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