Hallucinogens: An Altered State of Mind
Thinking back to the 70s, hippies were well-known in the U.S. and with them, hallucinogens rose to popularity. As time went on, the fad of hallucinogens decreased, but studies indicate the drug has made a comeback for the 20th century. Hallucinogens are perception-altering drugs that activate a neurotransmitter, serotonin 2A, to affect neural circuits. They imitate the transmitter and bind to the receptor, which then changes the behavior of the neuron. Hallucinogenic effects are most apparent in the prefrontal cortex that deals with behavior, personality, decision making and disorganized speech.
The drug itself is most popularly known as shrooms, LSD, or acid. Shrooms are psilocybin mushrooms that become psilocilin, a psychedelic substance, once digested. These are natural hallucinogens that contrast to the chemically created ones such as LSD. LSD is a synthetic chemical that causes visual and auditory hallucinations similar to shrooms.
Although hallucinogens are not considered addictive, users who want to irresponsibly consume the drug may develop a higher tolerance which can lead to substance abuse. The abuser may experience disturbing visuals, changes in mood, scattered thoughts or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder along with psychosis. HPPD consists of flashbacks with sensory feedback; feedback can range from seeing halos to geometric patterns. While psychosis and HPPD are uncommon, there is no cure, making the possibility of the disorder dangerous.
The age groups that make up the majority of consumers are teens to young 20s. The drug is detrimental to their growth and causes persisting problems that may interfere with education. Michelle Sandoval, Wellness Coordinator at Santa Clara High School, states that "The brain is a very special and sensitive organ in our body. Doing any kind of drugs can harm our brain and cause lifetime damage. This is especially true for teenagers and young adults because the brain is under major development from birth until about age 25… [Hallucinogens] can also cause harm to the emotional centers of the brain which hinders the brain from being able to regulate emotion. This can make people irritable, depressed or anxious without the ability to control it much." High School is a critical time for many adolescents. With the stress piling up from classes and drama of friends, it is easy to fall into a routine with substance use and plummet into a depressed state.
Fortunately for abusers, there is always time to get help before their addiction becomes permanently detrimental. Treatment for an altered perception is available for users who are having trouble quitting, and it is drug rehabilitation counseling. Although there are no official medications for the drug, some doctors will prescribe an antipsychotic, medicine for altering brain chemistry, if the leftover effects are rough. One example of these effects are disturbing visuals that disrupt daily life. It is essential for the user and their friends and family to immediately recognize the downward spiral of daily drug usage and seek out help by contacting a drug hotline.