Hallucinogens

HallucinogensBy Andrew Zimmerman

Hallucinogens, or psychedelic drugs, are drugs that alter the way you see, hear, or feel things. They can cause people to hallucinate or see stuff that isn’t there.

What are Hallucinogens?

Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD in 1938. However, hallucinogens have been around forever in the form of mushrooms. It’s believed that our ancient ancestors have been using hallucinogens for a very long time for medicines or religious reasons. They believed hallucinogens brought them closer with their gods. Some people even today use hallucinogens illegally for medicine. Because hallucinogens are an illegal drug, it is not tested for its medical use that often. LSD became very popular in the late 50s andearly 60s. Then, in 1966, the federal government bannedLSD. However, LSD is still being made today. Its use has decreased among all people, but its use has increasedamong teens.

History of Hallucinogens

Drugs that are classified as Hallucinogens include:● LSD● DMT● PCP● Marijuana

Examples of Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens can be used in many different ways. You can take it in a pill form, smoke it, eat it, or drink it. It all depends on the hallucinogen and the way it is formed. Once the hallucinogen is in your body, Chemicals like serotonin and acetylcholine interfere with neurotransmitters and cause hallucinations. A hallucinogen high can last as little as 30 minutes and as long as 4 hours, depending on the hallucinogen you take and the amount you take.

How Hallucinogens work

Hallucinogens are a schedule one drug because of their high abuse potential. Some street names for Hallucinogens are:● Acid● Boomers● Hippie● Pane● Superman● Tab

Street Names

Physical: Flashbacks, Increased energy and heart rate, Nausea

Emotional: mood swings, panic attacks, loss of senses, depression

Social: Loss of family, friends, and loved ones

Legal Consequences: Jail time and large fines

Harmful effects

Mixing hallucinogens with stimulants can cause the body extreme stress. Mixing hallucinogens with alcohol can further reduce coordination and increased chance of vomiting. It can also cause “bad trips”

Mixing with other drugs

Nervous system: impairs memory, difficulty in judgmentCardiovascular system: Abnormal heart rate, heart attacksDigestive system: Inflammation of pancreasRespiratory system: slow breathing, bronchitis

Effects on body

QUIZ1. What is another name for Hallucinogens?

a. Happy drugsb. Psychedelic drugsc. Color seeing drugs

Interactive Game

2. Which of these is a street name for Hallucinogens?

a. Acidb. Hippiec. Supermand. All of the Above

Quiz

3. When did Albert Hofmann first synthesize LSD?

a. 1998b. 1899c. 1907d. 1938

Quiz

4. TRUE OR FALSE: Marijuana is a Hallucinogen.

a. Trueb. False

Quiz

5. What happens when you take hallucinogens?

a. You see, hear, and think things that are not there

b. You hear things that are not therec. You get really hungry

Quiz

1. B2. D3. D4. A5. A

Answers

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/drugs-inc/episodes/hallucinogens/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUwV0gibLx8 http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/lsd/a-short-history.html http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/293752-overview http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-pcp http://www.mydr.com.au/addictions/hallucinogens-what-are-the-effects

Sources