senses. Lengthy trances often featuring highly symbolic, often mythical visions when eyes are closed.

Full effect of Psychedelic (Tripping)

SHORT TERMDecreased breathing

and heart rate leading to coma or death

Homicidal actions or attempts

SeizuresHeart and lung failure Suicidal ideations or

attempts

Flashbacksimpaired memory and other

brain functionsPersonality and mood

changes in people have occurred

Drug-induced psychosis involving hallucinations and delusional behavior can occur, lasting up to several hours

Schizophrenia

Health Risks LONG TERM

Warm skin, body odor, excessive perspiration Pupil dilation, or extremely big pupilsDistorted image of time and selfDistorted sense of sight, hearing, and touchMood and behavior changesEmotional state of the user

Having hallucinationsUnpredictable flashback episodes even

longer after withdrawal

Signs and Symptoms

Do you sit around all day and think of LSD?Does your day revolve around using or

obtaining LSD?Do you crave to use LSD?Have things in your life suffered because of

your use?Is your behavior becoming erratic due to

LSD?Have you lost weight because of using LSD?Has your mood changed because of LSD?Have you lost a job due to your use of LSD?Are you having trouble thinking clearly?

Am I an addict

If you answered yes to more than two of these questions than you might be addicted to LSD. LSD addiction can be scary and confusing. Rehab for any form of drug use regardless of its level of additives is always a step in the right direction for an addict. With a drug such as LSD, where the physical dependence is so low, it can be more beneficial to seek treatment through a team of psychotherapists and counselors. Don’ t be afraid there is help out of there for those who need it. Contact LSD ABUSE HELP Confidential Call:1 (877) 714-1313

Am I an Addict?

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/lsd/a/The-Effects-Of-LSD-On-The-Brain.htm, What are the effects of LSD?http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/lsd.html, The Truth About LSD.http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugshallucinogens, Hallucinogenshttp://www.lsdabusehelp.com/what-to-do-if-you%E2%80%99re-addicted-to-lsd, LSD Abuse Helphttp://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/drugAndAlcohol/hallucinogens.html, What are hallucinogens?http://www.testsymptomsathome.com/sym_drug_hallucinogens.asp, Signs of Hallucinogens Abuse.Drugs and Society, (2012). Hanson, Venturelli, Fleckenstein.

References