4. How the Brain is Affected Deplete serotonin levels Because the hallucinogen molecules resemble serotonin, the brain fills in serotonin receptors with hallucinogen molecules This is what triggers the “trip”
5. Effects Unpredictable User may hear colors or see sounds or even taste touches Numerous different effects
6. Eidetic Imagery User can still see images when their eyes are closed Images can appear as designs or patterns floating in mid air Lasts for a time
7. Synesthesia Mixing of the user’s senses Hear colors, see sounds Experts still do not know what causes it Trademark affect of hallucinogens
8. Depersonalization Floating from body One who is severely depersonalized may look down and see their body Usually is mild Disrupts physical coordination Dr. Martin recalls a severe incident of depersonalization
9. Simultaneous Extreme Sensations Experiencing numerous extreme feelings at the same time Can feel happy, sad, upset, overjoyed, empowered, helpless Users usually mark this experience as a bad trip
10. Flashbacks Can come at any time, even years after use Somatic, Emotional, Perceptual Somatic is physical: throwing up, shaking Emotional: depression, suicide Perceptual: Normal trip
12. Exaggeration Another confusing effect Objects multiply, feelings intensify, whispering becomes yelling, everything becomes more intense
13. Set Set is the quantity, identity, and previous experiences of drug Set affects the type of trip that the user has
14. Setting Represents the user’s intentions and environment If used for positive intentions, the trip might be good or different from a trip where someone just wants to get high
15. Addiction LSD, PCP, and other hallucinogens are not physically addictive which means no craving, withdrawals, or anything of that nature The user can only become addicted if they go out of their way to become high without their body telling them to
16. LSD Addiction Rare but dangerous Signs of paranoia, flashbacks, delusions, permanent mental changes in perceptions, increased heart rate Similar to paranoid schizophrenia
17. PCP Addiction More likely than LSD Hallucinations, euphoria, delusions, panic, depression, and aggression More likely to commit suicide later on
18. How to Stop Addiction Rehabilitation Centers Hallucinogens Anonymous Numerous groups that talk to schools All Stars LA’s Best California Mentoring Initiative The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse No way to fix addiction, but can be prevented by raising awareness
19. Statistics LSD and psychedelic mushrooms have been growing in popularity PCP popularity has gone down DEA has only made several large drug busts since 2001 Ecstasy high school users has increased by 75% from 1997 to 2001
20. Hallucinogens Still somewhat of a mystery to today’s experts Cannot explain things like synesthesia Unsure as to which specific part of the brain each drug affects Unsure why hallucinogens resemble serotonin Many questions
21. Works Cited Ebbitt, Alicia. "The Effects of Hallucinogenic Drugs on the Brain." Serendip (2008): n. pag. Web. 20 Apr 2010. <http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1880>. "Hallucinogens Facts and Figures." Office of National Drug Control Policy (2010): n. pag. Web. 20 Apr 2010. <http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/hallucinogens/hallucinogens_ff. html>. Mayo Clinic Staff, . "Symptoms." Drug Addiction (2009): n. pag. Web. 17 May 2010. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug- addiction/ds00183/dsection=symptoms>. Mehling, Randi. Hallucinogens. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. Print. Monroe, Judy. LSD, PCP, and Hallucinogen Dangers. Berkely Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2000. Print. Phillips, Jane Ellen. LSD, PCP, & Other Hallucinogens. Berkely Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2000. Print. Tierney, John. "Hallucinogens Have Doctors Tuning In Again." New York Times (2010): n. pag. Web. 20 Apr 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/science/12psychedelics.html?ref=science>.
