Hallucinogens and Inhalants

What are Hallucinogens  Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations - profound distortions in a person's perceptions of reality.  Hallucinogens are also know as “psychodelics”

Hallucinogen Examples  LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)  PCP (phencyclidine)  magic mushrooms (psilocybin)  ketamine  mescaline (peyote cactus)  morning glory seeds  datura.

The effects of Hallucinogens  feelings of euphoria  sense of relaxation and wellbeing  hallucinations and distorted perception, including visual, auditory, body, time and space  disorganised thoughts, confusion and difficulty concentrating, thinking or maintaining attention  anxiety, agitation, paranoia and feelings of panic  dizziness  blurred vision

The Effects Hallucinogens  loss of coordination  increased breathing rate  increased heart rate and blood pressure  irregular heartbeat, palpitations  nausea and vomiting  increased body temperature and sweating, may alternate with chills and shivering  numbness.

“Bad Trips”  negative effects of hallucinogens  unpleasant and/or intense hallucinations  anxiety  paranoia  panic or fear.

High Doses  Generally leads to Death  This mainly occurs due to suicide,  accidents and dangerous behavior  An overdose of PCP or ketamine can result in:  depressed breathing, coma, convulsions, seizures and death.

“Coming down”  As the effects of the hallucinogen begin to wear off a person may experience a range of effects. These effects can last for a number of days after use and may include.  depression  anxiety  panic attacks  psychosis.

Long Term effects  Flashbacks are a re-experience of the drug and can occur days, weeks, months and even years later.  Flashbacks can be triggered by the use of other drugs, stress, fatigue or physical exercise. The flashback experience can range from being pleasant to causing severe feelings of anxiety. They are usually visual and last for a minute or two.

What is Inhalants Abuse  Inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of common products found in homes and communities with the purpose of "getting high.

Examples of Inhalants  There are more than a 1,400 products which are potentially dangerous when inhaled.  gasoline  propane  felt tip markers  spray paint  air freshener  butane  cooking spray  paint  glue

Short term Effects  headaches  muscle weakness  abdominal pain  severe mood swings and violent behavior  belligerence  slurred speech  numbness  tingling of hands and feet  lethargy  nausea  hearing loss  visual disturbances  depressed reflexes  stupor  loss of consciousness  limb spasms  fatigue  lack of coordination  apathy  impaired judgment  dizziness

Long Term Effects  weight loss  muscle weakness  Disorientation  inattentiveness  lack of coordination  irritability  Depression Harmful irreversible effects include: hearing loss, limb spasms, bone marrow and central nervous system (including brain) damage.

Sources   facts/hallucinogens