The hallucinogen drug category is made up of a diverse group of substances that have a primary psychoactive effect. Hallucinogens<\/a> can cause altered perceptions, dreamlike experiences<\/a> and subjective changes to one\u2019s consciousness. There are many kinds of hallucinogenic drugs, and they may be naturally occurring (mescaline, for example) or synthetic (LSD<\/a>, for example).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Importantly, hallucinogens are defined as having a primary psychoactive effect. This means the intended effect is to alter perceptions and cause hallucinations. Drugs like amphetamines<\/a> and ecstasy<\/a> may cause hallucinations as a secondary effect, but they are not used with the intent to cause hallucinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some hallucinogenic drugs are more addictive than others. Hallucinogens can be broadly grouped into two categories<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drug abuse is typically characterized by a number of warning signs and symptoms, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent studies have shed light on the physical and psychological consequences of hallucinogen use. It is important to differentiate between classical and dissociative hallucinogens, as they are associated with different side effect profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All classical hallucinogens are listed as Schedule I drugs by the DEA. This means the federal government does not recognize these drugs as having any medicinal value and considers them to have a high risk of abuse. However, mounting evidence suggests that classical hallucinogens may be beneficial in the treatment of several mental health disorders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short-term effects<\/strong> of classical hallucinogens generally set in within 20 to 90 minutes after taking the drug. These effects may last anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the type of drug. Hallucinogenic drugs are associated with both positive and negative short-term side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Positive short-term effects<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Negative short-term effects<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long-term effects<\/strong> of classical hallucinogens remain relatively unknown due to federal restrictions on research. However, in light of promising findings that suggest that classical hallucinogens may have significant therapeutic benefits, more research is being permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research that found positive long-term side effects is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research that found negative long-term side effects is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, classical hallucinogens are generally not associated with significant negative side effects when they are administered in a clinical setting. However, there is some evidence that using hallucinogens recreationally or with other drugs may increase the risk of negative long-term side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dissociative hallucinogens can cause dissociation, or detachment from reality. Unlike classical hallucinogens, many dissociative hallucinogens can be prescribed or even purchased over the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dissociative hallucinogens have a wider spectrum of short- and long-term effects than classical hallucinogens. Because of this, it is difficult to describe a side effect profile that applies to all dissociative hallucinogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short-term effects<\/strong> commonly include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long-term effects<\/strong> are quite diverse and depend on the drug that is used. Common drugs and their side effects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ketamine<\/p>\n\n\n\n When provided by medical professionals and taken as prescribed, ketamine can be an effective antidepressant drug for people with treatment-resistant depression<\/a>. However, chronic ketamine<\/a> misuse can lead to dependence and addiction. It can also impair learning and memory<\/a>, cause severe and widespread brain damage<\/a> and cause liver, kidney and bladder injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dextromethorphan (DXM)<\/p>\n\n\n\n DXM is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter cough syrup formulations. Some data suggests that DXM can have positive effects<\/a> on depression, pain, Parkinson\u2019s disease, and other conditions. Unfortunately, some teens<\/a> will consume an entire bottle of cough syrup in one sitting to experience the hallucinogenic effects of DXM. This puts them at risk for DXM toxicity<\/a> and can lead to psychosis<\/a>, respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and even death. In addition, DXM is often consumed with alcohol, which significantly increases the risks of overdose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phencyclidine (PCP)<\/p>\n\n\n\n PCP<\/a> was used as a general anesthetic in the 1950s, but its use was discontinued due to the hallucinogenic effects that followed. PCP has become a popular recreational drug, but it is associated with very serious negative consequences<\/a>. These side effects include mild to severe agitation, delusions, violent behavior, seizures, coma, and death. In addition, some evidence suggests that PCP can induce the onset of schizophrenia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polysubstance abuse is defined as the simultaneous misuse of more than one drug. Common drugs that are misused with hallucinogens include alcohol<\/a>, cocaine<\/a>, marijuana<\/a>, opioids<\/a>, and amphetamines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polydrug abuse may significantly increase the likelihood of negative outcomes. It can lead to someone experiencing a \u201cbad trip\u201d (scary hallucinations, paranoia, the feeling that the trip will never end) and can encourage erratic and dangerous behavior. Polysubstance abuse with dissociative hallucinogens increases the risk of an overdose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While classical hallucinogens are not typically associated with overdose, some dissociative hallucinogens are. PCP is associated with potentially lethal overdoses, especially when it is combined with other drugs. DXM overdose can also be lethal, especially when it is used with alcohol. Ketamine is not associated with serious overdose<\/a> consequences when it is taken alone, but it can cause respiratory depression when it is combined with other drugs that slow brain activity (alcohol, opioids).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Classical hallucinogens are not associated with withdrawal or addiction, but some dissociative hallucinogens are. There are no FDA-approved medications for hallucinogen treatment, but quality rehab facilities can provide cognitive behavioral therapy<\/a> and other evidence-based therapies during the recovery process. These approaches can be incredibly helpful for people who are struggling to overcome dependence or addiction related to dissociative hallucinogens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There are many types of hallucinogens, but each type falls into one of two distinct categories. Learn more about the types of hallucinogens and the risks associated with their use. The hallucinogen drug category is made up of a diverse group of substances that have a primary psychoactive effect. Hallucinogens can cause altered perceptions, dreamlike experiences and subjective changes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":569,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[],"tags":[54],"class_list":["post-572","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry","tag-hallucinogens"],"acf":{"written_by":287,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":257,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"Last Updated<\/i> - 7\/15\/2020<\/b>","page_first_published_date":"20200715","page_last_edit_date":"20200715","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling (561) 340-7269<\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"Key Takeaways<\/strong>\r\nAre Hallucinogens Addictive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Signs of Hallucinogen Abuse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Side Effects of Hallucinogens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Side Effects of Classical Hallucinogens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Side Effects of Dissociative Hallucinogens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Side Effects of Polysubstance Abuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can You Overdose on Hallucinogens?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hallucinogen Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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