Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that can alter a person's perception of reality. They can cause people to see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that are not there. Hallucinogens can also cause changes in mood, thought, and behavior.

Some common hallucinogens include:

• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
• Psilocybin (found in mushrooms)
• Mescaline (found in the peyote cactus)
• PCP (phencyclidine)
• DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine)
  

Hallucinogens can be taken in a variety of ways, including swallowing them, smoking them, or injecting them. The effects of hallucinogens can vary depending on the drug, the dose, and the person taking it.

The effects of hallucinogens can be mild or severe. Mild effects may include:

• 
  Changes in perception, such as seeing things that are not there
• Changes in mood, such as feeling happy, sad, or scared
• Changes in thought, such as having strange ideas or thoughts
• Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or talkative

Severe effects of hallucinogens may include:

• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations that are disturbing or frightening
• Psychosis
• Persisting perception disorder (HPPD)
•  which is a condition in which people continue to experience hallucinations after they have stopped taking the drug

Hallucinogens can be dangerous, and they can have serious side effects. People who take hallucinogens are at risk of accidents, injuries, and violence. They may also experience long-term psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

If you or someone you know has used hallucinogens and is experiencing problems, there is help available. Please reach out to a mental health professional or call the National Drug Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

References

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2019). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.).PearsonEducation(US).https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135169858