Psychedelics (also known as hallucinogens) are a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood and cognitive processes. They can also cause a person to hallucinate-seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. What are psychedelics?
Types of psychedelics
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is made from a substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye.
- Psilocybin occurs in mushrooms and produces psychedelic effects
- Mescaline is derived from the Mexican peyote and San Pedro cactus and produces similar effects to LSD
- DMT (Diemethyltryptamine) is structurally similar to psilocin, an alkaloid found in psilocybin mushrooms
- Peyote is the most well-known psychedelic cactus, although the smallest and slowest growing.
Mixing psychedelics with other drugs
‘Polydrug use’ is the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another
- Polydrug use can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications
- It is often unpredictable and can lead to a negative experience
Dependence and tolerance
Most psychedelics produce tolerance quickly, meaning you need to take larger doses to get the same effect. Psychological dependence can happen for some people.
Getting help
If your use of psychedelics is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.
Bad trips
Sometimes you can experience a ‘bad trip’, which is frightening and disturbing hallucinations. This can lead to panic and unpredictable behavior, like running across a road or attempting suicide.
How are they used?
Psychedelics have been used since ancient times by various cultures throughout the world for their mystical and spiritual associations.
- Most forms of NBOMe are inactive if swallowed, and the most common methods of taking them are under the tongue, held in the cheek or snorted.
Flashbacks
The most common long-term effect of psychedelic use is the ‘flashback’. Flashbacks are a re-experience of the drug and can occur days, weeks, months, and even years later.
- Flashbacks can be triggered by the use of other drugs or by stress, fatigue, or physical exercise.
Reducing harm
It’s difficult to predict the strength and effects of psychedelics, as they vary from batch to batch
- People with mental health conditions or a family history of these conditions should avoid using psychedelic drugs.
- Using psychedelics in a familiar environment in the company of people who are known and trusted may alleviate any unpleasant emotional effects.
Effects of psychedelics
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk.
- Psychedelics affect everyone differently, based on: size, weight, health, and whether the person is used to taking it, the amount takent, and the strength of the drug.
Effects of mood and environment
Set: a person’s state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what’s going to happen
- Setting: the environment in which someone consumes psychedelic drugs – whether it’s known and familiar, who they’re with, if they’re indoors or outdoors, the type of music and light
