Parents, Know the Facts! – Hallucinogens

HALLUCINOGENS ARE A DIVERSE GROUP OF DRUGS THAT ALTER A PERSON’S AWARENESS OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS AS WELL AS THEIR OWN THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS.

They are often divided into two groups: classic hallucinogens and dissociative hallucinogens. Both forms of hallucinogens may induce hallucinations, or the perception of feelings and visuals that are not real. Some hallucinogens are extracted from plants or mushrooms, and some are synthetic (human-made).

Principle types of hallucinogens: psychedelics, dissociatives, and deliriants.

PARAPHERNALIA:

Vials; resealable plastic bags and bottles of pills, powder, liquid; syringes; eyedroppers.

EFFECTS OF HALLUCINOGENS

There is no safe level of substance misuse. The following effects may be experienced:

Feelings of euphoria; blurred vision; sense of relaxation and well-being; hallucinations and distorted perception, including visual, auditory, body, time and space; disorganised thoughts, confusion and difficulty concentrating, thinking or maintaining attention; anxiety, agitation, paranoia and feelings of panic; dizziness; blurred vision; loss of coordination; increased breathing rate; increased heart rate and blood pressure; irregular heartbeat, palpitations; nausea and vomiting; increased body temperature and sweating, may alternate with chills and shivering; numbness; unpleasant and/or intense hallucinations; paranoia; anxiety; panic or fear.

WITHDRAWAL

Symptoms vary in intensity depending on the individual’s tolerance, overall health and metabolism, as well as the frequency and duration of substance misuse. These symptoms can include:

Stiff muscles, depressed breathing, convulsions, rapid heart rate, extreme changes in body temperature, cravings, headaches, sweating, seizures, flashbacks.

LONG TERM EFFECTS

Visual disturbances, disorganised thinking, paranoia, mood disturbances, flashbacks, difficulty with speech and thought, weight loss, depression, memory loss, violent behaviour, increased panic, impaired concentration, substance use disorder.