Hallucinogenic drugs are substances that distort the perception of objective reality. The most well-know hallucinogens include, phencyclidine, otherwise known as PCP, angel dust, or loveboat; lysergic acid diethlylamide, commonly known as LSD or acid; mescaline and peyote; and psilocybin, or "magic" mushrooms.Under the influence of hallucinogens, the senses of direction, distance, and time become distorted. These drugs can produce unpredictable, erratic, and violent behavior in users that sometimes leads to serious injuries and death. In 1993, hallucinogens were associated with almost 10,000 hospital emergency room visits and approximately 200 deaths.
Physical Risks
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Sleeplessness and tremors
Lack of muscular coordination
Sparse, mangled, and incoherent speech
Decreased awareness of touch and pain that
can result in self-inflicted injuries
Convulsions
Heart and lung failure
Psychological Risks
A sense of distance and estrangement
Depression, anxiety, and paranoia
Violent behavior
Confusion, suspicion, and loss of control
Flashbacks
Behavior similar to schizophrenic psychosis
Catatonic syndrome whereby the user becomes mute, lethargic, disoriented, and makes meaningless movements.
For Poisoning Emergencies Call 1-800-222-1222 V/TTY
