Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and feelings. They are commonly split into two categories:hallucinogens (e.g. LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP). Both types of hallucinogens can cause hallucinations – “seeing or feeling things” that are not there.  Dissociative drugs can cause a person to feel “disconnected” from their surroundings and their body.

Hallucinogens are either extracted from plants or mushrooms or man made (synthetic). They are used for religious or healing rituals, but also for recreational purposes or to relieve stress. Hallucinogens work by temporarily disrupting the connection between brain chemistry and the spinal cord. Hallucinogens interfere with the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin regulates: mood, hunger, body temperature, sleep, sensory perception, etc.

Dissociative hallucinogens interfere with the brain chemical glutamate. Glutamate regulates: perception of pain and  environment, emotions and memory.

Classic hallucinogens can cause people to see, hear and feel sensations that seem real but do not exist. The effects can last as long as 12 hours (LSD) or as short as 15 minutes (synthetic DMT). Hallucinogen users refer to the experiences brought on by these drugs as “trips” and if unpleasant, as a “bad trip.” There are several emotional changes associated with hallucinogen experimentation. Two of the most common include increased anxiety and depression.

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

In some cases, yes. Evidence suggests that certain hallucinogens can be addictive, and that people can also develop a tolerance to them.

LSD, for example, is not considered an addictive drug because it doesn't cause drug-seeking behavior that is uncontrollable. However, LSD does produce tolerance over time, causing users to take higher doses to achieve the same effect. This is dangerous, given the unpredictability of the drug. LSD also produces tolerance to other hallucinogens, including psilocybin.

The misuse and addiction potential of DMT is currently unknown. PCP is a hallucinogen that can be addictive. PCP withdrawal includes drug cravings, headaches, and sweating. More research is needed on the tolerance or addiction potential of a variety of hallucinogens.