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To learn more about hallucinogens or obtain The bottom line: If you know someone who referrals to programs in your community, contact uses hallucinogens, urge him or her to get help. If one of the following toll-free numbers: you’re using them—stop! The longer you ignore the real facts, the more chances you take with SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol your life. It’s never too late. Talk to your parents, and Drug Information a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or another adult 800-729-6686 you trust. TDD 800-487-4889 linea gratis en español Do it today! 877-767-8432 Curious about the TV ads of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign? Check out the Web site at www.freevibe.com or visit the Office of National Drug

Control Policy Web site at www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.

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Hallucinogens The Truth About Hallucinogens

Slang—Lysergic acid diethylamide: LSD, Acid, Blotter. Psilocybin: Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms. Phencyclidine: PCP, Angel Dust, Boat, Ozone, Wack. Ecstasy: E, X, XTC.

Get the Facts… of space and time to become distorted and cause you Hallucinogens affect your brain. Hallucinogens to see objects that aren’t really there. change the way the brain interprets time, reality, and the environment around you. They also affect the way Stay informed. The body can quickly form a tolerance you move, react to situations, think, hear, and see. This to a hallucinogen, so a person would have to take more may make you think that you’re hearing voices, seeing and more of the drug for the same effect. This is very images, and feeling things that don’t exist. dangerous because taking stronger doses of any drug may cause severe side effects, including overdose. Hallucinogens affect your heart. The use of hallucinogens leads to an increase in heart rate and Know the risks. Hallucinogens can cause flashbacks. blood pressure. Hallucinogens can put you in a coma. Effects of the drugs, including hallucinations, can occur They can also cause heart and lung failure. weeks, months, and even years after use.

Hallucinogens affect your well-being. The use Look around you. The majority of teens are not using of hallucinogens may change the way you feel hallucinogens. According to a 2004 study, 95 percent emotionally. They may cause you to feel confused, of teens have never even tried hallucinogens.2 suspicious, and disoriented. Many PCP users are brought to emergency rooms because of PCP Know the Signs… overdose or its disturbing psychological effects, How can you tell if a friend is using hallucinogens? including delusions and paranoia.1 Sometimes it’s tough to tell. Different hallucinogens have different effects, depending on the dose and the Hallucinogens affect your self-control. The effect user. If your friend has one or more of the following of hallucinogens varies from time to time and person common warning signs, he or she may be using to person, so there is no way to know how much hallucinogens: self-control you might maintain. They can cause you • Distorted sense of sight, hearing, and touch to mix up your speech, lose control of your muscles, • Dilated pupils make meaningless movements, and act in irrational, • Anxiety or paranoia aggressive, or violent ways. • Mood swings • Faintness Before You Risk It… • Irrational behavior Know the law. Hallucinogens are illegal to buy, sell, or possess. What can you do to help someone who is using hallucinogens? Be a real friend. Encourage your Get the facts. Hallucinogenic drugs distort your friend to stop or seek professional help. For information perception of reality. Hallucinogens cause your sense and referrals, call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686.

For more information or for references to facts found in this Tips for Teens, go to www.ncadi.samhsa.gov.

Revised in 2006