Hallucinogens Research Paper

Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that cause an alteration in perception, thought, or mood. Hallucinations can emerge while being under the influence of some of these drugs by hearing, seeing, touching, smelling, or tasting things that do not exist. Their effects typically begin within twenty to ninety minutes of ingestion and can last as long as twelve hours (www.drugabuse.gov). The effects can include nightmarish feelings of anxiety, terrifying thoughts, and despair that include fear of insanity, death, or losing control. A rather diverse group, these compounds have different mechanisms of action, different chemical structures, and different adverse effects. Most hallucinogens do not consistently cause hallucinations, which are
LSD is one of the most potent drugs known and its effects can be felt after an oral dose of only 25]50 mg (0.025]0.050 mg). It is 100 times more potent than hallucinogenic mushrooms. The dose of LSD found on the street typically ranges from 50 to 100 mg (Bonson, K.2001). LSD is produced in crystal form in illegal laboratories, mainly in the United States. These crystals are converted into a liquid for distribution. It is odorless, colorless, and has a slightly bitter taste. An LSD trip can last up to 12 hours and the effects are unpredictable. Many LSD users have flashbacks, or
Mescaline was one of the first psychedelic compounds to be isolated. Mescaline is structurally somewhat different from hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin and is instead in the same family as drugs like ecstasy and methamphetamine (www.substance.com). Mescaline is used primarily as a recreational drug and is also used to supplement various types of meditation and psychedelic therapy. Mescaline can be extracted from peyote or produced synthetically; mescaline is not physically addictive. Mescaline occurs naturally in peyote and other species of cactus (Richardson, P. 1992). Dissociative Drugs reduce or block signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain are unique in that they do so in such a way that they produce hallucinogenic effects, which may include sensory deprivation, dissociation, hallucinations, and dream-like states or trances. They disrupt the actions of the brain chemical glutamate at certain types of receptors which are called NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate) on nerve cells through the brain (www.drug- abuse.gov). Many dissociatives have general depressant effects and can produce