special subjects
Hallucinogens
Introduction
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that cause profound distortions in people's perceptions. Hallucinogens distort and intensify sensations, but the actual effects are variable and unpredictable. The chief dangers are the psychologic effects and impaired judgment they cause. Most people are aware they are hallucinating and can be reasoned with. Diagnosis is made based on a doctor's evaluation. A dark, quiet room and calm, nonthreatening talk can help users who are intoxicated. Sometimes, antianxiety medications and psychiatric care are necessary. Hallucinogens may be obtained from plants or be man-made chemicals (synthetic). Some typical examples include LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide (from a fungus) Psilocybin (from several types of mushrooms) Mescaline (from the peyote cactus) N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) Many new compounds are being synthesized, and the list of hallucinogens is growing. These drugs may be taken various ways. LSD is taken by mouth using tablets or blotter paper. Psilocybin and mescaline are taken by mouth. DMT can be smoked. People may become psychologically dependent on hallucinogens, but physical dependence is not typical. (See also Overview of Substance-Related Disorders .) 