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Whether you’ve encountered them directly, through someone you know, or seen them depicted in movies, chances are you’ve come across the topic of psychedelics or psychedelic drugs. However, many people may not be fully aware of what these substances are and how they impact the body and mind.
There are several widely known psychedelics used across the country and around the world. They are employed recreationally, for medicinal purposes, in religious rituals, and more.
So, let’s begin with a straightforward question: What is a psychedelic?
What Is A Psychedelic?
Psychedelics are potent psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and brain function by changing how the brain processes stimuli. These drugs and hallucinogens are believed to work by influencing neural communication that relies on serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of well-being and happiness, and for regulating behavior, mood, sensory perception, and thinking.
The primary goal of psychedelic drugs is to induce psychedelic experiences, which are temporary altered states of consciousness where individuals may perceive things that aren’t actually present.
Most psychedelic substances are illegal in the United States and globally, with a few exceptions allowing their use for religious rituals and scientific research. Despite this, recreational use remains widespread. Some of the most commonly used psychedelics include LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote.
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or acid, is one of the most widely recognized hallucinogens. It typically appears as a white powder or a clear, colorless liquid and is most often consumed in tablet form.
As with other psychedelics, LSD is a mind-altering substance that affects mood, behavior, and how individuals perceive and interact with their surroundings. A typical dose of LSD can cause hallucinations, making you see, hear, or feel things that seem real but are actually created by your mind.
The effects of LSD usually begin within 20 to 30 minutes after use. They reach their peak in about two to four hours and can last as long as 12 hours. Users refer to these hallucinogenic experiences as trips. Trips can either be “good” or “bad” based on the user’s experience during the drug’s effects.
Good trips are often marked by feelings of euphoria, joy, and a heightened sense of clarity. You might also feel invincible or fearless, as if you possess extraordinary abilities.
On the other hand, bad trips can lead to disturbing experiences, including terrifying thoughts, disorientation, and irrational fears. You might feel an overwhelming fear of imminent death or experience extreme confusion following memory lapses.
It’s important to note that LSD use can contribute to mental health issues, and treatment with medication may be necessary to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia.

Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, naturally grow in regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms are typically consumed orally, and once ingested, the body converts the active compound into psilocyn.
Physical side effects from psilocybin use can include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination.
Psychologically, psilocybin can cause hallucinations and make it difficult for users to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
Much like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms can also lead to bad trips, which may result in dangerous behaviors and outcomes, such as accidental injury, suicidal thoughts or actions, memory loss, and more.
It’s worth noting that some mental health professionals believe psilocybin has potential therapeutic uses for conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others.
Peyote
Peyote is a small cactus native to the Southwestern United States and parts of Northern Mexico. It contains mescaline, a psychedelic compound that triggers psychoactive effects. Peyote has been used for centuries by Native American cultures in religious and ceremonial practices. It is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, but certain Native American groups are legally allowed to use peyote for spiritual purposes.
In addition to its traditional use, peyote is sometimes consumed recreationally.
The effects of peyote include perceptual distortions, vivid mental imagery, altered vision, intense emotions, and a sense of disconnect from reality. These experiences can significantly affect mood and may lead to lasting behavioral and emotional changes.
While peyote is a psychedelic, it differs from other hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin. The chemical structure of mescaline, found in peyote, closely resembles the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. This similarity can interfere with these neurotransmitters’ normal functions in the brain.
One notable side effect of mescaline is the potential for an extended psychotic state, similar to paranoid schizophrenia.
Effects of Hallucinogens
While many assume that hallucinogens have no long-term effects, this is not accurate. Both short-term and long-term use of psychedelics and hallucinogens can lead to a range of behavioral and emotional issues.
Short-Term Effects
When consuming psychedelic drugs and hallucinogens, users experience a variety of sensory effects that alter their perception. These substances cause hallucinations, changing how you perceive and interact with your environment, sometimes making you see things that are not actually there.
In addition to these well-known sensory effects, there are also physical side effects linked to hallucinogen use, such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Elevated blood pressure, and more
Long-Term Effects
Although most physical effects are temporary, certain long-term consequences can arise from hallucinogen use.
The majority of long-term effects manifest as behavioral changes, including decreased motivation, chronic depression, heightened anxiety or panic, memory impairment, psychosis, delusions, and more.

Addiction
Hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms are generally not considered addictive. However, as with many drugs, frequent use can lead to tolerance, causing users to consume larger doses to achieve the same effects. Additionally, there is a practice called “micro-dosing” associated with psychedelics.
Micro-dosing involves regularly taking small amounts of psychedelic substances. Although more research is needed to fully understand the short- and long-term impacts of micro-dosing, its popularity has been growing in recent years.
In addition to these health risks, psychedelic users may also experience a condition known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder
One of the significant long-term effects associated with hallucinogen use is hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
This disorder is characterized by recurring sensory experiences from prior drug use. Individuals with HPPD may experience visual disturbances or hallucinations long after the drug has worn off. These flashbacks can occur without warning and may appear days or even years after the initial drug use.
Unfortunately, there is no clear connection between how frequently a person uses hallucinogens and the likelihood of developing HPPD. This means that even a single use of these substances can result in long-term effects on vision, hearing, and perception.
Those who suffer from HPPD experience spontaneous episodes that are recurring versions of the sensory changes they experienced while using a psychedelic drug.
Clearly, there are both short-term and long-term consequences of psychedelic use. While many of these effects are not life-threatening, they can still result in serious physical and mental health problems that diminish quality of life.
It’s important to note that while hallucinogens typically do not cause drug-seeking behavior, individuals already using other substances may also engage in hallucinogen use.

Next Steps
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance-related issues that are affecting daily life, it may be wise to reach out to a drug and alcohol treatment center for help. Sunrise Recovery is one such facility, committed to helping individuals overcome their challenges.
To learn more about Sunrise Recovery in Jeffersonville Indiana and how we can help you develop a personalized treatment plan for your loved one, please visit our website or contact our Indiana drug & alcohol rehab admissions team today.