Hallucinogenics

IHallucinogenic substances are characterized by their ability to cause changes in a person's perception of reality. Persons using hallucinogenic drugs often report seeing images, hearing sounds, and feeling sensations that seem real, but do not exist. Hallucinogenic compounds found in some cactus and mushrooms have been used—mostly during religious rituals—for centuries. LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. PCP (phencyclidine) was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. Its use has since been discontinued due to serious adverse effects.

How do Hallucinogenics Affect the Brain?

LSD, peyote (cactus), and psilocybin (mushrooms) cause their effects by initially disrupting the interaction of nerve cells and the neurotransmitter serotonin. PCP acts mainly through a type of glutamate receptor in the brain that is important for the perception of pain, responses to the environment, and learning and memory. Research has shown that heavy LSD and PCP users sometimes develop permanent brain damage, such as impaired memory and attention span, difficulty with abstract thinking and metal confusion. Flashbacks may occur months or even years after use. Signs of a hallucinogen overdose may include psychosis, muscle spams, seizures, convulsions, coma, ruptured blood vessels in the brain, heart and/or lung failure, death.

Video: PCP Effects

This person smoked cigarettes that were dipped in PCP which are called "illy". PCP is an addictive drug; its use often results in psychological dependence, craving, and compulsive behavior. PCP produces unpleasant psychological effects, and users often become violent or suicidal.

High doses of PCP can cause seizures, coma, and even death (often as a consequence of accidental injury or suicide while under the drug's effects). At high doses, PCP's effects may resemble the symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including delusions and paranoia. These problems can persist for up to a year after an individual has stopped using PCP, and in some cases can be permanent.

What Treatment Options Exist?

LSD addiction can cause users to be at high risk of developing lasting psychoses, such as schizophrenia or severe depression. LSD is a mild to moderately habit-forming substance with no physical addiction. It should be noted, though, that virtually any substance can be addictive, to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the user. It is a generally accepted notion among substance abuse professionals that the addiction, whether physical or psychological, is the problem, not the specific substance.

Treatment for alkaloid hallucinogen (such as psilocybin) intoxication—which is mostly symptomatic—is often sought as a result of bad “trips,” during which a patient may, for example, hurt him- or herself. Treatment is usually supportive: provision of a quiet room with little sensory stimulation. Occasionally, benzodiazepines are used to control extreme agitation or seizures.

Clinical treatment of PCP symptoms begins with an assessment of the user's mindset. For users who show suicidal or violent behavior, heavy sedation and restraints may be required (See Video). A combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, or TMP-SMX, is sometimes administered, which can be taken in pill form or intravenously over a three-week period. Some professionals also recommend administering a corticosteroid, such as prednisone, within 72 hours of introducing the TMP-SMX regimen. Prednisone is not a treatment for PCP by itself but has been shown to control many of the symptoms.

Drug Rehab Centers Locator - Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Dual Diagnosis Programs and Treatment Resources

The Drug Rehab Centers Locator is a public addiction treatment resource guide dedicated to helping addicts and alcoholics recover from drug addiction, alcoholism, dual diagnosis, eating disorders and co-occurring disorders. We offer a comprehensive directory of drug treatment centers, alcohol rehab programs, drug rehab and drug rehabilitation centers, dual diagnosis treatment programs, and recovery centers for eating disorders and other substance abuse related disorders.

Copyright © 2010, Drug Rehab Centers Locator. All rights reserved. Video courtesy of CNN Networks. Disclaimer and Privacy Policy
The Drug Rehab Centers Locator is recognized around the world as a leader in addiction and behavioral health treatment placement.