What Are They?
Hallucinogens are strong mood-changing drugs with unpredictable psychological effects.17 LSD, or "acid," is sold as tablets, capsules, liquid, or on absorbent paper.18 PCP is illegally manufactured as tablets, capsules, or colored powder and can be snorted, smoked or eaten.19 Other hallucinogens can come in many forms, including plants and cough suppressants.
The effects of hallucinogens differ greatly from person to person, time to time, and from drug to drug. This is mainly due to the significant differences in strength, amount, and chemical makeup of active ingredients. Because of their unpredictable nature, the use of hallucinogens can be particularly dangerous. People who abuse PCP for long periods of time report memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, and weight loss. These symptoms can persist up to a year after stopping PCP abuse. LSD has an unusual "echo." Many users have flashbacks — sudden repetitions of their LSD experiences — days or months after they stop using the drug.20 Hallucinogen-related deaths (with the possible exception of MDMA and PCP) often result from accidental injury or suicide from the uncontrolled actions and emotions caused by intoxication.