Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and emotions, causing people to see, hear, or feel things differently from reality. They don’t just create hallucinations—they can deeply change mood, awareness, and sense of self.

Why people use them
• Spiritual or introspective experiences
• Altered consciousness or creativity
• Curiosity or recreational use
• In some cases, traditional or cultural rituals

How they work

Hallucinogens mainly affect serotonin (especially 5-HT2A receptors) or glutamate systems in the brain. This leads to:
• Distorted senses (sight, sound, touch)
• Altered time perception
• Changed thought patterns
• Ego dissolution (loss of sense of self)

Main types & examples

Classic hallucinogens
• LSD (acid)
• Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
• DMT
• Mescaline (peyote)

Dissociative hallucinogens
• Ketamine
• PCP
• DXM (high-dose cough syrups)

Deliriants (rare but dangerous)
• Datura
• Diphenhydramine (very high doses)

Effects

Short-term effects
• Visual patterns and color enhancement
• Altered thinking and emotions
• Heightened introspection
• Time distortion
• Dilated pupils, increased heart rate

Possible negative effects
• Anxiety or panic (“bad trip”)
• Confusion or fear
• Nausea or dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Difficulty telling what’s real

Long-term risks
• Psychological distress in vulnerable individuals
• Triggering of anxiety, depression, or psychosis
• HPPD (persistent visual disturbances — rare)
• Flashbacks (unpredictable, uncommon)

Safety awareness
• Effects depend heavily on mindset and environment
• Mixing with other drugs increases risks
• Potency varies widely
• Not recommended for people with a history of severe mental illness

Medical & research use
• Studied for depression, PTSD, and addiction treatment
• Some have traditional ceremonial uses
• Medical use is tightly controlled and still under research