Hallucinogens

Question 1: Define and describe dissociatives CNS depressant effects.

Answer 1: Many dissociatives also have CNS depressant effects, thereby carrying similar risks as opioids to slowing breathing or heart rate to levels resulting in death (when using very high doses). This does not appear to be true in other cases; and the principal risk of nitrous oxide seems to be due to oxygen deprivation. Injury from falling is also a danger, as nitrous oxide may cause sudden loss of consciousness, an effect of oxygen deprivation.

There are lots of good resources about Hallucinogens that you can find available.

Question 2: Give a brief history of hallucinogens prior to and during World War II.

Answer 2: Hallucinogenic drugs are among the oldest drugs used by mankind, as hallucinogens naturally occur in mushrooms, cacti, and various other plants. Various cultures have endorsed their use to varying extents, and some have regulated or outright prohibited them. Today, in most countries, possessing many hallucinogens is considered a crime and punished by fines, imprisonment, or even death. In the United States, some deference is given to traditional religious use by members of ethnic minorities such as the Native American Church. Although natural hallucinogenic drugs have been known to mankind for millennia, it was not until the early 20th century that they received extensive attention from Western science. Earlier beginnings include scientific studies of nitrous oxide in the late 18th century and initial studies of the constituents of the peyote cactus in the late 19th century. Starting in 1927 with Kurt Beringer's The Mescaline Intoxication, more intensive effort began to be focused on studies of psychoactive plants. Around the same time, Louis Lewin published Phantastica, an extensive survey of psychoactive plants. Important developments in following years included the re-discovery of Mexican magic mushrooms in 1936 by Robert J. Weitlaner and ololiuhqui in 1939 by Richard Evans Schultes. Arguably the most important pre-World War II development was by Albert Hofmann's 1938 invention of the semi-synthetic drug LSD, later discovered to produce hallucinogenic effects, in 1943.

Question 3: Describe and discuss the actions that deliriants may cause.

Answer 3: The deliriants are a special class of dissociative which are antagonists for the acetylcholine receptors.Included in this group are such plants as deadly nightshade, mandrake, henbane and datura, as well as a number of pharmaceutical drugs when taken in very high doses such as the first generation antihistamines diphenhydramine (Benadryl), its close relative dimenhydrinate (Dramamine or Gravol), and hydroxyzine, to name a few. In addition to the danger of being far more out of it than with other drugs, and retaining a truly fragmented dissociation from regular consciousness without being immobilized, the anticholinergics are toxic, can cause death due to overdose, and also include a number of uncomfortable side effects. These side effects include dehydration and mydriasis (dilation of the pupils). Most modern-day psychonauts who use deliriants report similar or identical hallucinations and challenges. Diphenhydramine, as well as Dimenhydrinate, when taken in a high enough dose, evokes vivid, dark, and entity-like hallucinations, peripheral disturbances, feelings of being alone but simultaneously of being watched, and hallucinations of real things ceasing to exist. Deliriants also may cause confusion or even rage, and thus have been used by ancient peoples as a battle stimulantzza4zz

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