Hallucinogen

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Hallucinant)

Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings. They cause hallucinations, or sensations and images that seem real though they are not. Hallucinogens can be found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) or can be human-made. People have used hallucinogens for centuries, mostly for religious rituals.

Types of Hallucinogens[edit | edit source]

There are many different kinds of hallucinogens. Some of the most common include LSD, psilocybin, and DMT.

LSD[edit | edit source]

LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most powerful mood-changing chemicals. It is a clear or white odorless material made from lysergic acid, which is found in a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.

Psilocybin[edit | edit source]

Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) comes from certain types of mushrooms found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States.

DMT[edit | edit source]

DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful chemical found in some Amazonian plants. Manufacturers can also make DMT in a lab.

Effects of Hallucinogens[edit | edit source]

The effects of hallucinogens can begin within 20 to 90 minutes and can last as long as 6 to 12 hours. Hallucinogen users refer to the experiences brought on by these drugs as "trips," calling the unpleasant experiences "bad trips."

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Along with hallucinations, possible health effects can include:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Intense sensory experiences (e.g., brighter colors)
  • Changes in sense of time (events can seem to last longer than they do)
  • Psychological distress (can occur while using hallucinogens or days after)
  • Persistent psychosis and HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder), which involve ongoing mental health problems

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There are no government-approved medications to treat addiction to hallucinogens. While inpatient and outpatient therapy programs for hallucinogen abuse exist, they are not always effective. More research is needed to find out if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to hallucinogens.

Hallucinogen Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD