Hallucinogens

Published by John Gillen | Last updated: 2nd September 2021

Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that cause changes in perception, thought and emotion. The result is that the user’s perception of reality can radically alter. They work, partly, by temporarily interfering with neurotransmitter action or by binding to their receptor sites.

However, it is not fully understood what makes them work and their effects can be unpredictable and can result in different effects in different people. Because of this, the use of hallucinogens can be dangerous.
Examples of hallucinogens include:

  • LSD
  • Magic mushrooms
  • Cannabis

Under the influence of hallucinogens, user may see images, hear sounds, and feel sensations that are not real. In some cases, they can also result in severe mood swings. There are many adverse effects of using hallucinogens that can vary depending on which drug is being used. This is due to a large number of psychoactive ingredients in each drug.

Drug rehab treatment methods are mainly psychological, often because of frightening experiences that the client may have experienced during trips. It is important to provide a quiet environment with minimal stimuli to cause as little stress as possible. In some cases, anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed.

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John Gillen

John Gillen - Author Last updated: 2nd September 2021

John Gillen is a leading addiction treatment expert with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment methods for individuals throughout the UK. John also co-authors the book, The Secret Disease of Addiction, which delves into how the addictive mind works and what treatment techniques work best.