Hallucinogens PREPARED BY: jovito leo lobigan Oliver fortades christian niel parajes

HallucinogensPREPARED BY:jovitoleolobiganOliver fortadeschristiannielparajes

What are Hallucinogens? These are Hallucinogenic substances that are characterized by their ability to cause changes in a person's perception of reality. Persons using hallucinogenic drugs often report seeing images, hearing sounds, and feeling sensations that seem real, but do not exist. In the past, plants and fungi that contained hallucinogenic substances were abused. Currently, these hallucinogenic substances are produced synthetically to provide a higher potency.

Hallucinogens ALSO KNOWN AS: Acid, Peyote, Mighty Quinn, Mescal, Ibogaine, Window Panes, MDMA, Gelatin, Pearly Gates, Owsley Acid, Mind Detergent, Bufotenine, California Triple Dip, Sandoz’s, Sunshine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Mescaline, Cube, Salvia Divinorum, Blue Cheers, Vacation, Hawk, LSD, Wedding Bells, Adams, Phenethylamines, Psilocybin Analogs, Brown Dot, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Strawberries, Blotter, Pink Wedge, Psilocybin, Mushrooms, ‘Shrooms, Ayahuasca, and other names.

Hallucinogens Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that cause an alteration in perception, thought, or mood. A rather heterogeneous group, these compounds have different chemical structures, different mechanisms of action, and different adverse effects. Despite their name, most hallucinogens do not consistently cause hallucinations, which are defined as false perceptions that have no basis in reality. Often, they are more likely to cause changes in mood or in thought than actual hallucinations.

SIGNS/EFFECTS OF USE As the name suggests, hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations. A hallucination may involve one or more of the five senses – touch, taste, vision, sound, or smell. In some cases, the hallucinations may involve a sensory crossover; for example, the user may perceive a sound when seeing a certain object. This is called synesthesia. Some hallucinations are based in reality, but the user perceives that an object or experience is somehow different from what they are accustomed to when, in fact, it is not. In other cases, the hallucinations are in no way based in reality.

SIGNS/EFFECTS OF USE Sometimes users understand that what they are experiencing is a result of the drug. This is called a pseudo-hallucination. Other uses may not realize that the hallucination is a result of drug use, and they may become frightened and paranoid. Still others will develop a false sense of invincibility and may engage in dangerous behaviors as a result of this belief. Hallucinogens may increase the intensity of the emotion or emotions that the user is experiencing at the time of use. For example, if the user is feeling sad or depressed before using a hallucinogen, these feeling may become more profound. Others may feel extreme agitation or fear as the result of a “bad trip”. In this way, some hallucinogen users have committed suicide as a result of the emotions they experienced while on the substance.

SIGNS/EFFECTS OF USE Hallucinogens cause their effects by disrupting the interaction of nerve cells and the neurotransmitter serotonin. Distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord, the serotonin system is involved in the control of behavioral, perceptual, and regulatory systems, including mood, hunger, body temperature, sexual behavior, muscle control, and sensory perception.

SIGNS/EFFECTS OF USE Hallucinogens can produce physiological effects including elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and dilated pupils. These drugs are often unpredictable and a user may experience different effects compared to other users or past usage. Users often experience changes in perception, thought, and mood.

History of use Hallucinogenic substances are among the oldest drugs used by humankind, as hallucinogens naturally occur in mushrooms, cacti, and a variety of other plants. Numerous cultures worldwide have endorsed the use of hallucinogens in medicine, religion and recreation, to varying extents, and some cultures have regulated or outright prohibited their use. In most developed countries today, the possession of many hallucinogens, even those found commonly in nature, is considered a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment or even death. In some countries, such as the United States and the Netherlands, partial deference may be granted to traditional religious use by members of indigenous ethnic minorities such as the Native American Church and the Santo Daime Church. Recently the União do Vegetal, a Christian-based religious sect whose composition is not primarily ethnicity-based, won a United States Supreme Court decision authorizing its use of ayahuasca.

Main Groups of Hallucinogens Lysergamides Phenylethylamines Piperidines Indolealkylamines Cannabinols

Lysergamides The lysergamides include LSD-"lysergic acid diethylamide" and lysergic acid hydroxyethylamide, which is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in morning glory seeds. LSD was initially derived from the ergot alkaloids produced by the fungus Clavicepspurpurea, a contaminant of wheat and rye flour. LSD is the most potent psychoactive drug, with doses as low as 1-1.5 mcg/kg capable of producing psychedelic effects. Despite its potency, LSD has a very large safety margin; no deaths associated with isolated LSD ingestion have been reported, despite ingestions of several thousand mcg.

Lysergamides-LSD A tasteless, colorless, odorless liquid, LSD is usually sold as liquid-impregnated blotter paper, gelatin squares (window panes), or tiny tablets (microdots). Although usually ingested in blotter form, LSD can also be taken via intranasal, sublingual, parenteral, inhalational, or even conjunctival (ie, eyedrops) routes. LSD has dozens of street names, many referring to the pattern printed on the blotter paper, including acid, 'cid, sorcerer's apprentice, paper acid, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Beavis and Buttheads, Bart Simpsons, and Sandoz.

Lysergamides-LSD LSD acts on serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. The neurotransmitter serotonin modulates mood, pain, perception, personality, sexual activity, and other functions. The hallucinogenic activity of LSD is thought to be mediated by LSD's effect on serotonin-2 receptors. LSD acts postsynaptically to inhibit serotonin release and increase retention of serotonin at serotonin-2 receptors. Its net effect is that of a serotonin agonist. The onset of psychological effects occurs approximately 30-60 minutes after ingestion of LSD, and they last for approximately 12 hours. Effect peaks at approximately 5 hours. The psychological effects vary both with the individual taking the drug and the physical environment surrounding the user.

Lysergamides-LSD A transient depression may occur after LSD use. Acute psychosis after LSD use has been reported, and an underlying or undiagnosed schizophrenia may worsen. An unusual aspect of LSD use is the occurrence of "flashbacks," or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), months to years after LSD use. These are observed most commonly in persons who have used LSD more than 10 times. During a psychotic episode, danger of suicide and homicide exists.

Lysergamides-LSD In addition to the psychological effects, LSD also produces sympathomimetic effects. Increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and, occasionally, temperature may occur. Mydriasis usually occurs and appears to parallel the intensity of the trip, with pupils returning to normal when the patient returns to a non–drug-induced mental state. Rarely, LSD can produce life-threatening symptoms. Hyperthermia (particularly with monoamine oxidase [MAO] use), hypertension, coma, respiratory arrest, and bleeding have been reported. However, users remain more at risk from behavior-related trauma than they do from the toxic effects of the LSD.

Lysergamides-LSD Lysergamides are also found naturally in several species of morning glory (Riveacorymbosa,ololiuqui) and Hawaiian woodrose (Ipomoea violacea). The seeds of these plants contain lysergic acid hydroxyethylamide, which has approximately one tenth the potency of LSD.

Phenylethylamines Phenylethylamine derivatives include mescaline and several hallucinogenic amphetamines. Mescaline is the psychogenic amphetamine found in the peyote cactus, Lophophorawilliamsii. Native Americans have used peyote for more than 8000 years. Use continues today; members of the Native American Church are still permitted to use the drug in religious ceremonies. Mescaline is thought to induce hallucinations by an amphetaminelike action, although the precise mechanism is unknown.

Phenylethylamines After ingestion of 6-12 peyote buttons (the dried bitter fleshy tops of the cactus), the user first begins to feel effects in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and ataxia precede the hallucinogenic effects, which may last 8-12 hours. Mescaline also may be sold as pills containing ground peyote or a synthetic congener, but the prohibitively high cost of the raw materials often leads many dealers to simply substitute PCP.

Phenylethylamines- hallucinogenic amphetamines The hallucinogenic amphetamines, also known as enactogens (ie, enabling the user to "touch within"), are structural analogs of mescaline and amphetamine. Most were derived from their parent compounds in an effort to avoid US Drug Enforcement Agency prosecution (so-called designer drugs). They all have similar psychogenic effects and toxicity. They include MDMA, MDA, MDEA, and MMDA.

Phenylethylamines- hallucinogenic amphetamines MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is perhaps the most well known of these compounds. First synthesized in 1914, MDMA is presently the drug of choice at "raves," ie, all-night dance parties popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. MDMA appears to affect serotonin neurotransmission at presynaptic and postsynaptic sites. Although it usually does not cause hallucinations, it causes changes in mood and the perception of music, reputedly increases interpersonal communication, and fosters feelings of intimacy and empathy. Despite these positive-sounding attributes, concern is growing that ecstasy use may cause permanent neural damage to its users.

Phenylethylamines- hallucinogenic amphetamines In terms of complications and overdoses, the hallucinogenic amphetamines do not seem as benign as other psychedelic drugs. Many of their toxicities are identical to those of amphetamines. Sympathomimetic effects predominate, with hypertension and tachycardia being quite common. Hyperthermia is a common and occasionally serious complication. The combination of sympathomimetic effect, strenuous physical activity, dehydration, and high ambient temperatures found at raves all contribute to severe hyperthermia. This also may be accompanied by rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuric renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Piperidines Piperidine derivatives include PCP (phencyclidine) and ketamine. PCP was developed in the late 1950s as a dissociative anesthetic/analgesic agent initially marketed under the brand name Sernylan. It was soon withdrawn from use because of severe adverse psychological reactions following its use; severe dysphoria, agitation, and psychotic behavior were all noted routinely. It was used in veterinary medicine in the 1960s and soon became a popular drug of abuse, first observed in San Francisco. During a psychotic episode, danger of suicide and homicide exists.

Piperidines-PCP Dubbed the PeaCe Pill, or PCP for short (also known as angel dust), its dysphoric effects and erratic absorption initially limited its appeal. However, its popularity eventually increased as dealers misrepresented the cheap and easy-to-synthesize drug as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mescaline, LSD, or amphetamines. PCP continues to be marketed in place of other harder-to-obtain drugs. Use peaked in the late 1970s, declined in the 1980s, but seems to have made a resurgence in the 1990s. PCP goes by several street names, including angel dust, killer weed, elephant tranquilizer, rocket fuel, and hog.

Piperidines-PCP The onset of effects occurs in 2-5 minutes after ingestion or smoking of PCP (often it is sprinkled on marijuana cigarettes). Peak effect occurs by 15 minutes. The duration of action is as long as 16 hours (some users report effects persisting as long as 24-48 h). PCP antagonizes the action of glutamate at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, blocking the influx of calcium and inhibiting neurotransmitter release. Depending on the dose, PCP may cause either CNS excitation or depression. Sympathomimetic effects are prominent.

Indolealkylamines The indolealkylamine group includes the 2 mushroom-derived hallucinogens (ie, psilocybin, psilocin), DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) , and bufotenine. They all appear to cause their psychogenic effects through activity at the serotonin receptor. Psilocybin is found in the following 3 major genera of mushrooms: Psilocybin, Conocybe, and Panaeolus. Often growing on cow dung, they are found in most areas of the United States, with the exception of arid regions. Several drug-oriented magazines advertise home cultivation kits that include live mycelia.

Indolealkylamines The effects of psilocybin last approximately 4-6 hours. Hallucinations are common. The mushrooms cause fewer adverse reactions than LSD, although cases of hyperthermia, seizures, and coma have been reported. Misidentification of the mushrooms in the wild and on the street is common; only one third of "magic mushrooms" bought on the street contain psilocybin. Many are simply store-bought mushrooms laced with PCP.

Indolealkylamines-DMT DMT is a potent psychedelic with a brief duration of action (15-60 min). This has earned it the nickname "businessman's trip." It is found naturally in the bark of trees of the genus Virola, which grows in the Amazon basin. DMT is only active when smoked or snorted. It causes more visual hallucinations and more sympathetic effects than LSD.

Indolealkylamines-DMT Several species of toads produce venom that has psychoactive properties. Members of the genus Bufo, particularly Bufomarinus and Bufoalvarius, contain bufotenine and 5-MeO-DMT. The compound 5-MeO-DMT is firmly established as a hallucinogen, whereas the role of bufotenine has not yet been established. The toads are either licked or milked for their venom, which may then be ingested or smoked. Their dried skin also may be smoked.

Cannabinols Marijuana is the leaf or flower of the plant Cannabis sativa and is commonly known as pot, grass, or weed. It contains the psychoactive substance THC. Although usually grouped with other hallucinogens, marijuana rarely causes hallucinations. Acute effects from smoking marijuana include an alteration in perception or mood, laughing, increased appetite, conjunctival injection, tachycardia, and mild CNS depression.

SYMPTOMS Hallucinogens powerfully affect the brain. The drugs induce a distorted sense of sight, hearing and touch, changing the users' impressions of time and space, and the user may feel that his or her body is changing shape. On some trips, users experience sensations that are enjoyable and mentally stimulating with a sense of heightened understanding.

SYMPTOMS Bad trips, however, include terrifying thoughts, nightmarish feelings of anxiety and despair that include fears of insanity, death or losing control. Users are also prone to flashbacks—unsolicited repetitions of the drug experience up to one year after no further intake of the drug. People who use hallucinogen drugs may show symptoms of:

SYMPTOMS Difficulty concentrating, communicating or distinguishing between reality and illusion Panic attacks at the height of the drug experience. Distorted perceptions, impaired judgment and body-wide anesthetic with enhanced sensations, which may induce panic reactions and violent defensive behaviors Agitation, paranoia Perceptual distortions Auditory, visual and sensory hallucinations Psychosis similar to schizophrenia Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, muscle rigidity, acute renal failure and death Feelings of euphoria, mania, spirituality and superiority to feelings of anxiousness, sadness, depression and terror simultaneously

SYMPTOMS Physical symptoms that include: Diluted pupils Rapid mood and behavior fluctuations from anxious, agitated and combative behavior to being somnolent, sedated and having a sense of relaxation and well-being Mydriasis, particularly with LSD use Tachycardia, tachypnea Mild-to-moderate elevated heart rate and blood pressure Hyperthermia, specifically during an episode of extreme exertion, combative behavior, infection Degrees of cognitive distortions or deficits Traumatic injuries caused by altered perceptions of reality or during combative or destructive behavior

SYMPTOMS LSD users may also show additional symptoms of: Agitation and psychosis Confusion and disorientation Physical symptoms such as mydriasis, tachycardia and tachypnea Nausea, loss of appetite and dry mouth Heightened sensation Trembling and tremors

SYMPTOMS PCP and ketamine users show typical hallucinogen symptoms, and may show additional symptoms of : flushing, sweating and dizziness. numbness to touch, pain or injury; hence, user may be vulnerable to potential life-threatening injuries. mixed nystagmus. Rotatorynystagmus strongly suggests PCP intoxication. confusion and poor memory. violent or self-destructive behavior. bizarre behavior that can lead to death from drownings, burns, falls (sometimes from high places), and automobile accidents. prolonged psychotic behavior and inability to speak. episodes of severe depression and schizophrenia. paranoia, fearfulness and anxiety for days.

SYMPTOMS Psilocin and psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) users may experience symptoms similar to those of LSD and mescaline, and may manifest additional symptoms of: hyperreflexia, anxiety and drowsiness. adverse gastrointestinal (GI) reactions associated with ingestion, including abdominal cramping, diarrhea and nausea and vomiting.

SYMPTOMS Mescaline users may have the typical hallucinogen symptoms, and may also show: intoxication that generally lasts 6 to 8 hours, usually followed by somnolence. adverse GI distress associated with ingestion, which includes abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. perspiration. hallucinations of all forms. but mostly intense visual images of bright colors and geometric patterns. adverse perceptions of self, anxiety or depression. a sense of superiority and tremendous power. physical injury that may have occurred because of dysphoria and sense of power, though less common than with PCP. mild reflex bradycardia.

TREATMENT If someone is going through a bad trip or an adverse reaction while using hallucinogens, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. Quick responses can save lives. In the meantime, focus on preventing the user—and all those around them—from harm and on keeping them safe. decrease stimulation and agitation. calm the user. Move and speak in a reassuring and confident manner. address them by name. Remind them of who they are. tell them who you are. if possible, don't leave them alone. This may mean staying with them for several hours. if physical restraint is necessary, use a team approach—at least five people is best—to quickly subdue the user and minimize risks of injury to both the user and rescuers. call an ambulance. Don't delay.

TREATMENT stay with the person until the ambulance arrives. Ask if anyone at the scene knows mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ensure adequate air by keeping crowds back and opening windows. Loosen tight clothing. if the person is unconscious, don't leave them on their back—they could choke. Turn them on their side and into the recovery position. Gently tilt their head back so their tongue does not block the airway. If breathing has stopped, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, apply CPR. Provide the ambulance officers with as much information as you can: what hallucinogens were taken, when they were taken, any preexisting medical conditions known.

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Hallucinogens PREPARED BY: jovito leo lobigan Oliver fortades christian niel parajes