Hallucinogen related disorders

Hallucinogen Related Disorders

ByJustin Song

Hallucinogens

Been around for thousands of years Distort the user’s senses Popular hallucinogens are LSD, PCP,

and psychedelic mushrooms

Hallucinogens

How the Brain is Affected

Deplete serotonin levels Because the hallucinogen molecules

resemble serotonin, the brain fills in serotonin receptors with hallucinogen molecules

This is what triggers the “trip”

Effects

Unpredictable User may hear colors or see sounds or

even taste touches Numerous different effects

Eidetic Imagery

User can still see images when their eyes are closed

Images can appear as designs or patterns floating in mid air

Lasts for a time

Synesthesia

Mixing of the user’s senses Hear colors, see sounds Experts still do not know what causes it Trademark affect of hallucinogens

Depersonalization

Floating from body One who is severely depersonalized

may look down and see their body Usually is mild Disrupts physical coordination

Dr. Martin recalls a severe incident of depersonalization

Simultaneous Extreme Sensations

Experiencing numerous extreme feelings at the same time

Can feel happy, sad, upset, overjoyed, empowered, helpless

Users usually mark this experience as a bad trip

Flashbacks

Can come at any time, even years after use

Somatic, Emotional, Perceptual Somatic is physical: throwing up,

shaking Emotional: depression, suicide Perceptual: Normal trip

Multi Level Reality

Can see through things to their molecules

Rare effect

Exaggeration

Another confusing effect Objects multiply, feelings intensify,

whispering becomes yelling, everything becomes more intense

Set

Set is the quantity, identity, and previous experiences of drug

Set affects the type of trip that the user has

Setting

Represents the user’s intentions and environment

If used for positive intentions, the trip might be good or different from a trip where someone just wants to get high

Addiction

LSD, PCP, and other hallucinogens are not physically addictive which means no craving, withdrawals, or anything of that nature

The user can only become addicted if they go out of their way to become high without their body telling them to

LSD Addiction

Rare but dangerous Signs of paranoia, flashbacks,

delusions, permanent mental changes in perceptions, increased heart rate

Similar to paranoid schizophrenia

PCP Addiction

More likely than LSD Hallucinations, euphoria, delusions,

panic, depression, and aggression More likely to commit suicide later on

How to Stop Addiction

Rehabilitation Centers Hallucinogens Anonymous Numerous groups that talk to schools

› All Stars› LA’s Best› California Mentoring Initiative› The New Jersey Governor’s Council on

Alcohol and Drug Abuse No way to fix addiction, but can be

prevented by raising awareness

Statistics

LSD and psychedelic mushrooms have been growing in popularity

PCP popularity has gone down DEA has only made several large drug

busts since 2001 Ecstasy high school users has

increased by 75% from 1997 to 2001

Hallucinogens

Still somewhat of a mystery to today’s experts

Cannot explain things like synesthesia Unsure as to which specific part of the

brain each drug affects Unsure why hallucinogens resemble

serotonin Many questions

Works Cited

Ebbitt, Alicia. "The Effects of Hallucinogenic Drugs on the Brain." Serendip (2008): n. pag. Web. 20 Apr 2010.

<http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1880>. "Hallucinogens Facts and Figures." Office of National Drug Control Policy (2010): n.

pag. Web. 20 Apr 2010. <http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/hallucinogens/hallucinogens_ff.html>.

Mayo Clinic Staff, . "Symptoms." Drug Addiction (2009): n. pag. Web. 17 May 2010. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-

addiction/ds00183/dsection=symptoms>. Mehling, Randi. Hallucinogens. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Chelsea House Publishers,

2003. Print. Monroe, Judy. LSD, PCP, and Hallucinogen Dangers. Berkely Heights, NJ: Enslow

Publishers, 2000. Print. Phillips, Jane Ellen. LSD, PCP, & Other Hallucinogens. Berkely Heights, NJ: Enslow

Publishers, 2000. Print. Tierney, John. "Hallucinogens Have Doctors Tuning In Again." New York

Times (2010): n. pag. Web. 20 Apr 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/science/12psychedelics.html?ref=science>.