Different drug classes do different things in the body. Hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive drugs that change perception and mood. Understanding more about them can make them safer to uses!
What kind of hallucinogens are there?
The most common types of hallucinogens are:
- Psychedelics, like LSD, mushrooms, or peyote
- Dissociatives, like ketamine or PCP
- Deliriants, like Benadryl
- Cannabinoids, like weed
Some of these drugs, like Benadryl and ketamine, have medically prescribed uses. They can be used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and physical pain. Some, especially the ones derived from plants like peyote, are part of peoples’ traditional or spiritual practices. Most of these drugs are also used recreationally.
Sometimes, people use the terms hallucinogens and psychedelics interchangeably. But, psychedelics aren’t the only kind of hallucinogen! They’re just what a lot of people think about when they think about this class of drug.
What do Hallucinogens feel like?
Different types of hallucinogens can have different feelings, and everyone’s body is different! It can be hard to know what to expect when taking hallucinogens. Some common effects include:
- Psychedelics can make someone feel pleasant and relaxed. People who use it sometimes hallucinate, which means they see or hear things that aren’t there. They might also see colours as more vibrant than usual, or be more sensitive to light and noise.
- Dissociatives can make someone feel relaxed and euphoric. They can cause some visual distortion, but hallucinations are less common with this type of hallucinogen.
- Deleriants cause intense visual hallucinations as well as confusion, which can make it hard for users to tell the difference between hallucinations and reality.
- Cannabinoids cause relaxation and mild euphoria, and can serve as an appetite stimulant because it often makes users feel hungry. Unlike other hallucinogens, weed is legal in Canada for people who are 18 or older!
Are Hallucinogens Dangerous?
Hallucinogens can be dangerous when taken in large amounts, or in combination with other drugs. But, they’re not always dangerous. It is possible to lower the risks when taking them, even when using them recreationally.
Some hallucinogens have different risks than others. Possible side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, clumsiness, fast heartbeat and breathing, sweating, and vomiting. Long-term side effects of hallucinogens can include short-term memory loss, depression, and psychosis. While overdosing on hallucinogens usually isn’t fatal, it’s still possible to have an overdose when taking these drugs. An overdose on hallucinogens might look like someone having a seizure or losing consciousness.
Another common risk with hallucinogens is having a bad trip! Bad trips can be painful, confusing, and cause someone to hurt themselves without meaning to. Some people have reported that bad trips can continue to affect their mental health after the drug wears off.
Hallucinogens don’t cause physical addiction symptoms, like uppers and downers do. That means someone who uses hallucinogens for a long time could stop using them and not be medically at risk from withdrawal. But, it is still possible for someone to develop a psychological or emotional dependency on hallucinogens! Having psychological and social support can help if someone wants to stop using them.
How can someone lower the risks when taking hallucinogens?
There are many ways to lower the risk when taking hallucinogens!
Because most hallucinogens aren’t regulated, it can be hard to tell how strong they are when taking them. Because of this, it can help to start with small doses, and take more later if you feel like you need it. Taking hallucinogens in a place where you feel safe and comfortable, and at a time when you’re not already feeling anxious, can also lower the risk of having a bad trip! And, not mixing hallucinogens with other drugs can lower the risk for overdose.
If someone has a bad trip, it can help to move them to a safe place with low lights and minimal noise. Stay with them and reassure them until they start to feel safer. If they start having trouble staying awake, or they start convulsing, you can call 911 and let them know it’s a medical emergency.
For information on drug checking, check out our FAQ! You can also contact our sister program, Kontak, for free harm reduction supplies in the greater Montreal area.
