What Are Hallucinogens & Psychedelic Drugs?

Hallucinogens are drugs that act on the brain and nervous system to create altered states of reality and a heightened sensory experience. Drugs that cause hallucinations include both lab-created chemicals and naturally occurring substances. These drugs can be found in a variety of forms, such as leaves, pills, powders, and liquids. They are typically ingested orally or through smoking.

What Are Hallucinogens, Psychedelics, and Dissociative Drugs?

Hallucinogens, psychedelics, dissociatives are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different, but often overlapping, types of drugs.

Hallucinogens, also known as dissociative drugs, alter the user’s perception of reality by causing hallucinations and distortions in their senses. They can be found in a variety of forms, such as mushrooms, LSD, and DMT.
Psychedelics are a specific type of hallucinogen that produces more intense spiritual or mystical experiences. Examples include ayahuasca and peyote.
Dissociatives are a separate category of drugs that cause feelings of detachment from one’s body and surroundings. These can include PCP, ketamine, and nitrous oxide.

While each type of drug has its own unique effects, they all share the potential for dangerous side effects and addiction.

What Are the Effects of Hallucinogens, Psychedelics, and Dissociative Drugs?

The effects of hallucinogens, psychedelics, and dissociatives can vary greatly depending on the type of drug and the user’s individual experience. Generally, these drugs can cause sensory distortions, changes in perception of time, and altered states of consciousness.

Hallucinogens often produce intense visual effects, including:

Seeing bright colors, patterns, and shapes that are not actually there
Synesthesia, a condition where different senses become intertwined or confused (“hearing” colors or “seeing” sounds)

Psychedelics may produce more intense experiences, including feelings of euphoria and connectedness to the universe. Some people report having profound spiritual insights or mystical experiences while under the influence of these drugs.

Dissociative drugs, on the other hand, may cause feelings of detachment from oneself and one’s surroundings. Users may feel like they are experiencing a dream-like state or that their body is disconnected from their mind.

These effects can be unpredictable and vary greatly between individuals. While some users may have positive experiences with hallucinogens, psychedelics, and dissociatives, others may experience intense, negative experiences known as “bad trips.” These may involve feelings such as:

Fear
Anxiety
Confusion
Paranoia

In some cases, hallucinogens, psychedelics, and dissociatives can lead to long-lasting psychological effects. For instance, some of these drugs have been known to cause flashbacks, even long after the initial use of the drug. These flashbacks can be triggered by stress or other stimuli and can be very distressing for the individual experiencing them.

Additionally, hallucinogens may also lead to persistent perception disorder (HPPD), where users experience visual disturbances similar to those during a trip without actually taking the drug. This can greatly impact daily life and may require professional treatment.

It’s important for individuals who have used these mind-altering drugs to seek help if they are experiencing any of these long-lasting effects or struggling with dependence.

Types of Hallucinogens and Psychedelic Drugs

People have used psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs since the beginning of time. There are two main types of hallucinogens: natural and synthetic. Naturally occurring chemicals have long been a part of spiritual practices all over the world. In modern times, these chemicals are also abused for recreational reasons and manufactured in laboratories.

Natural Psychedelics

Like the name implies, natural psychedelics are found in nature. The plants are often grown specifically for their intoxicating properties.

Types of natural hallucinogens and psychedelics include:

Marijuana
Ayahuasca
Datura
Peyote (Mescaline)
Morning Glory Seeds (LSA)
Psilocybin Mushrooms
Salvia

Marijuana

Marijuana, a hallucinogen derived from the cannabis plant, is widely recognized for its ability to significantly alter perception, sensations, and emotional states. For centuries, it has been used in both medicinal and recreational contexts.

When consumed, marijuana enters the bloodstream and makes its way to the brain, where it interacts with cannabinoid receptors. These receptors, found throughout the brain, play a crucial role in regulating key functions such as memory, coordination, mood, and appetite. This interaction is what drives the substance’s well-known effects on both the mind and body.

Marijuana use can result in a range of short-term side effects, including:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Dry mouth
Increased appetite
Elevated heart rate
Anxiety
Insomnia
Hallucinations
Paranoia

These effects can be particularly disruptive for students, employees, drivers, or anyone performing tasks that require focus and attention. In addition to its effects on mental health, marijuana can have physical consequences such as:

Respiratory issues, including chronic bronchitis, and a higher risk of lung infections.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure, can pose dangers for individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions.
Cases of “scromiting” (scream-vomiting), a severe condition linked to chronic marijuana use, have also been reported, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

While marijuana is less addictive than substances like cocaine or heroin, it can still lead to dependency for some users. Regular use may result in withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, affecting daily life and personal relationships.

Ayahuasca

Sometimes called “brew,” ayahuasca is a tea made from a plant native to South America. Amazon tribes have used it in religious rituals for thousands of years. Users brew the leaves of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine in hot water. Banisteriopsis caapi contains the chemical N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). In its synthetic form, DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. This classifies it as a drug with high potential for abuse and no known medical use.

Ayahuasca’s popularity increased in the West as people became more aware of the high it offers. Some small studies suggest health benefits of using it as well. People from the United States, Canada, and much of Europe have been known to travel to South America to obtain and use ayahuasca.

Drinking ayahuasca tea causes psychedelic drug effects like:

Dissociation from the body
Visual hallucinations
Auditory hallucinations

Hallucinogen effects begin between 20 and 60 minutes after drinking it. They tend to last for two to six hours. Everyone reacts to ayahuasca differently. Many people experience pleasant body highs or hallucinations, which they say make them feel closer to the universe. Others have intense, anxious, or paranoid highs. Some research notes vomiting and increased blood pressure as common side effects of the hallucinogen.

There’s scarce information on this hallucinogen’s long-term effects. As with any substance of abuse, psychological dependence is a risk. Some case studies have found that ayahuasca puts people at risk for developing psychosis, especially if they already struggle with mental illness.

Like most hallucinogens, when taken by itself, ayahuasca doesn’t have addictive qualities, but psychological addiction is always a risk for any substance abused for recreation.

Datura

Also called Jimson weed, datura is a flowering plant in the nightshade family. Nightshades are notoriously poisonous, but datura has some hallucinogenic effects too, leading to both intense and negative experiences while high. Datura can also cause poisoning.

Datura is native to North America. Reports of poisoning and substance abuse related to datura increase during the summer when it flowers. Since it’s a decorative plant, it’s legal to purchase datura seeds or live plants and grow them in home gardens. The flowers are white or purple and trumpet-shaped, and the plant itself grows to between three and five feet tall.

Datura side effects and symptoms can cause:

Fever
Dry mouth
Dilated pupils
Blurred vision
Delirium
Euphoria
Trouble speaking or swallowing
Seizures
Excessive thirst
Poisoning
Death

These hallucinogen effects may begin within one to four hours after ingestion, but they can last one to two days. Long-term effects of datura may include hospitalization and death from poisoning. People can become addicted to the feeling datura gives them, but there is limited research on physical dependence.

Mescaline and Peyote

Mescaline is an amphetamine found in peyote—a hallucinogenic drug made from the “buttons” of a spineless cactus native to Central America. It’s one of the oldest known hallucinogens. Rather than selling pure peyote, many drug dealers sell synthetic versions, like lab-created mescaline or PCP instead. Peyote and mescaline are both Schedule I substances, according to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). There are exceptions specifically for indigenous groups using the compound in religious rituals.

The limited growing range of mescaline has curbed its abuse to some extent. Indigenous people use it carefully in spiritual rituals and rites, but with the increased popularity of recreational hallucinogen abuse in the United States, Canada, and other Western countries, demand for the substance continues to increase.

Effects of mescaline include:

Numbness or tingling
Rapid reflexes
Muscle twitches and weakness
Impaired motor coordination
Dizziness and trembling
Dilation of the pupils
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Chills and shivering
Appetite suppression
Anxiety and paranoia
Nausea and vomiting
Vivid, distorted visions and sounds
Altered sense of space and time

Research on the long-term effects of mescaline is lacking. Older studies show no long-term effects on indigenous people who use the hallucinogen in rituals, but haven’t evaluated people who use it for recreational purposes. There have been reports of poisoning from mescaline over the years.

Morning Glory Seeds

The morning glory plant (also called LSA) is an invasive species in many parts of North America. The seeds contain a chemical like LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide). Morning glory seeds may be sold legally at garden supply stores or on the street as an alternative to LSD.

The effects of morning glory seeds are reportedly not as significant as those of LSD. Eating the seeds can be toxic, as they may contain:

Herbicides
Insecticides
Other poisonous chemicals

Abuse of morning glory seeds can be very harmful and lead to poisoning and hospitalization. Some research suggests that morning glory seeds can contribute to kidney damage. There is limited research on the long-term effects of these hallucinogens. Psychological dependence can be a risk.

Psilocybin Mushrooms

The chemicals in psilocybin and psilocyn are closely related. They’re both hallucinogenic compounds found in about 100 species of mushrooms that are native to:

South America
Central America
Mexico
Southeast
Pacific Northwest

The potency of each mushroom varies. Some contain enough of the hallucinogenic compounds that they are dried and either eaten or brewed into tea. This is better known as “shrooms” or “magic mushrooms.” In some cases, psilocybin is made synthetically and sold as a white powder.

Indigenous people in Central and South America have used these mushrooms for religious rituals for thousands of years, but the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I substance.

Psilocybin and psilocyn can cause effects similar to those of LSD or peyote. These may include:

Auditory hallucinations
Visual hallucinations
Detachment from reality
Panic
Psychosis
Hunger
Fever
Sleep disturbances
Mood effects
Changes in muscle control

Research has yet to find significant long-term effects of psilocybin/psilocyn. There is limited risk of physical dependence on psilocybin/psilocyn, but like any drug of abuse, it can become psychologically addictive. Learn more about the adverse effects of long-term psilocybin/psilocyn abuse and how Vogue Recovery Center can help.

Salvia

Salvia is a plant considered to have low addiction potential, but it is toxic in larger doses. The Mazatec tribe has used salvia for religious rituals for thousands of years. Salvia leaves are brewed into a tea and then consumed so the shaman can have spiritual visions. The leaves may also be smoked or chewed.

The active ingredient is salvinorin A, a kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist. This chemical affects how much dopamine is released into the brain. Excess dopamine can cause intense euphoric feelings and hallucinations.

The effects of Salvia may include:

Distorted imagery
Euphoria
Detached feeling
Distortions of space and time
Heightened visual experience
Talkativeness
Out-of-body experiences
Paranoia
Anxiety
Uneasiness

The long-term effects of regularly abusing salvia as a psychoactive drug are unknown. Taken by itself, salvia has low potential for addiction.

Synthetic Hallucinogens

Chemicals in synthetic hallucinogens are often derived from natural sources, but they’re typically manufactured in a lab. Some of these synthetic psychedelics were derived or created for medicinal purposes, like:

Improving mental health conditions
Use as an anesthetic
Use as sedatives
Use as stimulants

Now, synthetic hallucinogens are more often abused to get high.

Types of synthetic hallucinogens and psychedelics include:

25I-NBOMe
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
Ketamine
D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Phencyclidine (PCP)

25I-NBOMe

25I-NBOMe has stimulative and hallucinogenic effects. Typically, 25I-NBOMe is purchased online. It’s one of several compounds in the NBOMe family. The drug is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the DEA. This means it has no known medical use and is at high risk of being abused. Since 25I-NBOMe is a research chemical, animal studies compare it to other psychoactive drugs like psilocybin. There are no human trials available, so information on the drug is based on illicit abuse.

The effects of 25I-NBOMe start and last for different durations, depending on how it is consumed. NBOMe effects can include:

Feeling empathy and connection with others
A general change in consciousness
Euphoria
Hallucinations
Confusion
Paranoia
Nausea
Insomnia
Swelling in the extremities

There have been several non-fatal intoxications due to this drug and a small number of deaths due to overdose. While the drug is not widely abused, it is potent and dangerous. There isn’t sufficient research to deem 251-NBOMe addictive.

Dextromethorphan (DXM)

DXM is found in many over-the-counter cold and flu treatments. It suppresses coughing and the production of mucus. DXM may also be in some prescription medications to treat:

Sinus congestion
Runny nose
Sneezing
Coughing
Itching

When taken as directed, DXM has few adverse side effects. Abuse of the drug has increased as more people discover its hallucinogenic, dissociative, and intoxicating properties.

In large doses, DXM is a dissociative anesthetic. It can create powerful psychedelic effects similar to the effects of ketamine or PCP. DXM effects vary depending on the dose but may include:

Hot flashes
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness and lack of coordination
Panic attacks
Hyperactivity
Lethargy and slurred speech
Feelings of floating
Altered sense of time and space
Tactile hallucinations
Impaired judgment
Seizures

Long-term effects of DXM may include symptoms like:

Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Mood swings
Weakened bones
Muscle weakness and pain
Toxic psychosis

Studies show that people who abuse DXM are at risk for dependence and withdrawal from DXM in its absence.

DMT

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a hallucinogenic chemical found naturally in several plants and animals. Sometimes called the “spirit molecule” for the very specific and consistent hallucinations it produces, DMT is typically produced in an illegal laboratory.

DMT effects are felt almost instantly, depending on how it’s taken. When smoked, effects occur in a minute or less and last for about 30 minutes. When consumed as a tea, the effects take about 30 minutes to begin and last for 4 to 6 hours.

The hallucinations from DMT are similar for many people, and they include visual distortions. Sometimes this is called “the crystalline machine elves,” as the person feels like they’ve broken through into a different world with moving, machine-like parts.

After taking DMT, some people experience:

Bad hallucinations
Paranoid feelings
Negative body sensations

People who abuse DMT are at risk for serotonin syndrome, especially if they take antidepressants.

This is due to excessive serotonin and can lead to:

Headaches
Confusion
High blood pressure
Agitation

People who abuse DMT are also at risk for:

Coma
Seizures
Respiratory arrest
Mental health issues

While there’s limited research on the addictive qualities of DMT, people may develop a psychological dependence on its effects or to ward off adverse symptoms.

Ketamine

Ketamine is sometimes used as part of surgical anesthesia since it has pain-stopping properties. It’s also an alternative treatment for depression. Because ketamine has legitimate medical uses, the DEA classifies it as a Schedule III drug despite its potential for abuse.

When used in large doses, ketamine can cause hallucinations. It’s also a dissociative anesthetic, so people may abuse it:

For pain relief
To feel far away from their bodies
To feel euphoric

Ketamine is sold illicitly in powders, liquids, or tablets. It is smoked, snorted, or orally consumed.

Ketamine effects in lower doses include:

Feelings of floating
Dissociation
Stimulation
Hallucinations

Very large doses produce an effect called the “K-hole,” an out-of-body experience that is produced as the person is almost completely sedated. Some people describe it as feeling like they’re going to die.

Ketamine abuse puts people at risk for:

Kidney disease
Ulcers
Memory issues
Depression
Overdose
Death

Research shows that people can develop a tolerance to ketamine, which may cause them to keep increasing the amount taken. Learn more about treatment for ketamine dependence and addiction offered at Vogue Recovery Center.

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

LSD is one of the most famous and potent hallucinogens in the United States. It is synthesized from lysergic acid, which is derived from the ergot fungus. LSD became a psychiatric drug in the 1950s. It was widely abused by counterculture movements in the 1960s. LSD is now classified as a Schedule I drug by the DEA, which means it has a high potential for abuse.

Effects of LSD include:

Distorted perception of time
Heightened visual experience
Euphoria
Mood changes
Anxiety
Paranoia
Dizziness
Sleep disturbances

It is also possible to have a bad trip. This may involve visual and auditory hallucinations that are disturbing.

Abusing LSD may impact brain chemistry. Long-term effects may include psychosis or flashbacks. LSD is not considered physically addictive, but people may develop a psychological need for it.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

PCP is also called “angel dust.” It was originally developed as a dissociative anesthetic in the 1950s, but medical use was discontinued due to negative reactions. The chemical often caused:

Delusions
Severe anxiety
Agitation

While PCP is still occasionally used in veterinary medicine, it’s no longer used in humans for medical reasons. PCP is mostly made in illicit laboratories. PCP disrupts the brain’s glutamate receptors, which play a major role in:

Perception of pain
Learning
Emotion
Memory

Some signs of PCP use include:

Euphoria
Sense of calm
Drowsiness
Poor coordination
Breathing issues
Anxiety
Paranoia
Panic
High blood pressure
Rapid heart rate

Chronic PCP abuse can lead to:

Depression
Anxiety
Flashbacks
Social withdrawal
Memory problems
Speech issues
Suicidal thoughts

A tolerance to PCP is possible over long-term use. This can create addictive behaviors around the drug.

Can Hallucinogens Be Used as Medicines?

Certain hallucinogens are being studied for their potential to treat mental health conditions such as depression. For instance, Esketamine has received FDA approval as a treatment option for depression, particularly in cases where other methods have proven ineffective.

Hallucinogens are unique among drugs due to their highly unpredictable and variable effects, which can differ greatly from person to person. Their impact is unreliable and can be influenced by numerous factors. Any use of hallucinogens for potential medical purposes should always be conducted under the strict supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Can Hallucinogens Be Addictive?

In some cases, hallucinogens can be addictive. Some people may also experience cravings for hallucinogens, which can contribute to addictive behaviors. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of hallucinogens can make it difficult for individuals to control their use and limit potential harm. It’s also possible to develop a tolerance to them, needing more and more to get the same desired effect.

Hallucinogen abuse may also occur in combination with addictive substances like:

Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Opioids

Not only can mixing drugs raise the risk of harmful side effects and addiction, but polydrug abuse can also increase the likelihood of overdose. It’s important for those who struggle with hallucinogen addiction to seek professional help to address their substance use disorder. While there are currently no FDA-approved medicines to treat hallucinogen addiction, behavioral therapy can help address the psychological addictive properties.

It’s important for individuals considering using hallucinogens for medical purposes to weigh the risks and benefits with a medical professional carefully. Using them recreationally or without proper supervision can lead to addictive behaviors and potential harm.

If you or someone you know struggles with hallucinogen addiction, seek help from a qualified addiction treatment provider such as Vogue Recovery Center.

Abuse of Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

Around 5.6 million people aged 12 or older reported using hallucinogens in the past year, according to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Young people who abuse hallucinogens are more likely to have mental health issues and struggle with impulsiveness. People seek the effects of hallucinogens on the body because they desire a spiritual, mystical, or introspective experience. They may want to feel euphoric or high or escape reality. The problem is that these chemicals are unpredictable. A good “trip” the first time doesn’t guarantee one the next time. The extent of hallucinogens’ long-term effects is also somewhat of a wild card, since there’s not a lot of research on it.

Signs of Hallucinogen and Psychedelic Abuse

If you are concerned that a loved one may be abusing hallucinogens or psychedelics, there are some warning signs to look out for. Signs of hallucinogenic drugs in the system include:

Interacting with visual or auditory hallucinations
Freezing and staring into space
Acting drunk
Looking stunned or having high energy, but otherwise seeming normal

Hallucinogens may also cause people to appear terrified, angry, and violent. They may have convulsions, vomit, or pass out.

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Does Insurance Cover Rehab For Hallucinogens and Psychedelics?

One of the most-asked questions when it comes to treating drug addiction is whether or not insurance will cover the cost of treatment. If you’re wondering how to pay for rehab, the good news is that insurance can cover part or all of the cost of treatment. All insurance providers and policies are different, but a free insurance verification with the team at Vogue Recovery Center can offer more information about what treatment options for substance abuse and mental health issues you have available based on your policy.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction the hallucinogens or psychedelics, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions team at Vogue Recovery Center. We can help you get started with your recovery journey!

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Get Help for Hallucinogen Abuse

It’s important to find a detox program that understands psychedelic substances, so you can get the best medical support from doctors, nurses, and counselors. A rehabilitation program like those at Vogue Recovery Center can help you understand triggers for substance abuse and how to manage them so you can sustain your sobriety. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.

Reference

Hallucinogenic Addiction

What Are Hallucinogens, Psychedelics, and Dissociative Drugs?

What Are the Effects of Hallucinogens, Psychedelics, and Dissociative Drugs?