Disorders from hallucinogenic use are a relatively new phenomenon. Although the use of this type of substance is not new. They are known to have already been employed in prehistoric times. There are cave paintings that show their use, 6,000 years before our age. However, ancient cultures (and indeed many present) used these substances ritually. Consumption was done collectively and only at specific times. For the same reason, it did not lead to disorders due to the consumption of hallucinogens.
Indiscriminate and systematic use of different types of drugs is a modern phenomenon. It is the abuse and not the use of these substances that can have serious consequences for people’s physical and mental health.
What Hallucinogens Are?
Hallucinogens are a set of substances that, when ingested, distort the perception of sensations and objects. Many of these substances are found in plants and fungi, while others are made synthetically.
The main characteristic of hallucinogens, as their name suggests, is that they cause hallucinations. These are visions or sensations that are experienced as real but are not. The most common hallucinogens are the following:
- Ayahuasca. Plants are also known as Yagé, Hoasca, or Aya.
- DMT. It is found in plants and also in a synthetic way. Popularly he is known as “Dimitri.”
- LSD. A powerful chemical made from fungi.
- Peyote or Mezcalina. It is naturally found in a cactus and is also made synthetically.
- Psilocybin. It’s in mushrooms and it’s also done in labs.
General Effects of Hallucinogens:
Hallucinogens, also called psychedelic drugs, generate changes in thought, perception and mood. In principle, they do not generate mental confusion, memory loss, or disorientation.
Usually, the first experience with hallucinogens is negative. That’s why many people only consume them once. When used frequently, they develop tolerance quickly. Overall, the basic effects of hallucinogens are:
- Physical effects: tremors, sweating, nausea, tachycardia, pallor, changes in blood pressure, increased temperature, and congestion.
- Psychological effects: fluctuations between euphoria and depression, anxiety, impaired perception, loss of contact with reality.
There is no evidence that these substances generate physical dependence. However, for a regular consumer, it could be difficult to get rid of hallucinogens. In general, they experience abstinence syndrome of psychological origin.
Major Disorders Due to The Consumption of Hallucinogens
The most important of hallucinogen use disorders is the persistent perceptive disorder by hallucinogens, which is popularly known as flashback. The criteria for diagnosing it are:
- Re-experimentation. The sensations of consumption are re-experienced weather after the consumption of hallucinogens. That is hallucinations and changes in internal and external perception.
- Psychosocial deterioration. Reexperimentation leads to a significant deterioration in social relations, work, and daily life.
- There is no other factor that generates the phenomenon. The presence of other physical or mental problems leading to sensations such as consumption is ruled out, without having ingested hallucinogens.
This is not the only hallucinogen intake disorder. Others are:
- Intoxication by hallucinogens.
- Half-induced mood disorder for hallucinogens.
- Delirium due to intoxication with hallucinogens.
- Psychotic disorder induced by hallucinogens.
- Anxiety disorder induced by hallucinogens.
- Unspecified disorders.
Complications
Disorders from hallucinogenic use are not the only consequence of the use and abuse of these substances. Usual ketamine consumers, for example, can develop bladder ulcers and kidney problems.
It can also cause serious memory problems, weight loss, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The most serious effect of several hallucinogens is persistent psychosis or long-term loss of reason.
The consumption of psilocybin sometimes leads to poisoning and death from the presence of toxic elements in the fungi. Hallucigens, in general, can lead to fatal accidents, due to perceptive distortion. Ask for help if you or someone else consumes them.