Hallucinogens

Hallucinogenic drugs distort the user's perceptions of reality. These drugs include:

•LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide): also known as 'trips', 'acid' and 'microdots';
•magic mushrooms (psilocybin): also known as 'mushies';
•mescaline (peyote cactus); and
•ecstasy (MDMA/methylenedioxymethamphetamine): also known as 'E', 'XTC' and 'Eccies', produces a combination of hallucinogenic and stimulant effects; and
•ketamine: also known as 'K' and 'Special K'.
The main physical effects of hallucinogenic drugs are dilation of pupils, loss of appetite, increased activity, talking or laughing, jaw clenching, sweating and sometimes stomach cramps or nausea. Drug effects can include a sense of emotional and psychological euphoria and well-being. Visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations may occur, causing users to see or hear things that do not actually exist. The effects of hallucinogens are not easy to predict and the person may behave in ways that appear irrational or bizarre. Psychological effects often depend on the mood of the users and the context of use.

Negative effects of hallucinogens can include panic, paranoia and loss of contact with reality. In extreme cases, this can result in dangerous behaviour that can put the user and others at great risk. Driving while under the influence of hallucinogens is extremely hazardous. It is common for users to take minor tranquillisers or marijuana to help them come down from a hallucinogenic drug.