| What is a Hallucinogen? | | | | hallucinogens is that each person will react differently |
| Hallucinogens are drugs that alter human perception | | | | depending upon body size, dosage and hallucinogenic |
| and mood. According to the Drug Enforcement | | | | drug type. Hallucinogens are very unpredictable, |
| Administration (DEA), "Thebiochemical, | | | | dangerous drugs, and just as the drugs themselves |
| pharmacalogical and physiological basis for | | | | are unpredictable, so are the flashbacks, which occur |
| hallucinogenic activity is not well understood." What is | | | | more often during times of stress and seem "to |
| understood is that these substances produce | | | | occur more frequently in younger individuals" |
| changes inperception, thought and mood. These | | | | according to the DEA. |
| changes may be eitherpleasant or extremely | | | | What About Dependence? |
| frightening. | | | | Some hallucinogens, such as LSD, are not considered |
| Hallucinogens affect the regions and structures of the | | | | physically addictive, since it does not produce |
| brain, the neurotransmitters, that are responsible for | | | | compulsive drug-seeking behavior. But chronic users |
| coordination, thought processes, hearing and sight. | | | | have become psychologically dependent on |
| Hallucinogens can be found in natural plants and | | | | hallucinogens. These drugs have become the central |
| substances or can be synthetic. Some common | | | | focus of people's thoughts, emotions, activities and |
| natural hallucinogens include: peyote, psilocybin and | | | | entire lives. |
| psilocyn, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). LSD, or | | | | Even more dangerous than the psychological |
| lysergic acid diethylamide, is manufactured from | | | | dependence on hallucinogens is the increased |
| naturally found lysergic acid. Synthetic hallucinogens | | | | tolerance users have for the drugs. Regular use of |
| include: dimethoxyamphetamine (DOM), | | | | LSD, mescaline, Ketamine and psilocybin have been |
| phencyclidine(PCP) and Ecstasy (MDMA). | | | | known to induce tolerance in a few short days, |
| Effects of Hallucinogens: | | | | demanding a need for increased doses to produce |
| Hallucinogens induce physiological, sensory and psychic | | | | the state of intoxication (or trip) the person had |
| effects. They are also known for causing flashbacks, | | | | previously achieved. The danger in this situation is not |
| even when the person no longer uses the drug. The | | | | so much of an overdose, but the self-mutilating or |
| physiological effects include: | | | | rash decisions that lead to life-threatening accidents. |
| *elevated heart rate | | | | Though few people have overdosed on a |
| *increased blood pressure | | | | hallucinogen, with the exception of users of the toxic |
| *dilated pupils | | | | jimson weed, many people die each year from |
| *sleeplessness and tremors | | | | accidents while under the effects of LSD, PCP or |
| *lack of muscle coordination | | | | other hallucinogens. |
| *sparse, mangled, incoherent speech | | | | How to Help a Hallucinogen User: |
| *decreased awareness of touch or pain | | | | If you or someone you know is a hallucinogen user |
| *convulsions | | | | and needs help, contact your doctor or a local |
| *coma; heart and lung failure | | | | treatment facility (one can be found in the Yellow |
| The sensory effects of hallucinogen use include | | | | Pages of your phone book) to get an assessment. If |
| perceptual distortions. For example, one may "hear" | | | | you need a treatment program referral, information |
| color or "see" music. | | | | about support groups or local 12-step programs and |
| The psychic or psychological effects include: | | | | or more information drug and alcohol, contact the |
| *disorders of thought associated with time and space | | | | Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at |
| *depression, anxiety, paranoia | | | | 1-800-662-HELP. |
| *violent behavior | | | | If someone you know becomes self-destructive |
| *confusion, suspicion, loss of control | | | | during a hallucinogenic drug episode, never leave them |
| *schizophrenic psychosis-like behavior | | | | alone. Call 911 or your local emergency medical |
| *flashbacks | | | | services or have someone else do it. You just may |
| *severe depression | | | | save the person's life. |
| The most important thing to remember about | | | | |