UI300 K Farwell, PhD, RN, CARN-AP Hallucinogens UI300 K Farwell, PhD, RN, CARN-AP

General Information Distort perception of reality  Alter sensory perception  Induce hallucinations  Potential to trigger psychotic break  Some report spiritual experiences  Common to feel at peace and as one with the universe  Bad trips: panic, fear of dying or going insane  Flashbacks can occur days to months after drug was taken

Physiological Effects  Can produce tolerance  Not physically addictive  No withdrawal  There is psychological dependence  Effects are highly unpredictable

Historical Aspects  Hallucinogens used as part of religious ceremonies and at social gatherings by Native Americans for as long as 7000 years  Peyote cactus still used as part of religious ceremonies in Southwest U.S. by Native Americans

 First synthesized in 1943 by Dr. Albert Hoffman  Used as clinical research tool to investigate biochemical etiology of schizophrenia  Abuse of hallucinogens peaked in late ’60s, waned during ’70s, & returned to favor in 80’s as “designer drugs” (MDMA and MDA)

Historical Accounts  Advertising Agent’s Trip  Dr. Albert Hoffman’s Self-Experiments  Advertising Agent’s Trip

PCP  Usually taken episodically in binges that can last for several days  No physical dependence; psychological dependence occurs with craving in chronic users along with tolerance

Symptoms of PCP Intoxication  Develop within hour of use (or less when smoked, snorted, or injected IV)  Belligerence  Assaultiveness  Impulsiveness  Unpredictability  Psychomotor agitation  Impaired judgment  Hypertension or tachycardia  Ataxia  Muscle rigidity  Seizures or coma

Psilocybin  Comes from Psilocybe mushroom indigenous to U.S. and Mexico  Effect similar to that of LSD, but with shorter duration

Mescaline  Primary active ingredient of peyote cactus  Only hallucinogenic compound used legally for religious purposes by Native American Church of U.S.  Does not cause physical or psychological dependence  Tolerance can develop

Common Physiological Effects  Nausea & vomiting Chills  Dilated pupils  Increased pulse, blood pressure, A& temperature  Mild dizziness  Trembling  Loss of appetite  Insomnia  Sweating  A slowing of respirations  Elevation in blood sugar

Psychological Effects  Heightened response to color, texture, and sounds  Heightened body awareness  Distortion of vision Sense of slowing time  Emotions are magnified (love, ,lust, hate, joy, pain, terror, despair)  Fear of losing control  Paranoia, panic  Euphoria, bliss  Projection of self into dreamlike images  Serenity, peace  Depersonalization  Derealization  Increased libido