What are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens are a collection of drugs that take an individual on an imaginary tour or a drug-induced experience where the person’s perception and reality are altered. As indicated by the name hallucinogens create hallucinations, and in common terms, hallucinogens are referred to as “trippy” drugs. Hallucinogens cause the feeling that hallucinations are real. Hallucinogens do not include prescription drugs but are available in excessive variety, some of the common types of hallucinogens include:
- DXM (Dextromethorphan)
- Ketamine
- 4-phosphoryloxy-N
- N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocybin)
- Ayahuasca
- DMT
- LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide)
- Peyote (Mescaline)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Salvia divinorum (salvia)
What are the different types of Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens are classified into two types:
The classic hallucinogens:
Alter senses with visual or other forms of hallucination associated with sensory organs.
The dissociative drugs:
As the name signals, these drugs generate feelings of detachment and dissociation from one’s body and the real world.
What is LSD?
LSD is a type of hallucinogen with an excellent ability to change the mood. LSD is a formation of lysergic acid, developed by Albert Hofmann in 1938. LSD is commonly also referred to as yellow sunshine, acid, dots, blotter, etc. Side-effects include loss of hunger, sweating, increase in blood pressure, increase in heartbeat, tremors, dizziness, numbness, etc.
What are the effects of LSD/Hallucinogens?
The results of abusing hallucinogens can be very damaging. Hallucinogen abuse can attack the physical and psychological life of the addict.
Psychological Side-Effects
- Anxiousness
- Psychosis
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations
- Major depression attacks
- Schizophrenia
- Paranoia
- Sudden mood swings
- Amnesia
- Panic
- Sense of detachment
- Violence
- Confusion
- Suicidal motivations
Physical Effects
- Coma
- Stroke
- Unstable breathing
- Sensory distortion
- Senseless speech
- Memory loss
- Inability to feel the pain
- Death
When ACID/LSD or hallucinogens are taken, the person could “trip” for quite some time and might have to constantly move and drink water in order to keep their body stable. However, if under the influence of hallucinogens any physical or psychological problems are experienced the person might be unable to feel them, which makes hallucinogens life-threatening drugs.
What are the warning signs of LSD Addiction?
People under the influence of hallucinogens show their use through different signs and signals, and when one is under the influence, he is considered as having a “psychedelic experience.” It is also considered as being on a “trip,” either a good or bad one depending upon different aspects. Usually, the use of hallucinogens can be identified through the following signs.
- Difficulty in talking
- Personality changes
- Reduction in weight
- One constantly feels weak and vulnerable
- Strange movement of eyes
What are the LSD withdrawal symptoms?
Regular consumption of hallucinogens manipulates the natural balance of the brain’s chemical composition, and as a result, the brain’s capacity to perform and regulate physical functions is interrupted. Once this disruption reaches a certain point, physical withdrawal symptoms start developing. Usage of hallucinogens escalates the tolerance level in the user’s body with every dosage taken. And as the tolerance level increases, the intensity and frequency of physical withdrawals symptoms also increase.
LSD Withdrawals symptoms include:
- Flashback experiences
- Rapid and significant changes in body temperature
- Seizures
- Stiffness in muscles
Hallucinogens / LCD Addiction Treatment
Hallucinogens alter reality, so if someone is suffering from side-effects of taking hallucinogens, the first and foremost step is to stabilize the patient and keep them calm. Patients need professional assistance and support in shifting back to reality.
Currently, there are no pharmaceutical treatments developed for the treatment of hallucinogen usage, but similar to other drugs, the first step of recovery from hallucinogen is detoxification from the drug. The course of treatment includes rehab and rehabilitation for successful reintegration back into society.
When a hallucinogen abuser is treated, it is important to identify whether or not other drugs are taken in combination with hallucinogens, and then a specific course of treatment should be prescribed. Often times hallucinogens are taken in combination with other drugs, so it is important to identify other factors to provide an accurate treatment plan.
If you have a friend, family member, or relative suffering from drug abuse and use of hallucinogen, in order to help them overcome the problem, it is important for you to become a constant support system. Community support is a vital part of rehabilitation.
