Hallucinogens in Austin
Hallucinogens are back in Austin. As the psychedelic wave in the 60s, Texas wasn’t exempt. Especially cites like Austin and San Antonio. Psychedelic rock, ketamine, and LSD are the mainstay, and with them come the people who want to try them. However, there are long-term effects of hallucinogens. Addiction to this type of substance will have severe effects on anyone.
What Are Hallucinogens?
According to NIDA, hallucinogens are drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings, feelings, and thoughts when under their influence. They cause a false perception of reality, and users feel like they are hearing or seeing things that aren’t there. They are classified into two categories: Classic hallucinogens such as LSD (D Lysergic acid diethylamide) and dissociative drugs such as ketamine.
Hallucinogens are popular among young people. They are available in various forms, such as tablets and capsules, powder, gels, and liquid forms. Therefore, people can use them in either of the following ways:
- Swallowing as tablets or liquid
- Injecting liquid forms
- Inhaling, vaporizing, smoking, and Snorting
- Brewing into tea
What Is the Mode of Action of Hallucinogens
Research shows that hallucinogens alter perception by activating specific receptors in the brain called 5-HT2A receptors, which are typically triggered by the neurotransmitter serotonin. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that relay signals between nerve cells. Serotonin is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone that plays a role in:
- Mood
- Emotions
- Appetite and digestion
- Body temperature
- Sensory perception
- Sleep
- Sexual behavior
Hallucinogens also affect the region that regulates physiological responses to stress and panic in the midbrain, pain perception, learning, and memory.
Long Term Effects of Classic Hallucinogens
These groups of drugs cause effects between 20-90 minutes after administration, and effects can last up to 12 hours. Examples include LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote(mescaline), DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine), and 251-NBOMe (N-Bomb /251).
There are two major long-term effects associated with classic hallucinogens.
- Persistent psychosis – Associated with continuing mental issues accompanied by visual disturbances, paranoia, mood changes, and disorganized thinking.
- Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD)- Associated with hallucinations and visual disturbances. Sometimes symptoms may be mistaken for neurological disorders.
Long Term Effects of Dissociative Drugs
They cause effects within a few minutes of administration, and effects can last for several hours to days. These drugs include PCP(Phencyclidine), Ketamine (date rape drug), Dextromethorphan (DXM), and Salvia. The long-term effects include:
- Memory loss
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Speech problems
The Dangerous Pastime
Hallucinogens can cause death, both directly through overdose and indirectly by causing a false perception of the environment, which can cause fatal injuries to self or others.
The good news is that you can always seek help if you’re addicted to hallucinogens, reduce your chances of experiencing debilitating long-term effects, and lead a healthier lifestyle. At Heartwood Recovery, we have experience helping men with addictions to various Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs. With a focus on the 12-Steps and an attention to personal addiction therapy, and even a fitness program for addiction recovery, we walk with our clients on their journey to sobriety.
