Hallucinogens
When people refer to hallucinogenic drugs, we may think of things like "magic mushrooms" or LSD, but in reality, there are many different types of psychedelic drugs with a myriad of different effects on the mind and body. The three most common forms of hallucinogens are deliriants, dissociatives, and psychedelics. While all three different types of hallucinogens produce a distortion of reality, all come in very different forms and have a variety of different side effects, ranging from mild and euphoric to dangerous and traumatic.
Deliriants are one type of well known hallucinogen, and can be found commonly in nature. Deliriants are thought to be much more dangerous than dissociatives and psychedelics because of the way they produce a hallucinogenic state. Psychedelics and dissociatives produce hallucinations slowly and progressively, allowing users to become somewhat prepared for the experience of taking the drug. Deliriants, however, can immediately induce hallucinations of virtually every sense, much like a waking dream state. The danger of this is that it can often produce nightmarish experiences, with individuals reporting seeing traumatic images, not recognizing their own reflections, and feeling as though they are sleepwalking in a nightmare. Common deliriants are drugs like scopolamine and antihistamines like Benadryl.
Dissociatives are another type of hallucinogen which can make users feel detached and disconnected from reality and themselves, while producing distortions of the senses. They can operate this way by blocking messages from the conscious mind to the rest of the brain. Most dissociatives produce feelings of relaxation and sedation, but some affect dopamine in ways similar to other drugs, producing euphoric effects. While some find their hallucinations or experiences to be traumatic or frightening, most find their experiences to be pleasant and rewarding, much like living through an enjoyable dream. Common forms of dissociatives are PCP, Ketamine, and methoxetamine.
Psychedelics may be the most commonly used form of hallucinogens, and are arguably the most safe of the three classes. Psychedelics have been used in traditional medicine and religion for centuries among many different groups of people. Drugs like mescaline and DMT found in nature have been used everywhere from North America to Peru and areas in South America as a part of rituals, spiritual healing, or medical practices. Psychedelics are also used by many outside of these contexts as a way to escape reality or have spiritual experiences. The most well known forms of psychedelics are LSD, THC, and MDMA. LSD is a powerful hallucinogen, known for producing reality-altering hallucinations. Many feel as though taking LSD constitutes a spiritual experience, as the drug makes users feel much more connected with their environments. THC is a cannabinoid found in marijuana, which can produce mild hallucinations, but is known for producing feelings of relaxation, euphoria, creativity, and well-being. MDMA is similar, and produces increased feelings of sensuality and lowered inhibitions, while also producing mild hallucinations.
All hallucinogens produce different effects and have different risks, but all are intended to blur the lines of reality and create and otherworldly experience. Some are relatively safe, but others can have nightmarish effects or even be lethal in the wrong dosage. They can also be abused, and the dangers of these drugs can last long after they're taken. If you or someone you know may be abusing these drugs in an unhealthy and detrimental manner, get help as soon as possible.
Sources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens