Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a type of illegal drug that change the user's perception of reality. Also known as 'psychedelic drugs', hallucinogens make the user see, feel and hear things that aren't real, or distort their interpretation of what's going on around them.

Some hallucinogens are synthetically manufactured, like LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and PCP (phencyclidine, or 'angel dust'). Others are naturally occurring compounds found in particular plants. For instance, the peyote cactus produces the hallucinogen mescaline, while psilocybin is found in certain mushrooms, known as 'magic mushrooms'.

There are also a few depressant and stimulant drugs that have a hallucinogenic effect in high doses, including marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy. Since the user's sense of distance, time and objective reality are warped when under the influence of hallucinogens, serious injury and accidental death are real risks.

How hallucinogens work
Hallucinogens target specific centers of the brain to alter the interpretations of sensory input. For instance, a user might be looking at a blank wall, but their hallucinating brain will interpret the blank wall as moving and swirling, or perhaps covered in insects.

It might take around half an hour for the hallucinogen to work, but its effects are likely to be felt for the next 12 hours or so. Being under the influence is commonly called 'tripping'.

Hallucinogens come in a number of different forms. LSD is a powerful drug; typically, tiny dots are soaked into small squares of blotting paper, which are then swallowed. Magic mushrooms can be cooked, boiled into a drink or eaten raw.

Common effects
The effects of hallucinogens depend on the type of drug, the strength of the dose, the physiology of the user and their state of mind. Generally, some of the common effects of hallucinogens include:

• Hallucinations of sight, sound, taste and touch.
• A blurring of the senses, such as sounds being 'felt' or colors being 'heard'.
• Feeling detached from the body.
• Distortions of time, direction and distance.
• Relaxation.
• Accelerated heart rate.
• Dilated pupils.
• Nausea and loss of appetite.

'Bad trips'
Hallucinogens are unpredictable drugs. Just because a user has an enjoyable 'trip' the first time doesn't guarantee they will always have pleasant experiences. Every user runs the risk of having a 'bad trip'. Symptoms can include nightmarish hallucinations, extreme panic, paranoia and nausea. It is also possible to have a mixture of good and bad experiences in the one trip. Other unpleasant side effects can include:

• Muscle spasms and loss of coordination
• Convulsions and unconsciousness
• Aggressive, hostile and violent behavior
• Catatonic syndrome, which means the user falls into a 'zombie-like' state.

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal
Like many other drugs, it is possible to build up a tolerance to hallucinogens, which means the user needs to take larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect. Some users develop a psychological dependence and feel that regular drug use is an important part of their lives. Research so far indicates that hallucinogens like LSD aren't physically addictive. If a person stops taking the drug, they don't experience any noticeable withdrawal symptoms.

Damage caused by long term use
Some users are plagued by 'flashbacks', which can happen days, weeks, months or even years after taking the drug. The user briefly relives the hallucinations of their trip, so powerfully that it seems as if they have been transported back in time and space, or they may experience distortions of their present reality. Having hallucinations when not under the influence of any hallucinogenic drugs can be truly frightening.

Type of help available
Treatment options for drug addiction include detoxification, individual counseling and group therapy. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Alcohol and other drug service
• If an overdose is suspected, call an ambulance immediately

Things to remember

• Hallucinogens are illegal drugs that alter the user's perception of reality.
• These drugs are either synthetically manufactured or derived from plants.
• Some users experience 'flashbacks' which can occur days, weeks, months or even years after taking the hallucinogen.