Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

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