While hallucinogens share some common effects, each drug has distinctive characteristics.
LSD
LSD, often known as acid, is a potent hallucinogen available as pills, liquid, or soaked onto small squares of paper. It produces powerful hallucinations and significantly alters mood and perception.
Psilocybin Mushrooms
Commonly referred to as "shrooms," these mushrooms are consumed dried, fresh, or brewed into tea. Effects closely resemble those of LSD, including sensory distortions and vivid hallucinations.
Ecstasy (MDMA/Molly)
MDMA, or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug frequently used at clubs and parties, often sold in tablet form. It combines stimulant and hallucinogenic properties, enhancing sensory experiences.
Peyote/Mescaline
Peyote is a small cactus native to Northern Mexico and the American Southwest, containing the hallucinogen mescaline. It typically induces visual hallucinations, altered spatial and time perception, and cognitive distortions.
DMT
DMT occurs naturally in various plants and has been traditionally used in rituals. Synthetic DMT is also produced and is typically smoked, snorted, or consumed as a drink (e.g., Ayahuasca). Its intense psychoactive effects are short-lived, usually lasting under an hour, and include hallucinations, distorted sense of time, and elevated heart rate.
Common Dissociative Drugs
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Commonly known as angel dust, PCP is synthetic and typically available as powder, liquid, or tablets. It may be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. PCP alters pain perception, induces euphoria, but can also trigger aggressive behavior and delusions of strength.
Ketamine
Ketamine ("special K") comes in pill, liquid, or powder form, and is consumed orally, snorted, or injected. Because it lacks taste and odor, it is sometimes used as a date-rape drug. Ketamine alters pain perception and can cause profound dissociation from reality and the self.
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
DXM, an ingredient in over-the-counter cough medicines, can induce hallucinations and euphoria at high doses. Normal therapeutic dosages range from 15 to 30 mg, but recreational doses may exceed 250 mg, causing significant health risks.
Salvia
Native to southern Mexico, Salvia divinorum belongs to the mint family. Its active component, salvinorin A, disrupts neuronal communication, leading to intense hallucinations, mood swings, sweating, and detachment from reality.