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Other Drugs

Hallucinogens, Cocaine, & Prescription Drugs

The following page covers some basic harm reduction information for safer use methods of different substances. Please remember to test your drugs & never use alone!

Hallucinogens
Image by Pawel Czerwinski

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a diverse group of substances known for altering one’s perception of reality, and causing shifts in mood and cognition. There are two categories: Classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs.

Classic Hallucinogens:

  • LSD (acid)

  •  Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)

  • MDMA (molly, ecstasy)

  •  Mescaline (peyote, buttons)

  • DMT

Dissociative Drugs:

  • Ketamine (special K)

  •  PCP (angel dust)

  • Salvia

Where do they come from?

Several of the hallucinogens, namely psilocybin, LSD, salvia, and peyote are derived from mushrooms or plants, while others are synthetically produced.

Image by Pawel Czerwinski

Short-Term Effects

JUST CLASSIC HALLUCINOGENS

  • Intensified emotions

  • Altered perception of time

  • Heightened sensory experiences (ex. colors looking brighter)

  • Spiritual experiences (ex. ego death)

  • Synesthesia or blurred senses (ex. hearing colors)

BOTH

  • Increased blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate

  • Auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren't there)

  • Euphoria

  • Panic or Paranoia

  • Nausea

  • Lack of coordination

JUST DISOSSIATIVE DRUGS

  • Feelings of floating or detachment from the body

  • Numbness

  • Memory loss

  • Analgesia (pain relief)

  • Aggression

Long-Term Effects

  • Impaired memory and concentration

  • Flashbacks

  • Prolonged depression or anxiety

  • Decreased motivation

  • Persistent Psychosis

    • Disorganized thinking, paranoia, visual and mood disturbances​

  • Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

    • Re-experiencing the perceptual disturbances that happened during a trip while sober​

    • This condition is very rare

Image by Raimond Klavins
Image by Pawel Czerwinski

Surviving
  a 
Bad Trip

Image by Pawel Czerwinski
Sometimes, psychedelic experiences take a turn for the worse. Here are some hallmarks of a 'bad trip:'

Extreme paranoia

Extreme/sudden mood swings

Emotional distress

Negative thought spirals

Frightening hallucinations/delusions

Here are some tips for getting through a bad trip

Remember to breathe!

Mindful breathing has been proven to reduce anxiety and stress! Breathe in deeply through your nose, hold for a couple seconds and exhale through your mouth. Repeat as necessary.

Talk to someone

Reach out to a trusted sober friend and let them know what you're experiencing. Talk through the scary thoughts instead of keeping them inside.

Find a distraction

With the proper distraction, it's easier to break out of negative thought loops. Try experimenting with interesting sights, sounds, or textures. For some people, it helps to make art or listen to music. Tip: Have some distractions prepared before you start tripping so that everything is ready in case you need it. 

Practice acceptance

Accept, without self-judgement, that you are having a bad trip and try to approach your negative thoughts with compassion and curiosity. Remind yourself that you are safe and that this experience is temporary. Try repeating a calming mantra.

Contact the Fireside Project

Reach out to this psychedelic peer support hotline through call or text. Volunteers are trained to listen compassionately and non-judgmentally to people in the midst of hallucinogenic experiences. 

62-FIRESIDE is available 7 days a week from 11 am - 11 pm.

Prescription Medication
Image by Haley Lawrence

Prescription Medication

Two of the prescription medications that are most commonly taken recreationally are stimulants meant to treat ADHD (Adderall, Ritalin), and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety (Xanax, Valium).

Image by Harrison Chang

Short-Term Effects

Stimulants for ADHD

  • Increased energy and alertness

  • Increased impulsivity

  • Talkativeness

  • Restlessness

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

  • Anxiety or agitation

  • Mood swings

  • Loss of appetite

  • Increased libido

Benzodiazepines for anxiety

  • Drowsiness

  • Lightheadedness

  • Poor coordination

  • Slowed heart rate

  • Feelings of calmness

  • Euphoria

  • Mood swings

  • Muscle relaxation

  • Slowed reaction time

Image by Harrison Chang

Long-Term Effects

Stimulants for ADHD

  • Poor sleep

  • Weight loss

  • Increased risk of stroke

  • High blood pressure

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Anxiety, depression, paranoia

Benzodiazepines for anxiety

  • Poor sleep

  • Poor concentration 

  • Memory problems

  • Lethargy

  • Lack of motivation

  • Anxiety, depression, paranoia

Image by Colin Lloyd

Cocaine

Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant with high addiction potential. It comes in the form of a fine white powder that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows in South America.

Cocaine
Image by Colin Lloyd

Strategies for Safer Snorting

Image by Jessica Fadel

01.

Make sure the powder is very fine. Larger pieces do more damage to the  nasal passageways.

02.

Never snort cocaine with rolled up bills, which are often covered in bacteria.

03.

Alternate between nostrils, and rinse them out with saline after snorting.

04.

To avoid transferring infections, never share snorting tools such as straws.

Use Vitamin E oil or petroleum jelly to sooth your nostrils and help them heal.

05.

Safer Use Tips

General Safer Use Tips

Test your drugs

Always test your substances--especially pills and powders--for fentanyl contamination, using a testing strip.

Start low and go slow

Start out by taking a low dose, especially when trying a substance for the first time. You can always take more of a substance later on, but once you've consumed something, you can't undo it.

Your kidneys will be working extra hard to filter out the substance in your blood, so be kind to them and drink water!

Stay hydrated

Never Use Alone

Find a trusted sober friend or ‘trip sitter’ that can offer emotional support and ensure your safety throughout the duration of your experience. If you're by yourself, contact the Never Use Alone hotline at 1-800-484-3731, and a representative will stay with you on the line to make sure you're safe.

Stick to one substance at a time! Mixing substances can increase the risk of

dangerous side effects including heart attacks, strokes, and seizures. Combining opiates or stimulants with alcohol is especially dangerous.

Avoid drug mixing

Sky

Set & Setting

Before taking a substance, make sure to evaluate your set and setting to determine if you have

proper conditions for a drug experience.

SET

Your mindset going into the experience

SETTING

Your immediate surroundings

Try asking yourself the following questions...

Do I feel prepared to experience a trip/high?

Am I with people that make me feel safe and supported?

Do I feel comfortable and relaxed?

Do I have any comfort objects I might need? (blanket, music, etc)

REMEMBER!

The length of a trip/high can last anywhere from minutes to hours depending on what substance you take and how much. Do some research in advance so you can estimate the length of your experience.

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