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Hallucinogens
Although hallucinogen use can lead to hallucinogen abuse, it is believed that for most hallucinogenic drugs, hallucinogen addiction is actually more a function of the tolerance experienced when used on a frequent basis, than actual dependence on the drug. In fact there is no evidence that LSD, the most commonly known of all hallucinogens, produces any physical withdrawal symptoms when chronic use is stopped. Even the tolerance developed during frequent use appears to diminish rapidly, usually within a few short days of abstinence. This is certainly not the case with 'dissociative drugs', such as PCP, which are often taken for their hallucinogenic effects. |
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Hallucinogens produce profound distortions in the user's perceptions. While under the influence of a hallucinogen, reality is perceived contrary to common sense. Images are seen and sounds heard that simply do not exist, at least within the parameters of our normal sense of reality. Users often describe having seen sounds and heard colors while under the influence. Some hallucinogenic drugs can also produce rapid, intense emotional swings. What are Hallucinogens? Hallucinogens disrupt the interaction of nerve cells and the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord, and is instrumental in the control of behavior, perception, and the regulatory systems such as mood, hunger, body temperature, sex drive, muscle control, and sensory perception. As referenced to above, LSD is by far the drug most commonly identified with the term "hallucinogen", and is also the most widely used and abused drug of its type. When the average person thinks hallucinogen, they think LSD or acid. The characteristics of LSD's action and its effects are characteristic of the other hallucinogens, including mescaline, psilocybin, and ibogaine. What are Dissociative Drugs?  PCP
(phencyclidine) and ketamine are drugs originally developed as general
anesthetics for surgery, and are referred to as dissociative drugs.
Dissociative drugs distort perceptions of sight and sound and produce
feelings of detachment, called dissociation, from the environment
and from the self. However, these mind-altering effects are not hallucinations.
Therefore, PCP and ketamine are not hallucinogens, but rather more
properly known as "dissociative anesthetics." Dextromethorphan, which is a widely available cough suppressant, can produce effects similar to those of PCP and ketamine when taken in high enough doses. Dissociative drugs act by altering the distribution of the neurotransmitter glutamate throughout the brain, which is involved in the perception of pain, responses to the environment, and memory. PCP is generally what people associate with the term 'dissociative drugs' and the documentation on the dangers of PCP are plentiful. Developed in the 1950's as an intravenous anesthetic, PCP, commonly known as angel dust, is sometimes sold to unsuspecting users as LSD, mescaline, or other hallucinogens. PCP is typically taken by the oral ingestion of tablets or capsules containing the powdered form, and is commonly snorted or smoked in combination with marijuana or tobacco. PCP, as well as having hallucinogenic characteristics, has the effects of a stimulant, an anesthetic, or a narcotic pain-killer, depending on how much is taken. Because of its unpredictable hallucinogenic properties, PCP episodes can vary greatly. PCP users are commonly brought to emergency rooms around America due to its rather bizarre and unpleasant psychological effects or because of overdose. Continued PCP use can lead to psychological dependence (addiction), as well as tolerance. Use of PCP in humans was discontinued in 1965, but is still used as a veterinary tranquilizer and is also illegally manufactured in laboratories. Why do people take Hallucinogens? Hallucinogenic drugs have played an important role in the evolution of human history. For literally thousands of years, cultures in different parts of the world have ingested plants with hallucinogenic properties in order to induce altered states of consciousness, states of detachment from reality, and to precipitate "visions" thought to provide mystical insight. The hallucinogenic effects of these plants are cause by the chemical compounds contained within them, such as mescaline, psilocybin, and ibogaine. The compounds are molecularly similar to serotonin, and produce their effects by disrupting normal functioning of the serotonin system. Throughout history, hallucinogenic plants have been used extensively for social and religious rituals. Availability of these hallucinogenic plants has always been limited by climate and soil conditions, and thus has not been readily available to all cultures. However, after the development of LSD, hallucinogens could be manufactured petty much anywhere. This phenomenon of modern society, called global availability, has resulted in wide spread hallucinogen abuse. Hallucinogen abuse became more widespread gradually, and then in the 1960s it increased dramatically. All LSD manufactured in this country is intended for illegal use since LSD has no accepted medical use in the United States. Fortunately, hallucinogen abuse does not lead to hallucinogen addiction (dependency), however, the same can not be said about 'dissociative drugs', such as PCP, which are often taken mistakenly as a hallucinogens and which are much more dangerous. |
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