Hallucinogen Use Disorder
 · 2 min read
 · Mark Zuckerburger
Table of contents

Understanding Hallucinogens and Their Impact on Hallucinogen Use Disorder

Introduction

Hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive substances that profoundly alter sensory perception, thought patterns, and emotional experiences. Hallucinogen Use Disorder (HUD) is characterized by a compulsive pattern of using these substances, despite significant adverse consequences. Understanding which hallucinogens are most commonly associated with HUD and how they affect the brain is crucial for recognizing their potential risks and impacts.

Details

  • Common Hallucinogens Associated with Hallucinogen Use Disorder

    • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
      • Alters serotonin receptors in the brain.
      • Causes profound changes in perception, mood, and cognition.
      • Can induce anxiety and psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
    • Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
      • Converted to psilocin, which activates serotonin receptors.
      • Can lead to intense visual and auditory hallucinations.
      • Associated with mystical experiences but may precipitate lasting psychological effects in some users.
    • DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)
      • Acts primarily on serotonin receptors, like LSD and psilocybin.
      • Known for short but intense psychedelic experiences.
      • Can lead to flashbacks and “breakthrough” experiences that may be psychologically distressing.
    • Mescaline (Psychedelic Cactus)
      • Primarily affects serotonin and dopamine pathways.
      • Produces visual hallucinations and altered sense of time and space.
      • May result in emotional highs and lows, which can complicate use patterns.
    • Ketamine
      • Functions as an NMDA receptor antagonist.
      • Induces dissociative states and can lead to feelings of detachment from reality.
      • Increasingly used in clinical settings for treatment-resistant depression, but misuse can lead to substance use disorder.
    • Salvia Divinorum
      • A member of the mint family, induces short-lived but intense hallucinatory effects.
      • Acts on kappa-opioid receptors in the brain.
      • Experiences can be overwhelming and lead to confusion or distress.

  • Effects of Hallucinogens on the Brain

    • Alteration of Neurotransmitter Systems
      • Primarily targets serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A.
      • Influences perception and mood regulation, linking to various psychological outcomes.
    • Changes in Brain Connectivity
      • Alters the Default Mode Network (DMN), responsible for self-referential thought and ego.
      • Creates atypical connections between various brain regions, leading to insights and altered states of consciousness.
    • Impact on Mood and Emotion Regulation
      • Can elicit profound emotional responses, both positive and negative.
      • Potential to exacerbate underlying mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
    • Long-term Psychological Effects
      • May lead to persistent changes in mood, perception, and cognitive functions.
      • Risk of developing Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), where users experience flashbacks post-use.
    • Dependency and Psychological Cravings
      • While most hallucinogens do not cause physical dependency, psychological cravings can lead to repeated use.
      • The search for desired effects can result in a cycle of compulsive use and disorder.

Conclusion

Hallucinogens, while often associated with spiritual or self-discovery experiences, carry risks of developing Hallucinogen Use Disorder. Common substances like LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline significantly affect the brain's neurotransmitter systems and connectivity, which can lead to both positive and negative psychological outcomes. Understanding these substances and their effects is essential for mitigating the risks associated with their use.