The 6 main types of hallucinogenic drugs (and their effects)

Hallucinogenic drugs have been used by humans since ancient times. Its effects were useful for religious figures, shamans and leaders of tribes and communities. These substances were not, at all, consumed by the general population. Rather, they were a resource restricted to certain people and settings. Thus, its effects on perception and the sense of time and space were an important element in some rituals.

Over time, the pattern of drug use has changed a lot. Today drugs are not a good reserved for certain figures and are not used for religious or cultural purposes. On the contrary, drugs have been commercialized, so that anyone can access them as long as they can pay for them. In addition, its use is purely recreational, so that the consumption of these substances essentially seeks escape and fun.

The hallucinogenic drug boom occurred in the 1970s. The hippie movement contributed to spreading the widespread use of these substances, so that the way they were used changed radically. The image of relaxed, evaded and permanently happy people hides a not so pleasant reality, since drug addiction involves numerous risks and problems in the medium and long term. However, from this countercultural movement the use of hallucinogens was defended as a way that favored introspection and self-exploration, which is why these drugs became widely popular.

The consumption of these substances cancels the person, who enters a state in which his consciousness and vision of reality are deeply distorted. This affects all areas of your life and can lead to irresponsible, dangerous or strange behaviors. In addition, the intensity of the effects will be variable, depending on aspects such as the type of drug consumed or the degree of tolerance of the individual. In the most severe cases, the use of hallucinogenic drugs can trigger a psychotic break or an anxiety attack. In this article we are going to review the different types of hallucinogenic drugs that exist, commenting on their different effects and characteristics.

How are hallucinogenic drugs classified?

We are going to discuss the main types of hallucinogenic drugs in order to understand their differences and most characteristic aspects. In general, although the effect of each type of these drugs is different, all of them produce in the person a significant distortion of their senses, alterations in thoughts and mood, and difficulty in differentiating between reality and fantasy.

Hallucinogenic drugs exert their effect on the central nervous system (SNC). Among their effects, these drugs produce alterations in the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This chemical substance is involved in multiple processes such as pleasure, sexual behavior, the regulation of body temperature, appetite and mood.

For all these reasons, the consumption of a hallucinogenic drug, whatever the type, will interfere with serotonin and alter these basic functions. Additionally, some hallucinogenic drugs, such as ketamine and phencyclidine, will also interfere with the action of another brain chemical called glutamate. Glutamate takes care of very important aspects, such as pain regulation, learning, memory and emotion.

1. LSD

LSD is considered the drug that best represents these types of substances and also it is one of those that causes the most serious effects. This drug is made from a derivative of the rye mushroom and is usually consumed in the form of pills colloquially called "tripis". It acts on the central nervous system by interrupting the reception of serotonin in some areas.

LSD produces so-called "trips." These are experiences in which the person sees their perception and vision of reality altered, although in advance it cannot be predicted if the effects will be pleasant or not for the consumer. In general, very sudden changes in mood are common, as well as hallucinations and a feeling of loss of reality. The person may change from euphoria to fear suddenly or perceive smells and sounds very intensely.

In some cases, synesthesia can occur, that is, a phenomenon whereby the person thinks they hear smells or see sounds. Similarly, LSD can also cause physiological effects such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, dizziness, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, nausea, or tremors. What's more, The potency of this substance means that, consuming the lowest doses, effects can be achieved with a duration of 8-12 hours..

2. Ketamine

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug which, in high doses, can produce hallucinations similar to those generated by LSD. Ketamine use can lead to delusions, hallucinations, and loss of sense of reality. It can also produce dissociative experiences such as feeling outside one's own body or showing retrograde and selective amnesia (only what happened while under the influence of the drug is forgotten).

The difference compared to LSD is that its effects are much less long-lasting, lasting around two hours. However, once the effects wear off, the person may find it difficult to reason and memorize normally.

3. Phencyclidine

This drug is also known as "angel dust" because it is usually in the form of crystalline powder. Phencyclidine produces hallucinations, intense states of euphoria and distortions in the senses. The person may experience that they are out of their body or overestimate their capabilities. Like ketamine, it also has analgesic capacity. The effects of ketamine can last between 4 and 6 hours.

4. Mescaline

Mescaline is an alkaloid drug that is derived from peyote, a type of Mexican cactus. The affects that mescaline produces follow the same line as those that we have already discussed for the challenge of hallucinogenic drugs.

Although mescaline may be reminiscent of LSD when consumed in high doses, the truth is that this drug does not generate such a marked emotional excitement when consumed in low doses. Thus, in small amounts it tends to cause a more relaxing effect on the consumer. In addition, if we have already commented that LSD has very long effects over time, mescaline is even more powerful, since its effects can last for at least 10 hours and up to three days.

To consume mescaline, peyote can be chewed directly, although this can also be ground in order to obtain a kind of infusion. Normally, its consumption generates, in the first place, feelings of relaxation and perceptual distortions. However, like the rest of the hallucinogenic substances, it is very unpredictable, so it is not very popular nowadays.

5. Ecstasy

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a stimulant-type drug that belongs to the same family as amphetamines. It is an artificial drug and is usually consumed in pill form. At first, this can cause mental stimulation, increased energy or a feeling of well-being. These positive effects are transitory and soon give way to others much more negative and unpredictable such as: restlessness, anxiety, altered mood, perceptual alterations, as well as appetite and sexual desire.

The effects that ecstasy causes in terms of emotional regulation are especially notable, since the user may feel great anguish and irritability. Furthermore, animal studies seem to show that ecstasy use can lead to cognitive dysfunctions in the medium and long term. Despite its many harmful effects, ecstasy is a popular drug used at many parties and social events.

6. Psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms)

Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a rich source of psilocybin. This substance is a natural compound that is present in many fungi. When we consume psilobicin, our liver breaks it down into psilocin, which is the psychoactive component responsible for the psychedelic effects of these mushrooms. These effects are due to the fact that psilocin interferes with the neurotransmitter serotonin, as do other hallucinogenic drugs that we have already mentioned.

Magic mushrooms are used as a recreational and even spiritual drug. Mushrooms are generally eaten dry. The effects of the mushrooms appear 10-40 minutes after being ingested and are very durable, since they can be kept up to 8 hours. As we mentioned at the beginning, the intensity of the effect will be modulated by factors such as individual tolerance, the type of mushroom or the amount that the person has consumed.

Among the most prominent effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms are hallucinations, especially those of a visual nature. Temporary disorientation and a greater tendency to introspection may also appear. The fundamental difference between mushrooms and LSD lies in the intensity. LSD totally alters a person's sense of reality and has very long-lasting effects. However, in this case the intensity of the effects will be much less and the person will not lose contact with reality.

Although this may seem like a positive point of this drug, nothing could be further from the truth. Having a more insidious effect, mushrooms have been considered a drug that is a source of tranquility and spiritual peace. This idealization of its effects favors its consumption and reduces awareness of its potential risks.