Substance Abuse
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Hallucinogens

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Hallucinogens

Includes: PCP (Angel Dust, Loveboat), LSD (Acid, Green/Red Dragon), Mescaline, Peyote, Psilocybin, Ecstacy - PCE

Hallucinogens are drugs that produce behavioral changes that are often multiple and dramatic. They have no known medical use, but some block sensation to pain and use may result in self-inflicted injuries. "Designer Drugs", made to imitate certain illegal drugs, are often many times stronger than drugs they imitate.

Possible Effects: rapidly changing feelings, immediately and long after use. Chronic use may cause persistent problems, depression, violent behavior, anxiety, distorted perception of time. Large doses may cause convulsions, coma, heart/lung failure, ruptured blood vessels in the brain. May cause hallucinations, illusions, dizziness, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, loss of control. Delayed effects - "flashbacks" may occur long after use. Designer drugs - one use may cause irreversible brain damage.

Symptoms of Overdose: longer, more intense "trip" episodes, psychosis, coma, death.

Withdrawal Syndrome: no known withdrawal syndrome. Indications of Possible Misuse: extreme changes in behavior and mood; person may sit or recline in a trance-like state; person may appear fearful; chills, irregular breathing, sweating, trembling hands; changes in sense of light, hearing, touch, smell, and time; increase in blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar.

Source: The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information