Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations or distortions in a person's perception of reality. Hallucinations are described as seeing images or hearing sounds that are not actually present and can result from medications, disease, mental illness, and even insomnia. This entry is concerned with the history, effects, and classification of hallucinogens that are discussed and/or used most frequently: lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine (known on the street as Special K), psilocybin (street name, magic mushrooms), mescaline (peyote), meth-ylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). However, drugs that are not labeled hallucinogens, such as marijuana and cocaine, may cause hallucinations when taken in high doses or combined with other drugs.

Hallucinogens challenge what one knows and believes about human behavior and how the brain works. They have raised an abundant amount of controversy, and there are many different opinions regarding whether the effects of hallucinogens are positive or negative. Several researchers have labeled hallucinogens among the safest illicit drugs since they are not physically addictive. However, the heavy use of hallucinogens can result in a psychological dependence, and hallucinogen use disorders are included as diagnostic categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. There are no known physical withdrawal symptoms associated with hallucinogens, and overdosing is rare.

The federal government categorizes most hallucinogens as Schedule I drugs, the classification used for the most dangerous drugs in the United States. Schedule I drugs have high potential for abuse and have no known recognized medical use. With the exception of ketamine (used as an animal tranquil-izer), hallucinogens have no recognized medical use in the United States and are illegal to possess.