|
Hallucinogens (Psychedelics) 9, 10
These drugs cause an altered state of perception and distortion of reality. There is no physical or psychological need to repeat drug use, but individuals often desire to repeat the experience. These drugs have no medical purpose. Hallucinogens can be man-made or grown naturally.
Action & Use
The effect on brain chemistry varies depending on the substance but generally these substances overly activate serotonin receptors and may cause excess dopamine to be released.
LSD (Acid) is produced from a fungus that grows on grain, especially rye. It produces widespread hallucinogenic effects by binding with serotonin receptors causing greatly increased activation.
DOI 10: According to Street Drugs, DOI is a hallucinogenic phenethylamine that has recently appeared on college campuses in the United States. It effects are similar to LSD and is distributed in tablet and paper form.
MDMA (Ecstasy), a synthetic drug, is similar to methamphetamine and causes an increase in the release of serotonin and dopamine. This drug is believed to permanently destroy serotonin receptors. (See Appendix B)
PCP is not considered a true hallucinogen, but is included in this group due to the similarity in effects with hallucinogenic drugs. It rarely produces hallucinations. PCP alters body perception and may mimic symptoms of schizophrenia. Long-term use may cause permanent memory loss and difficulty with speech.
Table 10: Hallucinogens |
General Effects
 |
- Visual and/or auditory distortions
- Rapid emotional swings
- Delusions
- Sexual dysfunction
- Decreased muscle coordination
- May develop chronic mental disorders following long term use
|
Method(s) of
Administration |
- Injected
- Ingested
- Swallowed (e.g., paper soaked with LSD)
- Ocular (LSD dropped into eyes with an eyedropper)
- Smoked
- Sniffed
|
| Withdrawal Symptoms |
Although psychological dependence is likely, no withdrawal symptoms occur when use is discontinued. |
Continue on to
|
Depressants
