Hallucinogens, or psychedelic drugs, change the way the brain perceives time, reality and the environment. They affect the way you move, think, hear and see. Time and body movement are slowed down. They may cause the user to feel confused, suspicious and disoriented. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid), psilocybin (magic mushrooms, shrooms), phencyclidine ( PCP, angel dust, bost, ozone, wack), peyote and mescaline. Ecstasy, a stimulant, can have hallucinogenic properties.

 

The use of hallucinogens leads to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. If affects muscle coordination, dulls the senses and causes difficulty with speech. In later stages of chronic use, it can produce paranoia and violent behavior. Large doses may produce convulsions and coma. Other effects include:

• Depression

• Weakness and lack of muscular coordination

• Anxiety or paranoia

• Trembling

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Facial flushing

• Dilated pupils

 

LSD, mescaline and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety and loss of control. Some users may hurt themselves in fear during a "bad trip." Delayed effects such as severe depression or flashbacks can occur even after use is discontinued.

 

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications in liquid, tablet and lozenge forms. (It also can be purchased on the Internet in powder form.) It is a dissociative anesthetic, similar to PCP and ketamine, causing hallucinations in larger doses. See the over-the-counter drugs page for more information on DXM.

 

Online resources:

• Information on LSD from Partnership to End Addiction

• Information on mushrooms from Partnership to End Addiction

• Information on peyote/mescaline from Partnership to End Addiction

• Information on LSD from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration