Hallucinogens might sound like a wild ride into a different world, but the truth isn’t so glamorous. These substances do more than just alter your senses — they can deeply impact your body and mind in ways you might not expect. From confusing your brain’s signals to triggering intense emotional shifts, the effects can linger long after the “trip” ends.
If you’ve ever wondered how do hallucinogens affect the body, you’re not alone. Understanding their impact is a crucial step in protecting your well-being and knowing when it’s time to seek help. This guide breaks it all down in a simple, clear way — no fluff, just facts. Let’s get into it.
What Are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens are drugs that change how a person sees, hears, and feels the world. They affect the brain and body in ways that alter reality, making people see things that aren’t there or feel emotions that don’t match reality. These drugs are often taken for their mind-altering effects, but they also have serious physical effects. Hallucinogen use among young adults aged 19 to 30 increased from 5% in 2016 to 8% in 2021, marking the highest level since 1988.
There are two main types of hallucinogens:
- Classic hallucinogens (like LSD and psilocybin)
- Dissociative drugs (like PCP and ketamine)
Both types affect the body, but each one works differently. People often focus on how these drugs affect the mind, but how do hallucinogens affect the body is just as important to understand.
How Do Hallucinogens Affect the Body?
The effects of hallucinogens on the body go beyond just seeing “trippy” images. These substances impact multiple organs, especially the brain, heart, and nervous system. While each person experiences the effects differently, there are some common ways these drugs affect the body.
Here’s a breakdown of how hallucinogens affect the body:
1. Effects on the Brain
Hallucinogens interfere with brain chemicals, especially serotonin. Serotonin controls mood, emotions, and perception, so when hallucinogens disrupt it, people experience hallucinations. Among adults aged 19 to 30, 8% reported past-year use of hallucinogens in 2022, a significant increase from 5% in 2017.
Key effects on the brain include:
- Distorted reality — People see or hear things that aren’t real.
- Memory problems — Short-term memory can be affected, making it hard to remember what happened.
- Mood swings — Extreme shifts from happiness to fear or sadness.
- Loss of control — People may lose control of their thoughts or behavior.
The brain is one of the most affected organs. The more often hallucinogens are used, the more severe these effects can become.
2. Effects on the Heart and Blood Pressure
How do hallucinogens affect the body when it comes to the heart? They can increase heart rate and blood pressure. For people with heart conditions, this can be dangerous. Even healthy people can experience heart problems if they take too high a dose.
Key effects on the heart include:
- Increased heart rate — The heart beats faster, which can feel like anxiety.
- High blood pressure — Blood pressure spikes, which can strain the heart.
- Heart palpitations — A feeling that the heart is racing or skipping beats.
These effects might seem mild at first, but if hallucinogens are used frequently or in high doses, the heart is put under serious strain.
3. Effects on the Nervous System
The nervous system controls how the body reacts to stress, emotions, and physical movements. Hallucinogens disrupt these natural processes, which can lead to physical and emotional distress. Among adults aged 19 to 30, 8% reported past-year use of hallucinogens in 2022, a significant increase from 5% in 2017.
Key effects on the nervous system include:
- Tingling or numbness — People may feel a “pins and needles” sensation.
- Muscle weakness — Sudden weakness can make it hard to stand or walk.
- Loss of coordination — It becomes difficult to move normally.
- Tremors — Involuntary shaking can happen, especially with high doses.
These symptoms often go unnoticed since people focus on the “mind effects” of hallucinogens. However, the nervous system’s health is vital to daily functioning.
4. Effects on Body Temperature and Sweating
How do hallucinogens affect the body in terms of temperature control? They can cause dangerous shifts in body temperature, leading to overheating or chills. In 2020, 7.5% of 12th graders reported using a hallucinogen at some point in their life.
Key effects include:
- High body temperature — Some hallucinogens can cause “hyperthermia,” a life-threatening increase in body temperature.
- Excessive sweating — Sweating increases as the body tries to cool itself.
- Chills and shivering — People may feel freezing, even in a warm room.
These changes can happen suddenly, and without medical help, they can lead to heatstroke or dehydration.
5. Long-Term Effects on the Body
The long-term effects of hallucinogens can be just as harmful. If someone uses these drugs often, the effects can become permanent. A study involving over 9.2 million people in Ontario found that individuals who visited emergency rooms due to psychedelic drug use had a 3.5-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia compared to others.
Long-term effects include:
- Mental health issues — Long-term use can cause anxiety, paranoia, and flashbacks.
- Heart problems — Frequent use increases the risk of heart disease.
- Memory loss — Memory problems can last for weeks, months, or even longer.
- Physical dependence — The body may become used to the drug, causing withdrawal symptoms.
These lasting effects make it important to seek help as early as possible. How do hallucinogens affect the body? In ways that can last long after the “trip” is over.
Why Is Treatment Important for Hallucinogen Use?
If someone is struggling with the effects of hallucinogens, treatment can offer hope and healing. Without help, the physical effects on the brain, heart, and body can get worse. Treatment options are designed to help people recover both mentally and physically.
How does treatment help?
- Detox support — Safely removes hallucinogens from the body.
- Counseling and therapy — Help people understand the reasons for their use.
- Medical support — Monitors physical health, especially heart and brain issues.
At Relevance Recovery, the goal is to help people regain control of their lives. Personalized care focuses on physical health, mental well-being, and long-term recovery.
When to Seek Help for Hallucinogen Use
If you or a loved one is struggling with the physical effects of hallucinogens, it’s important to know that help is available. How do hallucinogens affect the body? In more ways than you might expect. These effects can get worse over time, and ignoring them could lead to serious health risks.
Signs it’s time to get help include:
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
- Memory problems that don’t go away.
- Uncontrolled tremors, tingling, or numbness.
- Severe mood swings or mental health concerns.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to get professional support.
Take Control of Your Health
Hallucinogens affect the brain, heart, and nervous system in ways that can change your life. While many people think about their mental effects, the physical impacts are just as serious. How do hallucinogens affect the body? From racing heartbeats to trembling hands, the effects are real and long-lasting.
But it’s never too late to seek help. Relevance Recovery offers compassionate care and personalized support to help you or a loved one recover. You don’t have to face it alone. The first step to healing is reaching out for support. Your health matters and recovery is possible.
Take control of your well-being today. Reach out for help and begin your journey to a healthier future.
FAQs
1. How do hallucinogens affect the heart?
Hallucinogens can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may strain the heart. This can be risky, particularly for individuals with existing heart conditions.
2. What is the disease caused by hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens can cause persistent mental health disorders, such as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) and psychosis, affecting perception and cognition even after the drug has worn off.
3. What are the short-term effects of hallucinogens?
Short-term effects include hallucinations, distorted perception, altered thinking, increased heart rate, anxiety, and paranoia. These effects can last for hours and vary depending on the substance used.
4. What are the overall effects that depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens have on the body?
Depressants slow body functions, stimulants increase heart rate and energy, and hallucinogens alter perception, mood, and thoughts. Each affects the nervous system in distinct ways, impacting overall body function.
