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u.s. drug enforcement administration photo library » ::   WHAT ARE HALLUCINOGENS?
Hallucinogens are drugs which primarily affect the senses, thinking,
self-awareness, emotion, and perception of time and space. These
drugs can also cause delusions [false beliefs] and hallucinations
[experiencing unreal or distorted sensations]. Such effects may
be mild or overwhelming. Hallucinogens are also called psychedelics.
Hallucinogens may be divided into three main groups. The first
group includes LSD and chemically related drugs such as psilocybin
and DMT. The second group includes mescaline, MDA, PMA, DOM [STP],
MDMA, and others. This group is chemically related to amphetamines.
The third group includes belladonna, datura, and other atropinic
drugs. Both natural and synthetic hallucinogens exist in each group.
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DO OTHER DRUGS CAUSE HALLUCINATIONS?
Other mind-altering drugs can cause hallucinogenic effects at
certain doses. However, drugs whose major effects are as a depressant
or stimulant are not included in this fact sheet. These include
alcohol, marijuana, PCP [phencyclidine], and amphetamines. These
drugs are included in other fact sheets in this series.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF HALLUCINOGENS?
LSD causes the most potent hallucinogenic effects, and it is used
in this fact sheet as an example. Other hallucinogens have effects
much like LSD, though generally less extreme.
The detailed effects are different for each drug. Effects depend
as well on the dose taken, the setting, the user's mood and expectations,
and other factors. The effects also vary widely from person to
person and from use to use.
Hallucinogens affect all the senses. Vision alters, including
changes in depth perception and in the meaning of the perceived
object. Illusions and hallucinations are common. The sense of
time and of self are altered. Senses may "cross" so that music
may be "seen" or color "heard."
Physical effects may include dilated pupils, a rise in temperature
and heartbeat, slight increase in blood pressure, and tremors.
The user may be relaxed, or may feel fear or panic.
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WHAT RISKS OCCUR WITH HALLUCINOGENS?
A person under the influence of a hallucinogen loses control over
normal thought processes. This may bring about behavior that can
be harmful or fatal to the user or others. Risks include suicide,
injury, or accidental death.
Users may experience a "bad trip." These last for
up to a few hours. A bad trip may include depression, panic,
or psychotic
episodes.
Longer-term harmful reactions include anxiety, depression, or "breaks
with reality." These may last from a few days to months.
The drugs may create these mental problems, or trigger an existing
problem.
Tolerance [the need to take more of a drug to obtain the same
effect] occurs with most hallucinogens. Physical dependence is
not known to occur. Psychological dependence on LSD has been reported.
WHAT IS A FLASHBACK?
A flashback is a return of some of the drug's effects long after
the drug was taken. Flashbacks occur mostly with LSD use. The reasons
for flashbacks are not known. They may be sponta-neous, or they
may be triggered by physical or psychological stress, medications
such as certain antihistamines, or use of other drugs such as marijuana.
A flashback can be very frightening, especially to someone not
expecting it.
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CAN HALLUCINOGENS CAUSE DEATH?
Certain hallucinogens can cause seizures, coma, and death. These
include MDA, PMA, and the atropinic drugs. Death can also occur
from impurities found in a hallucinogen, or when other drugs are
sold as a hallucinogen. Death from an accident or suicide while
under the drug's effects may result.
HOW PURE ARE HALLUCINOGENS?
These drugs come from illegal sources. The potency of illicit
drugs varies from time to time or batch to batch. Street samples
typically include other drugs or adulterants. Some of these additives
are themselves dangerous.
Other drugs are often sold as hallucinogens. For instance, the
very risky drug Phencyclidine [PCP] is often sold as "THC",
the hallucinogenic chemical in marijuana. In fact, THC in tablet
or liquid form is not available at all on the street. Users of
street drugs most often cannot know what they are getting, or
the quality or potency of the drug.
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IS THERE EVIDENCE THAT HEAVY LSD USE HAS LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON
THE MIND?
Research has shown changes in the mental functions of some heavy
users of LSD. These include signs similar to those of organic brain
damage, such as impaired memory and attention span, mental confusion,
and difficulty with abstract thinking. These conditions may last
for years.
DOES LSD IMPROVE CREATIVITY AND SELF-KNOWLEDGE?
Although some people who have taken LSD say that they feel more
creative, research has not shown significant changes. The new perceptions
of the body and self which some users report can be frightening
as well as pleasant.
CAN LSD DAMAGE CHROMOSOMES?
Earlier studies that linked LSD use with chromosome damage have
not been confirmed. However, LSD is so often mixed with other
substances [adulterants] that its genetic effects are uncertain.
DOES HALLUCINOGEN USE DURING PREGNANCY HARM THE FETUS?
Little is known about the effects of these drugs during pregnancy.
LSD has been studied more than other hallucinogens.
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HOW COMMON IS HALLUCINOGEN USE?
In 1997, 9.8 percent of high school seniors, 7.6 percent of tenth
graders, and 3.7 percent of eighth graders reported using hallucinogens
in the past year. Hallucinogen use had declined from 1975 to 1991,
increased each year from 1991 through 1996. and dropped slightly
in 1997 for all three grade levels. Use was most common in 1975,
when 11.2 percent of high school seniors reported using hallucinogens
in the past year.
In 1997, LSD had been used in the past year by 8.4 percent of
twelfth graders, 6.7 percent of tenth graders, and 3.2 percent
of eighth graders.
The 1996 National Household Survey found that among all young
people aged 12 to 17, 5.6 percent had used hallucinogens in their
life, 4.3 percent had used them in the past year, and 2.0 percent
had used hallucinogens in the past month.
Among those aged 18 to 25, 6.9 percent had used hallucinogens
in the past year, and 2.3 percent had used in the past month. Among
those aged 26 to 34, 1.1 percent had used hallucinogens in the
past year and 0.2 percent had used in the past month.
LEGAL INFORMATION:
LSD, Peyote, Mescaline, DMT, and Psilocybin are controlled substances.
Use, possession, possession with intent to distribute, distribution,
and manufacture of hallucinogens are illegal.
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