What is a Hallucinogen?
Hallucinogens include any drugs that cause prominent altered states of perception that greatly distort a user's ability to differentiate between what is a hallucination and what is reality. The most common hallucinogen is LSD or Lysergic Acid Diethylamide..
Effects of Hallucinogens:
Hallucinogens induce physiological, sensory, and psychic effects. They are also known for causing flashbacks, even when the person no longer uses the drug .
The physiological effects include:
*elevated heart rate
*increased blood pressure
*dilated pupils
*lack of muscle coordination
*sparse, mangled, incoherent speech
*decreased awareness of touch or pain
*coma; heart and lung failure
The psychic or psychological effects include:
*depression, anxiety, paranoia
*violent behavior
*confusion, suspicion, loss of control
*schizophrenic behavior
*severe depression
How to Help a Hallucinogen User
If you or someone you know is a hallucinogen user and needs help, contact your doctor or a local treatment facility (one can be found in the Yellow Pages of your phone book) to get an assessment. If you need a treatment program referral, information about support groups or local 12-step programs and/or more information drug and alcohol, contact the Drug rehab Center.
If someone you know becomes self-destructive during a hallucinogenic drug episode, never leave them alone. Call 911 or your local emergency medical services or have someone else do it. You just may save the person's life.