Drugs

How do **hallucinogenic drugs** (LSD, mescaline, psilocybin) alter consciousness? How does each affect the brain and body, and why are they dangerous? The physical effects of these drugs include: dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, appetite loss, sleeplessness, tremors, headaches, nausea, sweating, heart palpitations, blurring of vision, memory loss, trembling, and itching.

A user of hallucinogenic drugs will also experience a number of psychological alterations in the brain. These drugs may cause hallucinations and illusions as well as the amplification of sense, and the alterations of thinking and self-awareness. It is quite possible to have a bad reaction to hallucinogenic drugs. This is referred to as a "bad trip" and may cause panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. The long-term effects of these drugs can be quite dangerous. Long-term effects may include flashbacks, mood swings, impaired thinking, and unexpected outbursts of violence and eventually possibly depression that may lead to death or suicide.

An example of a hallucinogen is Psilocybin, which is a substance that can be obtained from certain types of mushrooms found in South America, Mexico, and the United States.