Hallucinogens are synthetic or natural substances that disrupt the communication between the brain and central nervous system in order to distort a person’s perception of reality. They are taken recreationally in order to alter thoughts, emotions and visual perception.

Although there is no evidence of physical addiction to hallucinogens, they can become psychologically addictive. Use of hallucinogens is also likely to lead to many side effects that can result in panic and mental breakdowns. Like other drugs, hallucinogens can be dangerous and damaging to users.

What are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens come from natural sources or are made synthetically. Although they come from different sources, they produce the same types of results – distorted perception, loss of social inhibitions and emotional changes.

There are a few major drugs on the list of hallucinogens:

• LSD is a synthetically made and affects the serotonin receptors in the brain. LSD is taken on squares of gelatin or blotting paper. It’s known as “acid,” “dots” or “mellow.”
• Psilocybin is found in certain species of mushrooms and is referred to as “Magic Mushrooms” or “shrooms” for this drug. They are taken in powdered form in capsules or eaten as dried mushrooms.
• PCP (Phencyclidine) was used as an anesthetic for years before it was taken off the market due to its mental effects. It’s referred to as “angel dust” or “peace pills” and can be smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed.
• Ketamine is used as an animal tranquilizer by veterinarians and produces visual distortions and a lost sense of time. It is often called “Special K” and is a white crystalline powder that is taken in pills or tablets. It can also be dissolved in liquid and injected.
• Mescaline is extracted from peyote cactus. When it is pure, it is a white crystalline powder but may have color variations depending on the processing method that is used. It is normally swallowed but can be chewed or smoked.

How Do Drugs on a List of Hallucinogens Work?

Although the drugs on the list of hallucinogens come from vastly different substances, they all have similar effects. They give users a deep sense of relaxation, followed by euphoria, happiness and hallucinations. Although there are no known physical addictions for hallucinogens, abuse can lead to dangerous and risky behavior. Long-term users can have flashbacks that repeat the effects of the drug and may have impaired memory, changes in personality and brain function problems.

Users have an altered perception of themselves while they are on hallucinogens. They may see distorted images in front of them, hear voices or music that isn’t really there and have a warped sense of time and space.

These side effects are what users are looking for when they reach for acid, ‘shrooms or Special K, but there are also some unintended side effects. Users can have panic attacks, anxiety or paranoia while they are on drugs. They can experience a rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure or impaired coordination.

In some cases, hallucinogens can create dizziness, nausea and vomiting. During a drug-induced state, users can become overwhelmed with the side effects and experience a “bad trip” which includes panic and negative hallucinations.

Although drug and alcohol addiction affect people in many different careers, when a service person is dealing with addiction, it can be a very special case.

Substance abuse is a concern for all branches of the military. In addition, alcohol abuse is a prevalent problem in all branches of the military. Soldiers and other military personnel who are dealing with alcohol problems are at an increased risk for related harmful behaviors (such as drinking and driving and using illegal drugs).

Drugs and alcohol addiction can be especially troublesome for military personnel. Drugs can slow reaction times and using while on the battlefield or in a training situation can be deadly. In the extreme, they can result in a soldier’s own death or death of another. Being on drugs or detoxing from drugs during these intense situations can impair a soldier’s judgment and lead to injury or death.

A Dangerous Environment

Addiction can also create the wrong kind of environment. The military thrives on the chain of command that goes along with that. Drug use and alcohol addiction can disrupt the proper order and make it impossible for the military unit to function properly.

Despite these consequences, military addiction is on the rise. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse:

• Prescription drug addiction doubled among U.S. military personnel from 2002 to 2005 and then almost tripled between 2005 and 2008.
• Since 1999, over 17,000 people have been discharged from the military because of drug addiction.
• During the same time period, failed drug tests have increased in the U.S. Air force by 82% and in the U.S. Army by 37%.

There are several reasons why drug and alcohol abuse have become so prevalent in the military:

Stress – Soldiers who are serving in the current ongoing conflicts are constantly under fire from insurgents. This state of being wears even the strongest person down and leaves them looking for an outlet. Once a soldier comes home, they make seek out drugs as a way to self-treat their post traumatic stress disorder.

Downtime and Boredom – When soldiers are on duty, they may have intense periods of stress followed by days or weeks of downtime. Although soldiers are still on duty during this downtime, the boredom can make them seek out entertainment through drugs or alcohol.

Access – There is a “zero tolerance” policy in the military, but soldiers can get drugs from friends or family members who ship them overseas. Soldiers who are coming back after being on duty can also bring drugs back into service.

Even after a soldier comes home, they may use drugs or alcohol to deal with the transition of being back with their families and away from combat.