HALLUCINOGENS

Introduction
The term hallucinogens refers to drugs that have the potential to induce hallucinations.
Generally, these are chemicals that alter thoughts, feelings and perceptions. Many of
these result in hallucinations only when they are taken in large quantities. Hallucinogens
can be found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) or can be man-made,
and they are commonly divided into two broad categories: classic hallucinogens (such
as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP). When under the influence of either type
of drug, people often report rapid, intense emotional swings and seeing images, hearing
sounds, and feeling sensations that seem real but are not.
While the exact mechanisms by which hallucinogens and dissociative drugs cause their
effects are not yet clearly understood, research suggests that they work at least partially
by temporarily disrupting communication between neurotransmitter systems throughout
the brain and spinal cord that regulate mood, sensory perception, sleep, hunger, body
temperature, sexual behavior, and muscle control.
Common hallucinogens include the following:

Ayahuasca is a tea made from one of several Amazonian plants

containingdimethyltryptamine (DMT), the primary mind-altering ingredient.
Ayahuasca is also known as Hoasca, Aya, and Yag.
DMT is a powerful chemical found in some Amazonian plants. Manufacturers can
also make DMT in a lab. The drug is usually a white crystalline powder. A popular
name for DMT is Dimitri.
D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most powerful mood-changing
chemicals. It is a clear or white odorless material made from lysergic acid, which
is found in a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. LSD has many other
names, including Acid, Blotter, Dots, and Yellow Sunshine.
Peyote (mescaline) is a small, spineless cactus with mescaline as its main
ingredient. Peyote can also be synthetic. Buttons, Cactus, and Mesc are
common names for peyote.
4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine(psilocybin) comes from certain
types of mushrooms found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America,
Mexico, and the United States. Other names for psilocybin include Little Smoke,
Magic Mushrooms, Purple Passion, and Shrooms.

Some hallucinogens also cause users to feel out of control or disconnected from their
body and environment. Common examples include the following:

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant and mucus-clearing

ingredient in some over-the-counter cold and cough medicines (syrups, tablets,
and gel capsules). Robo is another popular name for DXM.

Ketamine is used as a surgery anesthetic for humans and animals. Much of the
ketamine sold on the streets comes from veterinary offices. While available as an
injectable liquid, manufacturers mostly sell it as a powder or as pills. Other
names for ketamine include K, Special K, or Cat Valium.
Phencyclidine (PCP) was developed in the 1950s as a general anesthetic for
surgery. Its no longer used for this purpose due to serious side effects. While
PCP can be found in a variety of forms, including tablets or capsules, liquid and
white crystal powder are the most common forms. PCP has various other names,
such as Angel Dust, Hog, Love Boat, and Peace Pill.
Salvia divinorum (salvia) is a plant common to southern Mexico and Central
and South America. Other names for salvia are Diviner's Sage, Maria Pastora,
Sally-D, and Magic Mint.

Hallucinogen Effects
The effects of hallucinogens are mostly psychological, though there are some physical
effects as well. Most hallucinogens cause an increase in blood pressure, body
temperature, and heart rate as well as dry mouth and tremors. Psychologically,
hallucinogens can cause hallucinations, depersonalization, synethesia, and, in the long
term, flashbacks and psychological disorders.
A person could also have an adverse reaction to most hallucinogens, also known as a
bad trip. This may cause the individual to experience paranoia, panic, delusions, fear,
terror, anxiety, and, in some cases, intense psychosis.
Different hallucinogens are more likely to cause addiction than others; for example, PCP
users are extremely likely to become addicted to the drug and to put themselves in a
very dangerous situation while LSD users are not. Even though LSD itself is still
dangerous, the tolerance it causes can often be diminished quickly and it has thus far
shown no signs of causing psychological or physical dependence in users (CESAR).
The effects of hallucinogenic drugs are highly unpredictable. They depend on the
amount taken and on your own unique personality and brain chemistry. And regardless
of the effects being sought, these drugs almost always impair judgment, compounding
their unpredictability, and making you vulnerable to dangerous or even fatal situations,
in addition to the longer-term risks to your mental health.
Withdrawal
Psychological withdrawal symptoms are more common than physical symptoms, but as
hallucinogens are a range of different drugs, its not possible to be specific about
withdrawal symptoms. People withdrawing from hallucinogens may experience:

Cravings
Fatigue
Irritability
Reduced ability to experience pleasure

References:
- Raymond Goldberg, Drugs Across the Spectrum, pp. 258-269
- http://hallucinogens.com/
- http://abovetheinfluence.com/drugs/hallucinogens/
- http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/drug-facts/hallucinogens
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/hallucinogensdissociative-drugs/what-are-dissociative-drugs
- http://www.norchemlab.com/drug-information/hallucinogens/
- http://www.thegooddrugsguide.com/lsd/drugtests.htm
-