Hallucinogens are a specific type of drug that can change a person’s awareness of their surroundings and their thoughts. They are classed into two; classic hallucinogens and dissociative hallucinogens. They create images and sensations that feel real but are not. Some hallucinogens are gotten from plants while some are man-made from chemicals. Let’s get into different types of hallucinogens out there and their effects.
- D-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
It was synthesized by a Swiss chemist called Albert Hoffman in 1938. Popularly known as LSD, it is a white odorless substance derived from a fungus that grows on grains called ergot. It can be used by swallowing like a pill or liquid and can also be absorbed through the skin or mouth lining through a wet paper. See here for the leading drug rehab for Tampa residents.
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
MDMA is popularly called Ecstasy or E. It was originally developed as an appetite suppressant. It is synthetic and can be inhaled, snorted, or swallowed. It increases the amount of dopamine in the brain and gives the feeling of increased energy.
- Psilocybin
This hallucinogen is gotten from a special species of mushroom found in South America, the U.S, and Mexico. It is commonly called magic mushrooms or shrooms. It can be dried or consumed raw. It is sometimes brewed into tea also.
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
This one is found in many plants but mostly extracted from plants of the Virola species found in the Amazon forest. Ayahuasca is a concoction made from DMT used for religious ceremonies. It can also be synthesized in a lab. It is mostly brewed into tea but can also be smoked.
- Peyote
It is extracted from a small cactus called mescaline. It can also be made synthetically. It is mostly used for healing and religious purposes. It can be consumed in liquid, raw, or dried form. It can also be used to make tea.
- 251-NBOMe
This is a synthetically made hallucinogen very similar to LSD but is made to be much stronger. It was developed for medical research for the brain. It is popularly called N-Bomb or 251.
- Dextromethorphan (DXM)
This is an over-the-counter medication for cough and cold in syrup or tablet form. It is usually used in high doses to give the effects of hallucinogens. It is sometimes called Robo or poor man’s PCP
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCP was developed as an anesthetic for surgery but is no longer used due to serious side effects to the brain and general body system. Popularly called Angel dust, it is found in powder and tablet form. It can be snorted, swallowed, or injected.
- Ketamine
Its chemical components are very similar to PCP. It is also an anesthetic used for surgery on humans and animals. It can be in powder, solid, or liquid form. It is snorted, injected, or used orally. It is sometimes called special K. Anyone experiencing an intense ketamine high is said to be in a k-hole.
- Salvia
It is mostly known as Sally-D or magic mint. Salvia is a plant found native to Central and South America. The leaves of the salvia plant can be chewed raw, dried, or smoked.
Hallucinogens have several side effects like increased heart rate, blood pressure, dry mouth, paranoia, and nausea. Hallucinogens when taken in very high dosage can have very dangerous side effects that can lead to several mental problems or worse death! Prolonged use can lead to addiction, memory loss, schizophrenia, liver damage, or brain damage.
Persistent psychosis and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) are common long-term side effects of hallucinogens. Hallucinogens warp reality and make users see what is not there. Hallucinogens are dangerous substances that should not be toyed with.
