According to scientific reports throughout the years, people who take hallucinogens experience a wide variety of visions and perceptions called hallucinations (which can border on traumatic). As doctors have pointed out, this reaction is due to the drugs’ ability to stimulate neural circuits in our brains (specifically the frontal cortex, which governs aspects like mood and cognition). Furthermore, scientists believe these drugs can also alter the performance of serotonin transmitters (unlike dissociative drugs, which tamper with glutamate production). The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) also reports that hallucinogens can alter portions of our brain that govern arousal, stress, fear, and panic. So, what exactly happens when you take these bizarre drugs? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
It Depends on the Person
As suggested by the drug’s name, people who consume hallucinogens will see, hear, and feel things that do not really exist but feel 100% real (hallucinations). After ingesting these drugs, the users will experience the full effects of the drugs after 20 to 90 minutes, and these bizarre trips can continue for another 12 hours afterward. So, what makes these drugs so scary? Unlike other drugs like cocaine or marijuana, you cannot predict what you will experience with hallucinogens at all. The trip depends on your mood, feelings, and health at the time you take the drugs. “Good trips” can involve arousing or positive imagery and sensations, while “bad trips” are nightmarish waking dreams that produce some images and feelings too terrifying to imagine.
The Effects of Hallucinogens
After experimenting with these drugs, some people will wisely turn away. On the other hand, some people may develop a severe dependency on these mind-altering drugs. Depending on how long they use hallucinogens, their bodies will start to adapt to these bizarre symptoms.
Here is a closer look at the short-term effects of hallucinogen use:
- Vivid hallucinations
- Intense extrasensory perception (colors brighten and sounds sharpen)
- Synesthesia (“hearing” colors and “seeing” sound)
- Inability to perceive time and space
- Boost in heart rate
- Nausea
Here is a closer look at the long-term effects:
- Drug tolerance
- Chemical dependency
- Tolerance of hallucinations
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Hallucinogens are terrifying drugs that will warp your interpretations of reality. Simply put, these substances will only intensify your emotional state and can drive you to take dangerous actions. Are you suffering from a form of addiction (or abuse) and are frequently using these drugs? Do you have a family member or a close friend who is also frequently using these substances?
If you and your friends are battling severe drug problems, get in touch with Asana Recovery today to receive high-quality, caring rehabilitation services. Our lineup of professional healthcare experts and counselors are prepared to guide you through the difficult process of withdrawal and detox and set you on the road to recovery. While the path of healing will be riddled with difficulties, we promise to help you take the extra step to make your life better.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
