Hallucinogens are a very broad and diverse group of groups that are used to alter perception, thoughts, and feelings.
They can be categorized into three main categories:
- Psychedelic drugs, such as marijuana, MDMA, LSD, and shrooms, have the ability to produce changes in consciousness and perception that are unfamiliar.
- Dissociatives, such as PCP, ketamine, and DXM produce similar alterations as psychedelics, but include feelings of depersonalization, where an individual feels disconnected from their body.
- Deliriants, such as benadryl, hyoscine, and atropine, produce vivid and commonly very unpleasant hallucinations.
Health Risks
Short-Term:
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Intensified feelings and sensory experiences
- Increased blood pressure, breathing rate, or body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Sleep problems
- Paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
- Psychosis—disordered thinking detached from reality
Long-Term:
- Speech problems
- Memory loss
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
Treatment Options
- Detox
- Behavioral Therapies