Today we are going to talk about a somewhat sensitive topic, and one that many people are not very familiar with. That is, hallucinogens, or as we say in English, ``(Hallucinogens)``. You may have also heard the words ``(Psychedelics)`` along with these words. When we use these, the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we see our surroundings can all change. So it is very important to know exactly about this.
What are these hallucinogens?
Simply put, these are a type of drug. But they are different from other drugs. When used, they alter a person's perception of their surroundings, that is, their consciousness. Not only that, but they can also alter the way they think and feel.
Consider that some psychoactive substances are made exclusively by humans, that is, they are `synthetic`. Others are obtained naturally from compounds found in plants or certain types of fungi.
When you use these psychoactive substances, you start to see, hear, and feel things that aren't there. We call this ``Hallucinations'' or illusions. It's like a dream, but while you're awake. Sometimes people who use these can feel like they can't control themselves, like they're separated from their bodies and their surroundings.
Although the effects of each of these drugs are different, they all affect our senses, thoughts, and mood. When someone is using one of these drugs, they are said to be "on a trip." Sometimes these experiences can be good (good trips), meaning they are pleasant and positive. But sometimes they can be very bad, frightening experiences (bad trips).
People have used these psychoactive substances for centuries, including religious rituals and healing rituals. But recently, many people have started using them for recreational purposes. Doctors say that even small amounts of these psychoactive substances are not safe to use. However, scientists are now investigating whether some psychoactive substances can be used under medical supervision to treat mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. But this is still in the research stage.
How do these affect our brain?
These psychoactive substances interfere with the chemical messenger networks in our brain. Imagine, our brains have chemical messengers called ``Neurotransmitters.'' These psychoactive substances interfere with their work.
For example, some psychoactive substances affect a chemical called serotonin, which controls many important functions in our body.
- Sleep
- Hunger
- Mood
- Body temperature
- Sensory perception (things seen, heard, felt)
Some other psychoactive substances interfere with a chemical called glutamate. Glutamate is a chemical that controls:
- Feelings
- Feeling pain
- Learning and memory
- Responses to the environment
So, when the functioning of these chemicals is disrupted, things like the hallucinations and changes in emotions mentioned earlier occur.
What are the most common types of psychoactive substances?
Now let's take a look at some of the most common types of these psychoactive substances.
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
`LSD` is the short name for `(Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)`. This is one of the most powerful mind-altering chemicals made from a chemical called lysergic acid. This lysergic acid is found in a fungus that grows on grains like rye. `LSD` is also called "acid". It is a colorless, white substance. Most often, small pieces of paper (`blotting paper`) are soaked in this `LSD` liquid and swallowed. These are also called "acid tabs". Sometimes `LSD` can be in the form of `tablets` or `capsules`.
When using `LSD`, a person feels like they are disconnected from reality. They may have paranormal experiences, such as seeing visions or having their senses mixed together. For example, they may feel like they are smelling something or seeing something. The effects of `LSD` can last for about 9 to 12 hours.
It is not possible to say that LSD is addictive, because it does not cause uncontrollable drug-seeking behavior. However, with continued use, the body becomes accustomed to it (`tolerance`). Then, to get the same effect as before, you need to take a larger dose.
Peyote and Mescaline
`Peyote` is a small, thornless cactus. The main active ingredient in it is `Mescaline`. This is something that is naturally found in peyote cacti. The top part of the peyote cactus, or the "crown", has round buttons. People cut these buttons from the roots and dry them. Then they chew these buttons and eat them, or they soak them in water to make an intoxicating liquid.
Mescaline requires between 0.3 and 0.5 grams to produce a psychoactive effect. Its effects last for about 12 hours. Because its extract is so bitter, some people boil the cactus for hours and drink it as a tea. Peyote can also be made synthetically.
Peyote is one of the oldest psychoactive substances known. Native Americans used it as part of their culture. The mental and emotional effects of peyote can vary depending on a person's body type, personality, previous drug use history, and what they expect from it. Common effects include:
- Vivid mental images
- Changing perception of space and time
- Distorted body image
- Loss of consciousness about the real world
Psilocybin - Magic Mushrooms
The chemical `Psilocybin` is obtained from certain types of mushrooms that grow in tropical and subtropical regions of countries such as the United States, Mexico, and South America. These are also called `magic mushrooms` or `shrooms`. These mushrooms usually contain less than 0.5% `Psilocybin` and small amounts of another psychoactive substance called `Psilocin`.
These `Psilocybin (સિલોકીબીન)` mushrooms can be eaten cooked, boiled in water and drunk, or eaten raw. To eliminate the bitter taste of these mushrooms, `psilocybin (સિલોકીબીન)` chocolate (`psilocybin chocolate`) has now become very popular. People have found ways to combine these mushrooms and chocolate, and get the same effect with less bitterness.
Psilocybin can cause a wide range of effects, from heightened sensory perception to impaired decision-making. "Bad trips" can include frightening hallucinations, intense fear, depression, or panic attacks.
PCP (phencyclidine)
`PCP` stands for `(Phenylcyclohexyl piperidine)`. It is sometimes called `(Phencyclidine)`. It is also called ``angel dust`` and ``killer weed``. It comes in many forms, including liquid, powder, tablets, and capsules. People usually swallow it, snort it, or inject it. It can also be smoked.
Scientists developed the drug PCP in the 1950s for use as a general anesthetic. But in 1965, doctors stopped using it for that purpose because of its serious side effects.
PCP causes an ``out-of-body feeling''. This can be accompanied by a feeling of numbness and agitation, followed by irrational behavior. High doses of PCP can cause seizures, coma, and even death. Most deaths occur while under the influence of this drug, either by suicide or by a fatal accident.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic used by doctors to perform surgeries on humans and animals. Most of the ketamine used by humans is smuggled from animal clinics. People usually snort it as a powder, swallow it as a pill, or inject it as a liquid.
The effects of `Ketamine` include a feeling of being out of your body. While this can be a pleasant experience for some, it can be a terrifying experience for others.
Salvia
Salvia divinorum, also known as salvia, is a plant native to southern Mexico and Central and South America. People usually ingest salvia by chewing its leaves or drinking its juice. They also smoke or inhale dried salvia leaves. It is also known as "sage of the seers" and "divine's sage."
The effects of Salvia include hallucinations, delusions, and sensory confusion, for example. It can also cause feelings of floating above the ground and time travel.
DMT
`DMT` is an abbreviation for `(Dimethyltryptamine)`. This natural chemical is found in some plants in the Amazon rainforest. `Ayahuasca` is a type of tea made from these plants. `DMT` as a tea is also called `hoasca`, `aya` or `yagé`.
DMT can also be made synthetically. It is usually a white powder that is smoked.
What are the possible adverse health effects of these psychoactive substances?
It is common to experience unpleasant, adverse effects from the use of psychoactive substances. These are caused by the large amounts of psychoactive ingredients in the substance. The severity of the effects often depends on the amount taken. Some of the adverse effects include:
- Mydriasis (dilation of the pupil of the eye)
- Increased body temperature
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) and facial flushing
- Appetite
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Tremor
- Uncoordinated body movements (Ataxia)
- Muscle relaxation or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
In particular, a wide range of adverse effects are associated with the use of `PCP`. At low and moderate doses, a person's breathing rate may increase slightly, and blood pressure and pulse rate may increase significantly. In addition, the following may occur:
- Shallow breathing (Tachypnea)
- Facial flushing and excessive sweating
- General numbness in the limbs
- Loss of muscle coordination
Using PCP in high doses can cause the following adverse effects:
- Decreased blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Eye twitching
- Saliva filtration
- Loss of body balance
- Dizziness
PCP use is associated with a high rate of emergency room visits, either due to overdose or the severe psychological effects of the drug. When intoxicated, PCP users can become violent and suicidal. As a result, they are a danger to themselves and others.
High doses of PCP can cause seizures, coma, and even death. Death often occurs while under the influence of PCP, either through an accident or suicide. PCP also has a sedative effect, so it can cause coma if combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol.
What are the treatments for these conditions?
Sometimes people seek treatment for substance intoxication due to "bad trips," meaning they are at risk of harming themselves.
Treatment is usually supportive care. A doctor will place the person in a quiet, low-stimulus room. Rarely, a medication such as a benzodiazepine (e.g., Xanax®) may be prescribed for severe agitation or seizures.
There is no specific treatment for substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs). However, residential treatment and/or behavioral treatments may be helpful for people with various substance use disorders.
Is weed/cannabis also a psychoactive substance?
Yes, researchers classify cannabis as a psychoactive substance. Although cannabis does not always cause psychoactive effects, it can if taken in high doses.
Can these psychoactive substances be used as medicine?
Psychedelic research is making a comeback in modern science. Many clinical studies have shown that psilocybin may be a promising treatment option for some mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. In addition, researchers have shown that psilocybin may also be effective as a treatment for the following conditions:
- Cluster headaches
- Phantom limb pain
- Chronic pain
But remember, many psychoactive substances are illegal. And researchers say that using even small amounts of these drugs is not safe . These drugs can have many negative effects on your health and well-being. Using these psychoactive substances can cause serious harm to you and those around you. Long-term use can lead to addiction (`dependence`).
Finally, things to remember
So, you probably now have some idea of what hallucinogens are, how they work, and what adverse effects they can cause.
The most important thing is not to try these things. They can cause a lot of short-term and long-term health problems. The damage they can do to mental health in particular is not insignificant.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, or if you think you may have a substance use disorder, please seek help. Talk to your doctor about this. You don't have to go through this journey alone. It's wise to get the right information and seek medical advice if necessary.
` Psychotropic substances, hallucinogens, narcotics, LSD, PCP, mental health, substance abuse
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