Sonia Gutierrez

HLTH 1050-004
LSD and other Hallucinogens Journal
Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations or distort a persons perception of
reality. Many of these drugs are found in some plants, mushrooms or fungi. Some of these drugs
include: LSD, Psilocybin, DMT, Peyote, MDMA, Scopolamine, PCP and many others. The
effects of these drugs have similar effects such as altering perception of reality but other effects
are different. Hallucinogens are classified by how closely they resemble neurotransmitter in the
brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine.
LSD is chemically similar to serotonin and is derived from the fungus ergot that is
present primarily on rye. The drug itself is tasteless, odorless and colorless and is rapidly
absorbed into the blood stream. Its effects begin to be felt within 30-60 minutes, peak effect
takes place at 2-4 hours and is over within 4-12 hours after ingestion. Some of the acute effects
include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, feelings of restlessness and
euphoria. Common trips are distinguished by four features that include seeing images with
closed eyes, synesthesia or the intermingling of senses, perception of a multilevel reality, and
strange and exaggerated configurations of common objects or experiences.
Many people use drugs like LSD, MDMA, PCP, and Amanita mushrooms to alter their
reality for pleasure. Other drugs such as peyote are used in Native American rituals to achieve a
spiritual connection. Yet other drugs such as ketamine and scopolamine are commonly used on
victims to commit crimes such as robber and rape while the victim has no recollection or control
of their actions.