Summary
Hallucinogens are mood-altering drugs that cause the user to experience hallucinations, dissociation from reality, or delirium. Hallucinogens such as psilocybin (mushrooms) and mescaline (peyote) are naturally occurring, while LSD, MDMA, PCP, and ketamine are synthetic substances. Abuse of hallucinogens can cause memory impairment, anxiety attacks, flashbacks, nausea, and vomiting. High doses of hallucinogens like PCP can cause convulsions, coma, and death. Hallucinogens provides important information on the nature and chemistry of these drugs, their effects, abuse, and related social and legal issues.
Chapters include:
- Overview
- History of Hallucinogens
- The Science of Hallucinogens
- Hallucinogens: Use and Abuse
- Treatment for Hallucinogen Abuse
- Hallucinogens and the Law
- Future Trends.
Specifications
Full-color photographs and illustrations. Sidebars. Endnotes. Glossary. Further resources. Index.
About the Author(s)
Thomas Santella is project coordinator for the chairman and president of Lannett Company, Inc., America's oldest generic pharmaceutical company. Prior to this, Santella was research coordinator at the Center for Pharmaceutical Health Services Research within Temple University's School of Pharmacy. In addition to numerous articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals such as Formulary, Pharmacy Times, and the Harvard Asia Pacific Review, Santella is the author of two books in Chelsea House's Drugs: The Straight Facts series, including Opium and Body Enhancement Products. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.