Hallucinogens: What They Are and Why They’re Dangerous
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), hallucinogens are among the oldest types of drugs abused for their ability to alter the mood, mind, and perception. Originally cultivated from plants found naturally in the wilderness, the same or similar substances can be synthetically produced in labs to create easily ingested tabs, pills, or liquids for those who abuse the drugs.
No matter what they look like, these drugs can be extremely dangerous and those who abuse them regularly often develop long-term mental health issues. If you or someone you care about is struggling with a dependence upon hallucinogens, rehab can help. Contact Michael’s House today.
Hallucinogen Basics
Depending upon the particular drug, hallucinogens go by a number of different names, including acid, mushrooms, shrooms, X, Special K, blotter acid, cubes, mind candy, fry, and more. Each one comes in different forms, too, forms that include paper tabs or blotter paper, pills and tablets, and liquids. Many underground manufacturers like to imprint their supply with pictures, graphics, or logos and give them unique names to differentiate them from others on the market. Depending upon the form, it may be ingested differently. For example, blotter paper acid is usually taken orally, allowed to dissolve on the tongue, while liquids and pills are primarily swallowed. Mushrooms can be smoked or taken orally.
Hallucinogen Short-Term Effects
Hallucinogens affect the perception, distorting it so that the user has difficulty finding their place in time and space. Visual hallucinations occur; colors change and patterns move. Physically, pupils dilate and the heart rate is increased as is the blood pressure when users take hallucinogens.
Hallucinogen Long-Term Effects
The visual changes caused by hallucinogens can recur long after the drugs wear off in the form of flashbacks, and the alterations in perception of self in relation to others can become a permanent psychosis with chronic abuse. In some cases, this can be a permanent change and the resulting mental health disorder means that the patient needs treatment for both the addiction issue and the mental health problems. These associated mental health problems are, in fact, the biggest reason to seek treatment for hallucinogen abuse as one of the primary causes of death related to the drug are suicides and accidents under the influence.
Treatment for Hallucinogen Abuse
If you or someone you care about is struggling with abuse of hallucinogens, then a treatment program can help. At Michael’s House, we have a number of options to choose from. Contact us today for more information.
