About Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are drugs that often come from plants, and that contain alkaloids that interfere with neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemical messengers work by altering an individual’s perceptions allowing for auditory and visual distortions. These distortions can seem so real, that there are dangers associated with physical behaviors and injury. Many individuals that experiment with certain types of hallucinogens do not understand the risks involved. While most hallucinogens are not as addictive as other illicit drugs, their ability to cause lasting psychological changes shouldn’t be overlooked. Hallucinogen addiction is specifically linked to PCP (Phencyclidine) happens when a person becomes dependent on its effect on memory and learning.
To understand Hallucinogen addiction and abuse, one must first understand how these different drugs interfere with brain function. When individuals use these drugs, the experience is very different than other illicit drug addictions. Many times, people state that they feel new sensations and expanded consciousness that draws them back for more. Some hallucinogens can even cause an altered perception of colors and voices and a loss of time. Hallucinogens are considered mind-altering substances. While it has not been proven that all hallucinogens cause addiction, there is evidence that a user will build a tolerance over time.
Types of Hallucinogens
There are three main groups of hallucinogen drugs that every mind-altering type can be subcategorized in. The three groups are psychedelics, deliriants, and dissociative. Psychedelic drugs include LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), Psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana. Deliriants can be atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine), and Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Examples of dissociated drugs would be PCP (phencyclidine), ketamine, DXM (dextromethorphan) and ibogaine. To find out more about each of these drugs, visit our about hallucinogens page by clicking here.
Each type of hallucinogen works in different ways. Psychedelics work by altering an individual’s perception and cognition which will then change thought processes and feelings of increased consciousness. Most psychedelics are illegal but this has not appeared to affect the number of people turning to these drugs for their side effects. Deliriants alter an individual’s sense of reality, creating thoughts and imaginings that have no connection to real life. Some examples of this would be speaking to others who are not present or completing tasks that are not applicable to the situation. Dissociative hallucinogens basically switch off an individual’s connection to their environment. Basically, the mind begins to create its own reality, including emotional responses.
Hallucinogen Rehab
Hallucinogen Side Effects
When sold on the street, ecstasy comes as colored pills often stamped with small designs. Sold under many different names, ecstasy is readily available in every neighborhood across the nation. because of the effect ecstasy has on the serotonin levels in the brain, the feelings experienced when using the drug can positively impact mood, sleep, and sex drive. Some of the names it is sold on the street as are the following:
- Euphoria
- Visual distortions
- Auditory distortions
- Confusion
- Lack of attention span
- Relaxation and Calmness
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Agitation and panic
- Dizziness
- Coordination problems
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of sense of time
- Increased body temperature
- Numbness