Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs
Oxford University Press eBooks – August 01, 2016
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Dependence is uncommon with most hallucinogens, though ketamine is an exception. This Addiction Medicine chapter details a wide array of psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, alongside dissociative drugs such as PCP. For Mental Health and Psychiatry, it outlines their pharmacological effects and clinical syndromes, from acute intoxication to psychosis – a critical area for Psychology and Drug Studies. Flashbacks are a characteristic feature. Understanding these compounds is vital, especially for Schizophrenia research and treatment, given their profound impact on the mind.
Abstract
Abstract Chapter 15 of Addiction Medicine covers hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Hallucinogens are a large and diverse group of substances, some of which occur in fungi and plants and some which are chemically synthesized. Psychostimulants described in this chapter include psilocybin, mescaline, ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and NBOMes and tryptamines. Dissociative drugs include ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), and nitrous oxide. The prevalence and mode of use of these drugs is described together with their pharmacological effects. The clinical syndromes of acute intoxication and chronic use, flashbacks, psychosis, acute anxiety state, and acute and chronic brain syndromes are described, flashbacks being particularly characteristic of this group. Management of the acute toxicity syndrome is outlined. It is noted that dependence does not occur on most hallucinogens, although is described for ketamine.