Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, alter perception and can cause hallucinations. Some examples include LSD, DMT, PCP, and marijuana. Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD in 1938, and hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for religious or medicinal purposes by ancient cultures. While some advocate for medical uses, hallucinogens are currently illegal and can have harmful physical, emotional, and social effects if abused.

1. Hallucinogens
By Andrew Zimmerman

2. Hallucinogens, or psychedelic drugs, are
drugs that alter the way you see, hear, or
feel things. They can cause people to
hallucinate or see stuff that isn’t there.
What are Hallucinogens?

3. Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD in 1938. However, hallucinogens have
been around forever in the form of mushrooms. It’s believed that our ancient
ancestors have been using hallucinogens for a very long time for medicines or
religious reasons. They believed hallucinogens brought them closer with their
gods. Some people even today use hallucinogens illegally for medicine.
Because hallucinogens are an illegal drug, it is not tested for its medical use
that often. LSD became very popular in the late 50s and
early 60s. Then, in 1966, the federal government banned
LSD. However, LSD is still being made today. Its use has
decreased among all people, but its use has increased
among teens.
History of Hallucinogens

4. Drugs that are classified as Hallucinogens
include:
● LSD
● DMT
● PCP
● Marijuana
Examples of Hallucinogens

5. Hallucinogens can be used in many different ways. You can take it in a pill
form, smoke it, eat it, or drink it. It all depends on the hallucinogen and the
way it is formed. Once the hallucinogen is in your body, Chemicals like
serotonin and acetylcholine interfere with neurotransmitters and cause
hallucinations. A hallucinogen high can last as little as 30 minutes and as long
as 4 hours, depending on the hallucinogen you take and the amount you take.
How Hallucinogens work

6. Hallucinogens are a schedule one drug because of their
high abuse potential. Some street names for Hallucinogens
are:
● Acid
● Boomers
● Hippie
● Pane
● Superman
● Tab
Street Names

7. Physical: Flashbacks, Increased energy and heart rate,
Nausea
Emotional: mood swings, panic attacks, loss of senses,
depression
Social: Loss of family, friends, and loved ones
Legal Consequences: Jail time and large fines
Harmful effects

8. Mixing hallucinogens with stimulants can
cause the body extreme stress. Mixing
hallucinogens with alcohol can further
reduce coordination and increased chance
of vomiting. It can also cause “bad trips”
Mixing with other drugs

9. Nervous system: impairs memory, difficulty
in judgment
Cardiovascular system: Abnormal heart
rate, heart attacks
Digestive system: Inflammation of pancreas
Respiratory system: slow breathing,
bronchitis
Effects on body

10. QUIZ
1. What is another name for Hallucinogens?
a. Happy drugs
b. Psychedelic drugs
c. Color seeing drugs
Interactive Game

11. 2. Which of these is a street name for
Hallucinogens?
a. Acid
b. Hippie
c. Superman
d. All of the Above
Quiz

12. 3. When did Albert Hofmann first
synthesize LSD?
a. 1998
b. 1899
c. 1907
d. 1938
Quiz

13. 4. TRUE OR FALSE: Marijuana is a
Hallucinogen.
a. True
b. False
Quiz

14. 5. What happens when you take
hallucinogens?
a. You see, hear, and think things that are not
there
b. You hear things that are not there
c. You get really hungry
Quiz

15. 1. B
2. D
3. D
4. A
5. A
Answers

16. http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/drugs-inc/episodes/hallucinogens/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUwV0gibLx8
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/lsd/a-short-history.html
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/293752-overview
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-
psilocybin-pcp
http://www.mydr.com.au/addictions/hallucinogens-what-are-the-effects
Sources