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Hallucinogens. Hallucinogens. A group of mind-altering drugs that affect the brain and nervous system, bringing about changes in thought, self-awareness, emotion, and sensation. The term psychedelic was coined by scientist Humphrey Osmond in 1956. It means “revealing the mind.”.
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Hallucinogens • A group of mind-altering drugs that affect the brain and nervous system, bringing about changes in thought, self-awareness, emotion, and sensation. • The term psychedelic was coined by scientist Humphrey Osmond in 1956. It means “revealing the mind.”
These drugs create a distorted perception of reality, irrational thinking patters, and modified states of consciousness. True to their name, they produce hallucinations. This happens because of the blood vessels in the brain to constrict, limiting the amount of blood that reaches the brain and thus depriving the normal amoung of oxygen. Hallucinogens
Some hallucinations are pleasant. Others are bad trips or bummers. Others may cause panic attacks. Another common reaction is a flashback, recurrence of the trip, which can happen unexpectedly during drug-free times. Hallucinations
During the 1960s and 1970s, LSD and PCP became the major drug of use. 1938 the Swiss scientist Albert Hofmann, while searching for a cure of headaches, created LSD. Although it did not cure headaches, his researched turned to that of mental illness. Scientists discovered that LSD could cause severe psychoses LSD
In 1960, Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary began to publicize the attractiveness of LSD. LSD is colorless, tasteless liquid. For many years a drop of liquid was placed on a sugar cube, now it appears in tablet or soaked into heavy blotter paper. LSD takes effect in 40 minutes to an hour or more. The effects continue 12 hours or more. LSD
Physical Effects • Physical reactions include dilation of the pupils, sometimes trembling and shaking, a rise in blood pressure, and dry mouth. • Some experience nausea, aching body, tingling, and sweating.
PCP • An anesthetic that blocks nerve receptors from pain and temperature without producing numbness.
Harmful side effects include confusion, delirium, intense anxiety, and depression. Taken in small doses it induces feelings of euphoria. Moderate doses cause blurred vision, slurred speech, sleepiness, heavy sweating, and rapid breathing. Higher doses cause intoxication accompanied b mental confusion, hallucinations, and trouble speaking. Higher doses can produce serious mental illness. PCP
PCP • One of the most serious consequences is the loss of inhibitions and ensuring threat of harm to others. • PCP can cause extreme, unpredictable rages.
The effects depend greatly on the dose, the individual’s expectations and personality, and the setting for the drug use. Some become convinced that they have lost their minds. Many users report religious or mystical imagery and thoughts; some feel they are experiencing profound insights. How users feel
Risks • Someone who already is depressed may take a hallucinogen to lift his or her spirits, only to become more depressed. • Suicide is a real danger.