Hallucinogen Intoxication

Hallucinogens are chemically divergent but grouped together because of their potential to profoundly alter the processing of cognitive, perceptual, and emotional understanding of self and [Page 1593]reality. Such intoxication is most often purposefully undertaken, though accidental incidents have been recorded as well. The duration of intoxication is generally well-defined by the nature of the substance and can range from fewer than 10 minutes (typical for smoked dimethyltryptamine) to as long as several days (for people sensitive to ibogaine administered in high doses). Generally, no treatment is required, but as with other forms of intoxication, activity should be restricted for safety (e.g., no driving or operating heavy equipment). If anxiety or other problems occur, they should be treated symptomatically, including by providing a supportive, quiet, low-lit ...