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Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are illegal drugs that cause profound distortions in a person's perceptions of reality. These drugs cause hallucinations, or sensations and images that seem real though they are not. Hallucinogens include LSD, ketamine, PCP, 2C-B, mushrooms (psilocybin), dextromethorphan (DXM), and salvia.

The use of LSD through "micro-dosing" has become a risky trend among young adults. Micro-dosing is when a person takes a smaller than typical dose of LSD or another hallucinogen at regular intervals. Adverse health effects can occur at any dose and micro-dosing is not considered safe.

Street names of these drugs include: Acid, Blotter, Blue Heaven, Cubes, Microdot, Yellow Sunshine

Adverse Health & Safety Effects

Short-term: Impulsiveness and rapid emotional swings; distortion of a person's ability to recognize reality, think rationally, or communicate with others; raised blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature; dizziness; loss of appetite; tremors; enlarged pupils.

Long-term: Frightening flashbacks (called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder [HPPD]); persistent psychosis, ongoing visual disturbances, disorganized thinking, paranoia, and mood swings.

For more information: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/hallucinogens

How to Get Help

University Health & Counseling Services provides integrated health services. Clinicians with expertise in primary care, substance use disorders, and mental health work collaboratively to ensure high quality care. We offer evidence-based alcohol and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to students.

You can make an appointment online with Health and Counseling Services through myhealthconnect. 

For on-campus emergencies, contact CWRU Police at 216.368.3333. If you are off-campus, dial 911

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.