Hallucinogens Uses, Types, Effects & Psychoactive Drugs List

Types of Hallucinogens

Individuals with certain mental health conditions or medical conditions may be at higher risk for side effects of hallucinogens. Therefore, discussing the dangers and uses with a qualified healthcare provider before trying hallucinogens is crucial.

Most hallucinogenic drugs, such as DMT, Peyote, and shrooms, have no approved medical use in the United States. Still, licensed researchers can use them under a Schedule I research registration that requires DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval. [2]

Hallucinogenic Drugs List & Picture of Hallucinogens

These drugs can cause changes in sensory experiences, including visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations. Some common examples of hallucinogens drugs brainly include the following:

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

LSD is a powerful psychedelic drug that can cause profound changes in mood, perception, and thought processes. It is made from a chemical compound found in a fungus that grows on grains, such as rye. LSD is usually taken orally, either in the form of a tablet, a liquid, or on a small piece of paper that has been impregnated with the drug. The effects of LSD typically begin within 30-60 minutes after ingestion and can last for several hours, depending on the dose and individual sensitivity.

LSD works by altering serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial part in regulating mood, perception, and cognition in the brain. The changes in serotonin levels can lead to alterations in mood and perception that may include feelings of euphoria. However, LSD can also lead to what is commonly called a “bad trip.”

LDS was categorized as a Schedule 1 controlled substance by the United Nations and currently has no approved medical uses. Due to the unpredictable effects of LSD, its use is illegal in most countries and can carry heavy legal consequences.

Peyote & Mescaline

Peyote is a cactus plant that contains the hallucinogen mescaline. The hallucinogenic cactus effects of Peyote can include the following:

Peyote and mescaline are Schedule 1 substances under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they have a high potential for addiction, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the US, and a lack of accepted safety for utilization under medical supervision.

Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that can cause hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. When used therapeutically, ketamine is typically administered at lower doses than those used recreationally and may be used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. In this context, its dissociative and psychedelic effects may be used to help patients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions.

While ketamine can produce some hallucinogenic effects, its classification as a hallucinogen is somewhat contentious and depends on specific criteria.

Ketamine is a Schedule III substance. Schedule III drugs, which include codeine and anabolic steroids, have less potential for substance use disorder than Schedule I (heroin) or Schedule II (cocaine) drugs.

PCP Drug / Angel Dust Drug (Phencyclidine)

PCP (Phencyclidine) is a dissociative drug initially developed as a general anesthetic, but due to its severe side effects, it is no longer used for this purpose. It can be taken in several forms, including as a powder, pill, or liquid, and is typically smoked, snorted, or swallowed.

PCP is known to cause hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms and can also have dangerous physical effects, such as seizures and high blood pressure.

PCP is considered a Schedule II drug under the US Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for substance use disorder and may lead to severe physical or psychological dependency. Its use is illegal in most countries around the world.

Angel dust drug (PCP) is a highly addictive substance, and repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Hallucinogenic Side Effects

Psychoactive drugs can produce a wide range of positive and negative short and long term effects of hallucinogens. Some of the typical side effects of hallucinogens include the following:

• Altered perceptions of time and space.
• Visual and auditory hallucinations.
• Changes in mood and emotional experience.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Dilated pupils.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness and disorientation.
• Sweating and chills.
• Loss of appetite.

While many people use hallucinogens for their potential therapeutic benefits, such as in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction, these drugs can also produce serious adverse effects, especially when misused or in high doses.

Some of the potential physical effects of hallucinogens risks and negative hallucinogens effects on the brain include the following:

• Flashbacks or persistent perceptual changes.
• Anxiety and paranoia.
• Psychosis or other mental health disorders.
• Risk of injury or accidents while under the influence.
• Interaction with other medications or substances, such as alcohol, can be dangerous or fatal.

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

Hallucinogens distort an individual’s perceptions of reality. These drugs are not considered physically addictive because they do not produce physical withdrawal symptoms like other drugs, such as opioids or alcohol. However, some individuals may develop a psychological dependence on hallucinogens and may feel compelled to use them regularly.

Hallucinogens can produce intense emotional and sensory experiences that some individuals may find compelling and seek to replicate. Regular use of hallucinogens can lead to physical tolerance, meaning that a higher quantity of the drug is needed to achieve the same effects, which can increase the risk of harmful effects of hallucinogens drugs brainly.

Moreover, some individuals may experience flashbacks or persistent perceptual changes after using hallucinogens, which can be distressing and affect their quality of life.

While hallucinogens may not be as physically addictive as other drugs, their use can still have significant risks and consequences. It’s critical to use them with caution, in a safe and controlled environment, and under the guidance of a trained professional. If you or someone you’re concerned with is struggling with the hallucinogens side effects and dependence, seeking professional help is crucial.

5.5 Million

Roughly 5.5+ million people in the US used hallucinogens in 2019.

Source: NCBI

8%

Before 2020 hallucinogen use had been relatively unmoving over the past few decades. However, in 2021, 8 percent of young adults reported past-year hallucinogen use, depicting an all-time high since the category was first studied and surveyed in 1988.

Source: NIDA

Hallucinogenic Absinthe

The alleged “Absinthe hallucinogenic” is a high-proof alcoholic beverage traditionally made with wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and other botanicals. Wormwood contains a compound called thujone, which is believed to have psychoactive effects and has been associated with hallucinations and other altered states of consciousness.

However, using absinthe as a hallucinogenic beverage has been controversial and largely unsubstantiated. The psychoactive effects of absinthe are generally attributed to the high alcohol content rather than the presence of thujone or other botanicals.

Moreover, the consumption of absinthe has been associated with potential health risks, such as liver damage, seizures, and addiction, especially when consumed in excess. Absinthe was banned in many places, including the United States and several European countries, in the early 20th century due to concerns over its safety and alleged hallucinogenic effects.

In recent years, absinthe has been legalized in many countries, including the United States, under certain conditions, such as limiting the thujone content and regulating the production and distribution of the beverage. However, it is crucial to use caution and to consume absinthe in moderation, as with any alcoholic beverage, and to be aware of the potential risks and adverse effects associated with its use.

There are several natural “examples hallucinogens” found in plants, fungi, and other sources that can produce altered states of consciousness and other effects. Furthermore, there are many hallucinogenic mushroom strains, each with unique effects and characteristics. Here are a few common strains of hallucinogenic mushrooms:

• Psilocybe Cubensis: This type of mushroom is one of the most common strains of hallucinogenic mushrooms, known for its ease of cultivation and solid psychoactive effects. It is typically found in warm, humid climates and has a distinctive golden-brown cap.
• Psilocybe Semilanceata: Psilocybe Semilanceata, also known as the liberty cap, is a small, cone-shaped mushroom found in grassy areas throughout North America and Europe. It is known for its potent psychoactive effects and is often used in traditional spiritual practices.

• Psilocybe Cyanescens: Psilocybe Cyanescens is another potent strain of hallucinogenic mushroom that is found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is known for its solid psychoactive effects and distinctive blue-staining reaction when bruised.
• Psilocybe Baeocystis: Psilocybe Baeocystis is a strain of hallucinogenic mushrooms that are found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is known for its large, dense caps and potent psychoactive effects.
• Psilocybe Azurescens: Psilocybe Azurescens is a potent strain of hallucinogenic mushrooms that are found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is known for its solid psychoactive effects and large, caramel-colored caps.

Adverse effects of hallucinogens include the following:

• Psychological Distress: Hallucinogens can cause intense psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and confusion, leading to psychological distress and psychological disorders in some individuals.
• Physical Effects: Hallucinogens can cause various biological effects, such as nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.
• Risky Behaviors: Hallucinogens can impair judgment and decision-making, leading some individuals to engage in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or unsafe sexual practices.

Short Term Effects of Hallucinogens

The hallucinogens short term effects can vary based on the specific substance used, the dose, and the individual’s physical and mental state. However, some common short-term effects of hallucinogens include the following:

• Altered sensory perception.
• Emotional change.
• Cognitive changes.
• Synesthesia: Some individuals may experience synesthesia, a condition in which sensory information is perceived unusually, such as hearing colors or seeing sounds.

Misusing Hallucinogenic Drug Symptoms

Misusing hallucinogenic drugs can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Some common misusing hallucinogens symptoms include the following:

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Hallucinogenic drugs can cause vivid and sometimes frightening hallucinations, which can be difficult to distinguish from reality.
• Distorted Perception of Time and Space: Many hallucinogens can cause an altered perception of time and space, which can be disorienting and confusing.
• Mood Changes: Hallucinogens can cause rapid and unpredictable changes in mood, including euphoria, anxiety, or depression.
• Paranoia and Anxiety: Some individuals may experience paranoia or intense anxiety while under hallucinogens.
• Disordered Thinking and Behavior: Hallucinogens can cause disordered thinking and behavior, leading to actions that are out of character or dangerous.
• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Misusing hallucinogens can cause an increase in heart rate, causing high blood pressure, which can harm people with underlying cardiovascular conditions.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some hallucinogens can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly at higher doses.

• Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people to recognize and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior related to drug use. This type of talk therapy can be sufficient in helping individuals to manage cravings and avoid relapse.
• Support Groups: Support groups, such as 12-step programs, can provide individuals with a supportive and understanding community of peers recovering from drug use.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment: While no medications are approved explicitly for treating hallucinogen use disorder, some medications may be used to manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression contributing to drug use.
• Residential Rehab Treatment: In severe cases of a hallucinogen use disorder, residential treatment in a specialized facility may be necessary. This can provide individuals with intensive therapy and support in a controlled environment.