Drugs and Our SocietyDrugs and Our Society

HallucinogensHallucinogens

Part 10Part 10

HallucinogensHallucinogens1.1. They are among the oldest known group of They are among the oldest known group of

drugs used for their ability to alter human drugs used for their ability to alter human perception and moodperception and mood

-- they are mood altering drugsthey are mood altering drugs

2.2. Naturally occurring hallucinogens have Naturally occurring hallucinogens have been found in plants and fungi for centuriesbeen found in plants and fungi for centuries

-- many used in shamanistic religious many used in shamanistic religious practices practices

-- in recent years, a number of synthetic in recent years, a number of synthetic have have been producedbeen produced

-- some much more potent than the some much more potent than the naturally naturally occurringoccurring

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont3.3. The biochemical / the pharmacological / The biochemical / the pharmacological /

and the physiological basis for and the physiological basis for hallucinogen activity is not well hallucinogen activity is not well understoodunderstood

-- even the name for the class of drugs even the name for the class of drugs is not is not idealideal

-- since hallucinogens do not always since hallucinogens do not always produce produce hallucinationshallucinations

-- in non-toxic doses, these substances in non-toxic doses, these substances do do produce changes in perception / produce changes in perception / thoughts / thoughts / and moodand mood

4.4. Physiological effectsPhysiological effects::

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont-- include elevated heart rate / include elevated heart rate / increased blood increased blood pressure / dilated pupilspressure / dilated pupils

5.5. Sensory effects:Sensory effects:-- include perceptional distortions that include perceptional distortions that vary vary with dose, setting, and moodwith dose, setting, and mood

6.6. Psychic effects:Psychic effects:-- include disorder of thought associate include disorder of thought associate with with time and spacetime and space-- time may appear to stand stilltime may appear to stand still-- where forms and colors seem to where forms and colors seem to changechange-- or they take on a new significanceor they take on a new significance

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont7.7. These experiences can be either These experiences can be either

pleasurable or extremely frighteningpleasurable or extremely frightening

-- effects of hallucinogens are effects of hallucinogens are unpredictableunpredictable

each time they are usedeach time they are used

8.8. Weeks and months after some Weeks and months after some hallucinogens have been takenhallucinogens have been taken

-- the user may experience ‘flashbacks’the user may experience ‘flashbacks’

-- fragmentary recurrences of certain fragmentary recurrences of certain aspects aspects of the drug taking experience of the drug taking experience without taking without taking the drug againthe drug again

9.9. Flashbacks are unpredictableFlashbacks are unpredictable

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont-- more likely to occur during times of more likely to occur during times of stressstress

-- occur more frequently in younger occur more frequently in younger peoplepeople

-- with older more experienced users the with older more experienced users the episodes diminish and become less intenseepisodes diminish and become less intense

10.10. The 1960s were the time of ‘The 1960s were the time of ‘psychedelicpsychedelic’ ’ drug usedrug use

-- LSD / peyote / PCP were considered LSD / peyote / PCP were considered drugs drugs of the educated userof the educated user

-- hallucinogens continued to increase in hallucinogens continued to increase in use throughout the 70’suse throughout the 70’s

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont11.11. Prominent people of the time espoused Prominent people of the time espoused

the use of hallucinogensthe use of hallucinogens

-- music of the 60’s also talked of music of the 60’s also talked of hallucinogen hallucinogen use and called it use and called it ‘psychedelic rock’‘psychedelic rock’

-- rock stars / movie stars used the drug rock stars / movie stars used the drug to to expand their mindsexpand their minds

-- they said it brought out the brilliance they said it brought out the brilliance of their of their music or their actingmusic or their acting

-- some highly educated people began some highly educated people began using using hallucinogens (such as Timothy hallucinogens (such as Timothy Leary and Leary and LSD)LSD)

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont12.12. The 1990s has shown a resurgence in the use The 1990s has shown a resurgence in the use

of hallucinogens and this is cause for concernof hallucinogens and this is cause for concern

-- by 2000, 1 out of every 6 college by 2000, 1 out of every 6 college students students (14.8%) reported some use of (14.8%) reported some use of hallucinogens hallucinogens during their lifetimeduring their lifetime

-- hallucinogenic mushrooms / LSD / MDMA hallucinogenic mushrooms / LSD / MDMA are also popular among junior and senior are also popular among junior and senior high high school students who use school students who use

hallucinogenshallucinogens

13.13. Dangers are involved in hallucinogen useDangers are involved in hallucinogen use

-- it has shown neuronal damage in animalsit has shown neuronal damage in animals

-- and they are neurotoxic to humansand they are neurotoxic to humans

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont-- neurotoxic means poisonous to nerves neurotoxic means poisonous to nerves and and nerve tissuenerve tissue

Neuronal damage from hallucinogens impacts Neuronal damage from hallucinogens impacts the serotonergic neurons and can result in:the serotonergic neurons and can result in:-- becoming neurotic / sleep /mood / anxiety becoming neurotic / sleep /mood / anxiety

disturbances / memory deficits / attention disturbances / memory deficits / attention problems elevated impulsivenessproblems elevated impulsiveness

-- and they can last for up to 2 years after and they can last for up to 2 years after useuse-- but the most common danger is impaired but the most common danger is impaired

judgment leading to accidents and injuriesjudgment leading to accidents and injuries

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont15.15. From the beginning of time we have sought From the beginning of time we have sought

ways to alter our consciousnessways to alter our consciousness

-- through trial and error, we identified through trial and error, we identified certain certain plants that have mind-altering plants that have mind-altering propertiesproperties

-- we have over 6,000 different types of we have over 6,000 different types of plants plants that are capable of altering that are capable of altering consciousnessconsciousness

-- today, we have 150 plants that are used for today, we have 150 plants that are used for hallucinogenic hallucinogenic purposespurposes

16.16. Scientific interest increased after WWIIScientific interest increased after WWII

-- Germany did research with mind-altering Germany did research with mind-altering drugs on its own soldiers and war prisonersdrugs on its own soldiers and war prisoners

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont17.17. Today, the availability of mind-altering drugs Today, the availability of mind-altering drugs

is vastis vast-- we have government projects on-going we have government projects on-going thatthat

are used in espionage and law are used in espionage and law enforcementenforcement-- there are hints that they being used there are hints that they being used under under Homeland Security to protect from Homeland Security to protect from terrorismterrorism

18.18. Terminology can also be confusingTerminology can also be confusing-- hallucinogen refers to drugs that have hallucinogen refers to drugs that have the the potential to produce hallucinations potential to produce hallucinations -- chemicals that alter thoughts / feelings / chemicals that alter thoughts / feelings /

perceptionsperceptions

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont-- and perceptionsand perceptions-- many result in hallucinations only many result in hallucinations only when when taken in large quantitiestaken in large quantities

19.19. Origin of hallucinogensOrigin of hallucinogens-- almost all are derived from plantsalmost all are derived from plants-- with 2 exceptions: LSD and MDMAwith 2 exceptions: LSD and MDMA-- both are produced syntheticallyboth are produced synthetically

20.20. These drugs are consumed for their These drugs are consumed for their psychic effects, not physical effectspsychic effects, not physical effects-- people took them to escape people took them to escape everyday lifeeveryday life-- or to commune with a higher orderor to commune with a higher order

Hallucinogens, contHallucinogens, cont-- psychic powers / sacred powers / psychic powers / sacred powers / medicinal medicinal powers were attributed to powers were attributed to these drugsthese drugs-- they change awareness of realitythey change awareness of reality-- they alter perceptions of timethey alter perceptions of time-- perceptions of spiritualityperceptions of spirituality-- perceptions of the universeperceptions of the universe

21.21. It helped people transcend boundaries of It helped people transcend boundaries of time and spacetime and space-- human research took place before human research took place before the 1960sthe 1960s-- psychiatric hospitals / government psychiatric hospitals / government agenciesagencies/ and private clinics/ and private clinics

D-lysergic acid diethylamideD-lysergic acid diethylamide1.1. The most potent hallucinogenic The most potent hallucinogenic

substance known to mansubstance known to man

-- cocaine and heroin measured in cocaine and heroin measured in milligrams milligrams (thousandths of a gram)(thousandths of a gram)

-- doses of LSD are measured in doses of LSD are measured in micrograms micrograms (millionths of a gram)(millionths of a gram)

-- microgram = 1 millionth of a grammicrogram = 1 millionth of a gram

2.2. LSD is 100 times more potent than LSD is 100 times more potent than psilocybin and psilocinpsilocybin and psilocin

-- it is 400 times more potent than it is 400 times more potent than mescalinemescaline

LSD, contLSD, cont3.3. To produce a hallucinogenic effect in humansTo produce a hallucinogenic effect in humans

-- a dose of 25 micrograms is generally a dose of 25 micrograms is generally requiredrequired-- today, the DEA considers 50 micrograms today, the DEA considers 50 micrograms the the standard standard -- anywhere from 20 to 80 micrograms is anywhere from 20 to 80 micrograms is usedused

4.4. LSD is a LSD is a Schedule ISchedule I drug, meeting the three drug, meeting the three criteria necessarycriteria necessary-- high potential for abusehigh potential for abuse-- no currently accepted medical useno currently accepted medical use-- lacks accepted safety for use in lacks accepted safety for use in treatmenttreatment

LSD, contLSD, cont5.5. It was developed in 1938 at the It was developed in 1938 at the Sandoz LabSandoz Lab in in

SwitzerlandSwitzerland-- it was synthesized from an ergot on fungus it was synthesized from an ergot on fungus that grows on ryethat grows on rye-- ergot is a disease of cereal cropsergot is a disease of cereal crops

6.6. It sold as a new drug to stimulate circulation and It sold as a new drug to stimulate circulation and respiration, and to stop bleeding in the uterine respiration, and to stop bleeding in the uterine musclemuscle-- no benefits were identified and after 5 years it no benefits were identified and after 5 years it was was put on the shelfput on the shelf

7.7. In 1943, In 1943, Albert HoffmanAlbert Hoffman accidentally ingested the accidentally ingested the drugdrug-- a few days later, he took .25 mgs in watera few days later, he took .25 mgs in water-- a new interest in treatment for schizophrenia a new interest in treatment for schizophrenia arosearose

LSD, contLSD, cont-- days later, Hoffman took .25 mgs of LSD days later, Hoffman took .25 mgs of LSD in waterin water

-- there became a new interest in the there became a new interest in the treatmenttreatment for for schizophrenia schizophrenia

-- it has a structural relationship to a it has a structural relationship to a chemical that ischemical that is present in the brainpresent in the brain

8.8. In 1949, it reached the United States and was In 1949, it reached the United States and was used to treat psychosisused to treat psychosis

-- LSD is water soluble / odorless / colorless LSD is water soluble / odorless / colorless / and / and tastelesstasteless

-- in the late 1960s, Congress prohibited in the late 1960s, Congress prohibited both its use both its use and saleand sale

LSD, contLSD, cont9.9. It produces profound effects on It produces profound effects on

perception and moodperception and mood

-- tolerance develops quicklytolerance develops quickly

-- cannot experience the effects of LSD cannot experience the effects of LSD if if taken within the past 3 or 4 daystaken within the past 3 or 4 days

-- a cross-tolerance can also occur with a cross-tolerance can also occur with LSD LSD and other hallucinogensand other hallucinogens

10.10. It is consumed orally and absorbed It is consumed orally and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tractthrough the gastrointestinal tract

-- it is metabolized by the liver and it is metabolized by the liver and quickly quickly excretedexcreted

LSD, contLSD, cont-- 1960s: it came in the form or cube or 1960s: it came in the form or cube or tablettablet

-- today: microdots or diluted dropstoday: microdots or diluted drops

-- it is placed on blotter paper where it it is placed on blotter paper where it can be can be licked or sucked (blotter acid)licked or sucked (blotter acid)

-- it is also found in candies, such as it is also found in candies, such as Sweet Sweet TartsTarts

-- also transported in food coloring also transported in food coloring bottlesbottles

LSD EffectsLSD Effects1.1. Effects begin within the hour (anywhere Effects begin within the hour (anywhere

from 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion)from 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion)

-- behavioral effects last 6 to 8 hoursbehavioral effects last 6 to 8 hours

-- LSD has a half-life of only 3 hours, so LSD has a half-life of only 3 hours, so the the effects last longer than the drug is effects last longer than the drug is activeactive

-- it is detectable in urine 72 hours after it is detectable in urine 72 hours after ingestioningestion

-- no fatal overdoses are documented, no fatal overdoses are documented, but but people have died due to their behavior people have died due to their behavior on on LSDLSD

-- not from pharmacological effectsnot from pharmacological effects

LSD Effects, contLSD Effects, cont2.2. It operates on the neurotransmitter It operates on the neurotransmitter

serotoninserotonin-- serotonin plays a role in sensory serotonin plays a role in sensory perception perception and moodand mood-- synesthesia occurs, which is a synesthesia occurs, which is a blending of blending of the sensesthe senses-- a person hears or tastes colorsa person hears or tastes colors-- a person can see soundsa person can see sounds

3.3. Depersonalization and disorientation are Depersonalization and disorientation are other effectsother effects-- a user may conjure up repressed a user may conjure up repressed memoriesmemories-- body image may be distortedbody image may be distorted

LSD Effects, contLSD Effects, cont-- feelings of becoming one with the floorfeelings of becoming one with the floor

-- or whatever one is sitting on or lying onor whatever one is sitting on or lying on

-- person may have a psychotic reaction person may have a psychotic reaction that that lasts weeks or monthslasts weeks or months

-- others may have a mystical or religious others may have a mystical or religious experience or encounterexperience or encounter

4.4. The LSD trip has 3 distinct phasesThe LSD trip has 3 distinct phases

-- the 1the 1stst phase lasts 1 to 2 hours and can phase lasts 1 to 2 hours and can include euphoria and crying or laughinginclude euphoria and crying or laughing

-- the 2the 2ndnd phase lasts 2 to 3 hours and has phase lasts 2 to 3 hours and has

LSD Effects, contLSD Effects, contvisual illusions where hallucinations visual illusions where hallucinations

appearappear

-- the 3the 3rdrd phase lasts 3 to 4 hours and has a phase lasts 3 to 4 hours and has a distortion of time / ego disintegration / distortion of time / ego disintegration /

mood swings / and occasionally panic and mood swings / and occasionally panic and depressiondepression

5.5. FlashbacksFlashbacks

-- another phenomenon associated with LSDanother phenomenon associated with LSD

-- a person re-experiences effects days, a person re-experiences effects days, weeks weeks and even months after last using LSDand even months after last using LSD

-- no consensus on how often they occurno consensus on how often they occur

-- one report: 15% of users experienceone report: 15% of users experience

Flashbacks, contFlashbacks, cont-- for others, flashbacks are unlikelyfor others, flashbacks are unlikely

6.6. Cause has not been determined Cause has not been determined conclusivelyconclusively

-- may be precipitated by stress or may be precipitated by stress or fatiguefatigue

-- another study said it may occur in another study said it may occur in persons persons who use antidepressant drugswho use antidepressant drugs

-- flashbacks tend to be briefflashbacks tend to be brief

-- but frequency and duration of but frequency and duration of flashbacks flashbacks are unpredictableare unpredictable

PeyotePeyote1.1. A hallucinogen Aztecs used for religious ritualsA hallucinogen Aztecs used for religious rituals

-- comes from the comes from the Lophophora williamsilLophophora williamsil cactus (low-pho-phora)cactus (low-pho-phora)

2.2. It is a small, spineless cactus that is found in It is a small, spineless cactus that is found in Mexico and southwestern United StatesMexico and southwestern United States-- it measures about 3 inches in diameterit measures about 3 inches in diameter-- MescalineMescaline is the psychoactive agent and is the psychoactive agent and

was named after the Mescalero Apacheswas named after the Mescalero Apaches-- users dry the crown of the cactus, suck it users dry the crown of the cactus, suck it

and swallowand swallow-- or they can mix it with water and chew itor they can mix it with water and chew it

Peyote, contPeyote, cont3.3. The chemical sensation (The chemical sensation (norepinephrinenorepinephrine) )

causes excitation and increased motor causes excitation and increased motor activityactivity-- dried cactus is known as a “mescal dried cactus is known as a “mescal button”button”-- they have a foul odor / rancorous taste / they have a foul odor / rancorous taste /

and are difficult to ingestand are difficult to ingest4.4. Users initially experience nausea / vomiting / Users initially experience nausea / vomiting /

and diarrheaand diarrhea-- this often deters further usethis often deters further use-- small doses produce euphoriasmall doses produce euphoria-- larger doses generate hallucinations larger doses generate hallucinations which which involve intense colors / taste / and involve intense colors / taste / and feelingsfeelings

Peyote, contPeyote, cont5.5. Compared to LSD, peyote is less intense Compared to LSD, peyote is less intense

but more manageable but more manageable

-- peyote intoxication consists of 2 peyote intoxication consists of 2 phasesphases

-- contentment and sensitivitycontentment and sensitivity

-- first is a great calm first is a great calm

-- then a muscular sluggishness then a muscular sluggishness

-- there is a shift from external stimuli there is a shift from external stimuli to an to an introspection and meditationintrospection and meditation

6.6. Medical useMedical use

Peyote, contPeyote, cont-- treats patients with angina pectoris treats patients with angina pectoris (chest (chest pains)pains)

-- respiratory stimulant for pneumonia respiratory stimulant for pneumonia patientspatients

-- researchers also see promising results researchers also see promising results for for alcoholismalcoholism

7.7. Peyote takes effect within 30 to 90 minutesPeyote takes effect within 30 to 90 minutes

-- stays in the body for about 10 hoursstays in the body for about 10 hours

-- hallucinations last only 2 hourshallucinations last only 2 hours

-- eliminated from the body primarily in eliminated from the body primarily in urineurine

8.8. Physiological effectsPhysiological effects

Peyote, contPeyote, cont-- dilated pupils / rise in body temperature dilated pupils / rise in body temperature / / increase in blood pressure and heart increase in blood pressure and heart raterate

-- death from use have not been death from use have not been documenteddocumented

-- but a person could die from behaviors but a person could die from behaviors while while on the drugon the drug

9.9. Mescaline is similar to LSDMescaline is similar to LSD

-- tolerance forms quicklytolerance forms quickly

-- physical dependence does not occurphysical dependence does not occur

-- but there is a cross-tolerance between but there is a cross-tolerance between LSD LSD and mescalineand mescaline

Peyote, contPeyote, cont10.10. Synthetic mescaline is producedSynthetic mescaline is produced

-- it is made into liquid form / capsules / it is made into liquid form / capsules / tablettablet-- it is more palatable than the natural it is more palatable than the natural formform-- synthesizing mescaline is difficultsynthesizing mescaline is difficult-- that sold on the street is frequently that sold on the street is frequently another another drug, such as LSDdrug, such as LSD

11.11. In the early 1800s, Apache’s / Kiowa / andIn the early 1800s, Apache’s / Kiowa / andComanche's chewed the mescal buttonsComanche's chewed the mescal buttons-- incorporated them into religious ritualsincorporated them into religious rituals

12.12. Native American ChurchNative American Church

Peyote, contPeyote, cont-- until until 19901990, peyote use is legal in the , peyote use is legal in the US for US for spiritual reasonsspiritual reasons

-- it was considered a sacramentit was considered a sacrament

-- recreational and social use was not recreational and social use was not allowedallowed

13.13. US Supreme CourtUS Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 ruled 6 to 3

-- individual states could forbid peyote individual states could forbid peyote use for use for religious purposesreligious purposes

-- protection of religious freedom under protection of religious freedom under the the First AmendmentFirst Amendment no longer extended no longer extended to to

sacramental use of peyotesacramental use of peyote

Peyote, contPeyote, cont-- Justice Antonin ScaliaJustice Antonin Scalia (1990): (1990):

““We have never held that an We have never held that an individual’s individual’s religious beliefs excuse him religious beliefs excuse him from compliance from compliance with an otherwise valid with an otherwise valid law prohibiting law prohibiting conduct that the State conduct that the State is free to regulate.”is free to regulate.”

-- 28 states still allow the use of peyote 28 states still allow the use of peyote in in Native American ritualsNative American rituals

-- but vary in how it is regulatedbut vary in how it is regulated

-- since 1994, Native American tribes since 1994, Native American tribes are are trying to control use of non-memberstrying to control use of non-members

PsilocybinPsilocybin1.1. This is a drug making a resurgence in the USThis is a drug making a resurgence in the US

-- called “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms”called “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms”

2.2. Aztecs called psilocybin ‘Aztecs called psilocybin ‘teonanacatl’teonanacatl’

-- which means “God’s Flesh”which means “God’s Flesh”

-- it was spiritually significant to the Aztecsit was spiritually significant to the Aztecs

-- Spaniards stopped the use after Spaniards stopped the use after controlling controlling the nativesthe natives

3.3. Several species contain psilocybinSeveral species contain psilocybin

-- they grow in parts of the US / Mexico / they grow in parts of the US / Mexico / andand EuropeEurope

Psilocybin, contPsilocybin, cont-- in 1958, Albert Hoffman isolated the in 1958, Albert Hoffman isolated the

psychoactive ingredientpsychoactive ingredient

-- early 1960s, use began to increase early 1960s, use began to increase primarily primarily among college studentsamong college students

-- use waned after awhile when LSD use waned after awhile when LSD became became more prominentmore prominent

4.4. It is chemically similar to LSDIt is chemically similar to LSD

-- but the effects last a shorter time but the effects last a shorter time and are and are not as intensenot as intense

-- it can be consumed orallyit can be consumed orally

Psilocybin, contPsilocybin, cont-- in the form of dried mushroomsin the form of dried mushrooms-- drinking a beverage containing the drinking a beverage containing the plantplant-- ground up and added to foodsground up and added to foods-- but can also be found in tablet formbut can also be found in tablet form

5.5. After ingestion, stomach enzymes converts After ingestion, stomach enzymes converts it to it to psilocinpsilocin-- a more potent psychedelic than a more potent psychedelic than mescalinemescaline-- but it is less toxicbut it is less toxic-- and like peyote, it has an unpleasant and like peyote, it has an unpleasant tastetaste

6.6. As with LSD and peyote, no fatal overdosesAs with LSD and peyote, no fatal overdoses

Psilocybin, contPsilocybin, cont-- at least no fatal overdoses are at least no fatal overdoses are recordedrecorded-- a person can die from ingesting a person can die from ingesting other types other types of mushroomsof mushrooms-- it is easy to mistake a poisonous it is easy to mistake a poisonous one from one from psilocybinpsilocybin

7.7. In small doses, (4 mgs) it brings feelings In small doses, (4 mgs) it brings feelings of euphoria and relaxationof euphoria and relaxation-- higher doses distort perception of higher doses distort perception of both time both time and spaceand space-- user is distracted more easily and is user is distracted more easily and is open to open to suggestionssuggestions

Psilocybin, contPsilocybin, cont-- it interferes with the ability to it interferes with the ability to concentrateconcentrate-- hallucinations are produced, both visual hallucinations are produced, both visual and and auditoryauditory

8.8. Physiological effectsPhysiological effects::-- similar to other psychoactive drugssimilar to other psychoactive drugs-- dilates the pupils / raises body dilates the pupils / raises body temperature temperature / pulse rate / blood pressure/ pulse rate / blood pressure-- involuntary movement of arms and legs, involuntary movement of arms and legs, and and muscle relaxation may follow usemuscle relaxation may follow use

9.9. Psychological effectsPsychological effects::-- produces an array of emotional produces an array of emotional responsesresponses

Psilocybin, contPsilocybin, cont-- ranges from uncontrolled laughter ranges from uncontrolled laughter to to depressiondepression

-- experience hallucinations within 30 experience hallucinations within 30 minutesminutes

-- last from 3 to 8 hourslast from 3 to 8 hours

10.10. There is no current medical useThere is no current medical use

-- researching its impact on researching its impact on schizophreniaschizophrenia

-- psilocybin may reduce the effects of psilocybin may reduce the effects of alcohol alcohol when they are taken at the when they are taken at the same timesame time

Anticholinergic HallucinogensAnticholinergic Hallucinogens1.1. These drugs belong to the same family These drugs belong to the same family

as the potatoas the potato-- they have a long history involving they have a long history involving sorcery sorcery and witchcraftand witchcraft-- they have been used as medicines / they have been used as medicines / poisons poisons / and beauty aids/ and beauty aids-- besides producing hallucinationsbesides producing hallucinations-- they are highly toxic in large dosesthey are highly toxic in large doses

2.2. In the 1970s, they were found in many In the 1970s, they were found in many over-the-counter drugsover-the-counter drugs-- Sominex / Contac / Travel-eze / Sominex / Contac / Travel-eze / EndotussinEndotussin

Anticholinergic, contAnticholinergic, cont-- since the 1980s, anticholinergic drugs have since the 1980s, anticholinergic drugs have been removed from OTC medicationsbeen removed from OTC medications

3.3. BelladonnaBelladonna

-- “beautiful lady” in Italian“beautiful lady” in Italian

-- also known as “deadly nightshade”also known as “deadly nightshade”

-- bluish black soft berry containing ‘bluish black soft berry containing ‘atropineatropine’’

-- it gives a person the feeling of flyingit gives a person the feeling of flying

-- used in witches brews / satanic ritualsused in witches brews / satanic rituals

-- associated with witches and broomsticksassociated with witches and broomsticks

-- irregular heartbeat and drowsiness follow irregular heartbeat and drowsiness follow

Anticholinergic, contAnticholinergic, cont-- it has potent hallucinogenic propertiesit has potent hallucinogenic properties

-- symptoms appear in 30 to 60 minutes but symptoms appear in 30 to 60 minutes but it it can be extremely toxiccan be extremely toxic

-- a dozen berries can be fatal (1/10a dozen berries can be fatal (1/10thth of of gram)gram)

-- the root is most poisonousthe root is most poisonous

3.3. Locoweed / JimsonweedLocoweed / Jimsonweed (Datura) (Datura)

-- used by North and Central American used by North and Central American IndiansIndians

-- cause disorientation / delirium / and visual cause disorientation / delirium / and visual hallucinationshallucinations

-- symptoms appear within 30 to 60 minutessymptoms appear within 30 to 60 minutes

Anticholinergic, contAnticholinergic, cont-- after ingesting or smokingafter ingesting or smoking

-- effects may last up between 24 to 48 effects may last up between 24 to 48 hourshours

-- toxic effects can be severe, leading to toxic effects can be severe, leading to coma coma or even deathor even death

4.4. NutmegNutmeg / / MaceMace

-- come from the Myristica treecome from the Myristica tree

-- chemically similar to mescalinechemically similar to mescaline

-- can induce visual / auditory can induce visual / auditory hallucinationshallucinations

if consumed in large quantitiesif consumed in large quantities

-- nutmeg is from the seeds of the tree nutmeg is from the seeds of the tree

Anticholinergic, contAnticholinergic, cont-- mace is from the fruit of the treemace is from the fruit of the tree

-- usually chewed or snuffed with usually chewed or snuffed with tobaccotobacco

-- 1 or 21 teaspoons consumed1 or 21 teaspoons consumed

-- takes effect in 2 to 5 hourstakes effect in 2 to 5 hours

-- not taken because of unpleasant not taken because of unpleasant effectseffects

-- nausea / headaches / vomiting / nausea / headaches / vomiting / sensory sensory distortiondistortion

-- followed by extremely noxious followed by extremely noxious hangoverhangover

Anticholinergic, contAnticholinergic, cont1.1. PhencyclidinePhencyclidine (PCP) (PCP)

- it is sometimes classified as a hallucinogen- it is sometimes classified as a hallucinogen

-- is capable of producing hallucinationsis capable of producing hallucinations

-- differs from those produced by LSDdiffers from those produced by LSD

-- developed in the 1950s / used as a developed in the 1950s / used as a surgical surgical anestheticanesthetic

-- still used as a veterinary anesthetic still used as a veterinary anesthetic outside outside of the United Statesof the United States

-- production became illegal here in 1978, production became illegal here in 1978, but it but it is still used in other countriesis still used in other countries

Phencyclidine, contPhencyclidine, cont2.2. Classification is complicatedClassification is complicated

-- can generate anesthetic / can generate anesthetic / hallucinogenic / hallucinogenic / stimulating / or stimulating / or depressing effectsdepressing effects-- depending on the dosage and depending on the dosage and method of method of administrationadministration-- it has been described as a it has been described as a “dissociative “dissociative anesthetic”anesthetic”-- meaning the person feels separated meaning the person feels separated from from realityreality

3.3. Early use:Early use:-- angel dust / dust / rocket fuel / angel dust / dust / rocket fuel / trank / trank / crystalcrystal

Phencyclidine, contPhencyclidine, cont-- distributed on the West Coast in early distributed on the West Coast in early 1960s1960s-- in San Francisco it was popular, but in San Francisco it was popular, but resulted resulted in bizarre and violent behaviorin bizarre and violent behavior-- as an anesthetic, patients remain as an anesthetic, patients remain awake and awake and unable to recall the surgery unable to recall the surgery experienceexperience-- no adverse effects to circulation / no adverse effects to circulation / heart rate heart rate / or respiration/ or respiration-- discontinued in 1965 because of discontinued in 1965 because of undesirable undesirable effectseffects

-- agitation / delirium / disorientationagitation / delirium / disorientation

Phencyclidine, contPhencyclidine, cont-- when the effects wear off, the user when the effects wear off, the user becomes becomes unmanageable / confused / unmanageable / confused / disassociated disassociated with surroundings with surroundings

Street use:Street use:

-- distributed in tablet or capsule formdistributed in tablet or capsule form

-- also injected / snorted / smokedalso injected / snorted / smoked

-- mixed with tobacco or marijuanamixed with tobacco or marijuana

-- absorption is rapid / effects are absorption is rapid / effects are experienced experienced quicklyquickly

-- last from a few minutes to an hourlast from a few minutes to an hour

Phencyclidine, contPhencyclidine, cont-- acute effects last 4 to 6 hoursacute effects last 4 to 6 hours

-- result in agitation / delirium / result in agitation / delirium / disorientationdisorientation

-- confusion can last from 8 to 24 hoursconfusion can last from 8 to 24 hours

-- no tolerance or physical dependence no tolerance or physical dependence resultsresults

-- no physical withdrawal symptomsno physical withdrawal symptoms

5.5. Illegal useIllegal use

-- alternate to LSD because of low costalternate to LSD because of low cost

-- mixed with marijuana (killed joint / sherm)mixed with marijuana (killed joint / sherm)

-- use has declined use has declined

-- but it is still popular in San Francisco but it is still popular in San Francisco

Phencyclidine, contPhencyclidine, cont6.6. Street reputationStreet reputation

-- making users violent / incredibly strongmaking users violent / incredibly strong

-- police / hospital workers wary of userspolice / hospital workers wary of users

-- average size people breaking handcuffsaverage size people breaking handcuffs

-- simultaneously wrestling several officers simultaneously wrestling several officers

-- being shot several times / continue to fightbeing shot several times / continue to fight

7.7. Effects:Effects:

-- small dose: relaxation / warmth / euphoriasmall dose: relaxation / warmth / euphoria

/ numbness / interferes with concentration/ numbness / interferes with concentration

/ distorts body image / depersonalization/ distorts body image / depersonalization

Phencyclidine, contPhencyclidine, cont-- increased usage: confusion / increased usage: confusion / nystagmus / nystagmus / poor concentration / poor concentration / agitation / impaired agitation / impaired reaction time reaction time

-- high doses: mood swings / blank high doses: mood swings / blank staring / staring / repetitive actions / muscular repetitive actions / muscular rigidity / can rigidity / can produce psychotic effects produce psychotic effects similar to similar to schizophrenia / paranoia / schizophrenia / paranoia / physical physical aggression / inability to eat or aggression / inability to eat or sleepsleep