Hallucinogens can also affect regions of the brain that deal with regulating arousal and physiological responses to stress and panic, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research.
Short-Term Effects of Hallucinogens
People who use hallucinogens can see things, hear things and feel sensations that seem to be very real, but do not in fact exist. These altered perceptions are known as hallucinations. Typically, these hallucinatory effects can begin from 20 to 90 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 12 hours. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. One problem for users of hallucinogens is the fact that the effects of the drug can be highly unpredictable. The amount ingested, plus the user’s personality, mood, surroundings, and expectations can all play a role in how the “trip” will go. What hallucinogens can do is distort the user’s capacity to recognize reality, think rationally and communicate. In short, a drug-induced psychosis, and an unpredictable one. Sometimes, the user will experience an enjoyable and mentally stimulating trip. Some report having a sense of heightened understanding. But, users can have a “bad trip,” that produces terrifying thoughts and feelings of anxiety and despair. The following is a list of short-term effects of hallucinogenic drugs (i.e. poppers), provided by the NIDA:
Dizziness and sleeplessness Impulsiveness and rapid emotional shifts that can range from fear to euphoria, with transitions so rapid that the user may seem to experience several emotions simultaneously Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature Loss of appetite, dry mouth, and sweating Numbness, weakness, and tremors
General Effects of Hallucinogenic Drugs
While the effects can vary depending on the type of hallucinogen and dosage, there are some general short-term effects that most of these drugs share.
Feelings of relaxation (similar to the effects of low doses of marijuana) Nervousness, paranoia, and panic reactions Introspective/spiritual experiences
Sensory Effects
Changes in sense or perception of time (time goes by slowly)Hallucinations, including seeing, hearing, touching, or smelling things in a distorted way or perceiving things that do not existIntensified feelings and sensory experiences (brighter colors, sharper sounds)Mixed senses (“seeing” sounds or “hearing” colors)
Physical Effects
Increased energy and heart rateNausea
Long-Term Effects of Halluconigens
One result of the repeated use of hallucinogens is the development of tolerance. Studies show that LSD users develop a high degree of tolerance for the drug very quickly. This means they have to take increasingly larger amounts to get the same effects. Research indicates that if a user develops a tolerance to one drug in the hallucinogen class, he or she will also have a tolerance for other drugs in the same class. For example, if someone has developed a tolerance to LSD, they will also have a tolerance to psilocybin and mescaline. They will not, however, have a tolerance to drugs that affect other neurotransmitter systems, such as amphetamines and marijuana. Also, chronic users of hallucinogens typically do not experience any physical withdrawal symptoms when they cease use of drugs, unlike users who have become dependent on other drugs or alcohol.
Persistent Psychosis and Flashbacks
Two of the more serious long-term effects of hallucinogen use are persistent psychosis and flashbacks, otherwise known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Many times these conditions will occur together. According to the NIDA, here are some of the specific long-term effects of hallucinogen use:
Persistent Psychosis
Disorganized thinkingMood disturbancesParanoiaVisual disturbances
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder
HallucinationsOther visual disturbances (such as seeing halos or trails attached to moving objects)Symptoms sometimes are mistaken for neurological disorders (such as stroke or brain tumor)
Although rare, the occurrence of these conditions is as unpredictable as having a bad trip. The NIDA reports that persistent psychosis and flashbacks can occur to some users even after a single exposure to hallucinogenic drugs. There is really no established treatment for flashbacks, although many who experience them are treated with antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, and psychotherapy.
