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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5.  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)

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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