Hallucinogens

HALLUCINOGENS GENERAL The most important chemical subgroups in this final and very important factor in precipitating perma- category are the indoles, the phenylalkylamines with nent mental disorder in predisposed personalities. methoxy- and/or methylenedioxy- substituents in the The tetrahydrocannabinols include the most phenyl ring and the tetrahydrocannabinols. active materials found in marijuana [(-)-zl-THC The indoles and the phenyl-substituted phenyl- and (-)-18-THC]. These drugs can now be syn- alkylamines (hallucinogenic amphetamines) are thesized. Like LSD, they are psychotomimetic 383, related pharmacologically, if not chemically. Many 385, 394 but have sedative rather than stimulating ofthe drugs in these two subgroups are hallucinogens effects, show no crossed tolerance to LSD, and are that create dependence of the hallucinogen (LSD) devoid of the autonomic effects of LSD. type, which is characterized by moderate psychic These drugs are likely, if available, to produce dependence, quickly developing tolerance but no dependence of the Cannabis (marijuana) type which physical dependence. Drugs of this type cause is characterized by moderate to strong psychic central nervous system excitation, alterations in dependence, little tolerance (?), and absence of mood ranging from euphoria to dysphoria, anxiety, physical dependence. The symptoms of intoxication insomnia, anorexia, difficulty in concentrating, with Cannabis include alterations in mood, percep- marked alterations in sensory perception, changes in tion and judgement, tachycardia, and sometimes body image and hallucinations. They are usually psychotic symptoms. The dangers of the synthetic taken in the hope of inducing a mystical experience may be greater than those of Cannabis, because of leading to a greater understanding of the users' greater potency and because psychotomimetic effects personal problems and of the universe. These drugs with the pure materials are dose-related.383' 385, 394 appear to be particularly attractive to young people The hallucinogenic anticholinergics can be dis- of bohemian habits who have rejected the usual missed in a few words. Although the drugs are goals and mores of their societies. hallucinogenics they are not euphorigenic but dys- The dangers of these drugs include harm to the phoric. The anticholinergics cause confusion, seda- person himself or other people as a result of the tion, a delirium with frequently terrifying hallucina- drug-induced psychosis. In addition, the hallucino- tions, amnesia, and the usual peripheral autonomic gens may solidify withdrawal from the mainstream signs of dilated and fixed pupils, tachycardia, of society and identification with a drug-taking flushing etc. The experience is unpleasant, and, even subculture. Moreover, these compounds can pre- if persons prone to drug dependence try these drugs, cipitate psychotic states which are more severe and they do so only once. The experience is, in the which may last longer than normally occurs. " hippie " jargon, strictly a " downer " (unpleasant Some persons have remained permanently psycho- feeling). There is no significant amount of abuse of tic after taking hallucinogens. These individuals these materials and no illicit traffic. In the USA, are generally believed to have been persons who there are reports of a number of cases of adolescents were " predisposed " to psychiatric disease and who smoking " Asthmador ", a proprietary preparation were making only marginal personal adjustments in containing stramonium that was sold across the society. Even if this interpretation is correct, it must counter. As a rule these young people tried the drug be admitted that the hallucinogen may have been a once only. - 80.

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