Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive substances that produce powerful alterations in perception, mood, and various cognitive processes.[1] Hallucinogens represent one of the three major classes of psychoactive substances: the other two are stimulants ("uppers") and depressants ("downers"). However, hallucinogens are claimed to be distinct from stimulants and depressants in that they do not merely amplify or dull existing states of consciousness but instead produce qualitatively unique states in which the environment and self are perceived in a new fashion.
Notably, hallucinogens are commonly reported to be able to facilitate self-understanding and self-discovery. Hallucinogenic experiences are often compared to non-ordinary forms of consciousness such as lucid dreaming, meditation, religious, mystical or transpersonal experiences, hallucinations, and states of psychosis.
Hallucinogens can be classified into three categories:
- psychedelics (e.g. LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, etc.)
- dissociatives (e.g. ketamine, PCP, DXM, etc.)
- deliriants (e.g. DPH, scopolamine, datura, etc)
Each category is associated with a unique mechanism of action, subjective effects, therapeutic potential, and health risks. It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using these substances.
Despite their name, most hallucinogens rather induce pseudohallucinations than 'real' halluciantions, which cannot be distinguished from reality. Pseudohallucinations, on the other hand, are recognised as unreal by the user. These are common with psychedelics and dissociatives, while 'real' hallucinations are induced by deliriants in most cases.
List of hallucinogens
Psychedelics
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Dissociatives
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See also
External links
Literature
- Nichols, D. E. (2004). Hallucinogens. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 101(2), 131-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2003.11.002
References
- ↑ Nichols, D. E. (2004). Hallucinogens. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 101(2), 131-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2003.11.002