Deliriant: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 17:15, 26 March 2014
Deliriants are a class of hallucinogen that are unique in that even with lower doses, they offer solid hallucinations which display themselves seamlessly into waking consciousness, similar to fully formed dreams or delusions. In contrast, classical psychedelics and dissociatives have progressive levels of multiple all encompassing sensory effects, before reaching the level of concrete hallucination.
The term deliriant was introduced by David F. Duncan and Robert S. Gold to distinguish these drugs from psychedelics and dissociatives, such as LSD and ketamine respectively, due to their primary effect of causing delirium, as opposed to the more lucid states produced by other types of hallucinogen.[1] The term is generally used to refer to anticholinergic drugs.
Despite the fully legal status of several common deliriant plants, substances which fall under this class are largely unpopular as recreational drugs due to the severe and unpleasant nature of the hallucinations produced.[2] In addition to their potentially dangerous mental effects (accidents during deliriant experiences are common)[3] Certain deliriants are poisonous and can cause death due to tachycardia-induced heart failure and hyperthermia even in small doses.[4]
Method of action
Deliriants work via their antagonistic action on acetylcholine receptors. Inhibition of acetylcholine leads to decreased levels of acetylcholine, causing delirium, sedation and intensely realistic hallucinations. In contrast, cannabis and caffeine have a reverse effect by inhibiting acetylcholine esterate, which breaks down acetylcholine. This leads to increased levels of acetylcholine and improved cognition, stimulation, thus cannabis has an inhibitory effect on deliriants.
Subjective effects
- Anxiety
- Temporary depression
- Thought deceleration
- Amnesia
- Suppression of vocabulary
- Delusions
- Thought loops
- Direct communication with the subconscious
- Ego suppression, loss and death
Pharmacological classes
A-typical
Plants and Entheogens
History
The employment of deliriants for shamanic purposes through the famed Datura plant has been in use since before recorded history. Chinese, Aztec, Indian, Native American, Caribbean Island, Chumash, Gypsy, Mexican, South American and Zuni records and legends all mention the use of datura leaves for sacred rituals and visionary purposes. Datura was used as a spiritual tool and a rite of passage.
References
- ↑ Duncan, D. F., and Gold, R. S. (1982). Drugs and the Whole Person. New York: John Wiley & Sons
- ↑ Grinspoon, Lester and Bakalar, James B. (1997). Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered. The Lindesmith Center
- ↑ Datura Items | http://www.lycaeum.org/mv/mu/datura.html
- ↑ Kathleen M Beaver, Thomas J Gavin, Treatment of acute anticholinergic poisoning with physostigmine, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, Volume 16, Issue 5, September 1998, Pages 505-507, ISSN 0735-6757, 10.1016/S0735-6757(98)90003-1. | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735675798900031