DRUG FACT SHEET
Hallucinogens & Dissociative Drugs
Some effects of PCP including depression and memory loss may last six months to a
year following prolonged daily use.
Trends & Statistics
In 2017, 6.6 percent of high school students in the U.S. had tried hallucinogenic drugs in their lifetime, compared to 7.8 percent in 2007. 16.7 percent of adults ages 26 and older have tried hallucinogenic drugs in their lifetime. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2017)
There are hundreds of synthetic hallucinogens on the market today including 25I-NBOMe (N-Bomb) and 2C-I (Smiles) which have been attributed to multiple deaths and significant injuries. They are generally found as powders, liquids, soaked into blotter paper or laced on something edible. Both drugs are classified as Schedule I substances, making possession, distribution and manufacture illegal.
Trends & Statistics
In 2017, 6.6 percent of high school students in the U.S. had tried hallucinogenic drugs in their lifetime, compared to 7.8 percent in 2007. 16.7 percent of adults ages 26 and older have tried hallucinogenic drugs in their lifetime. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2017)
Class of drug:
Hallucinogens (most common form is LSD)
Dissociative drugs (most common form is PCP)
Active ingredient:
Hallucinogens: Lysergic acid diethylamide,
mescaline, psilocybin, ibogaine
Dissociative: Phencyclidine
What it looks like:
LSD: Clear, odorless liquid, brightly colored
tablets, blotter paper, thin squares of gelatin
PCP: liquid, capsules, white crystalline powder,
gum
How it's used:
Both hallucinogens and dissociative drugs can be
swallowed, injected or smoked. LSD liquid and
gelatin forms can be put in the eyes. PCP is
often sprinkled or sprayed on cigarettes, parsley
and marijuana.
Duration of high:
Hallucinogens: effects begin within 30 to 90
minutes and last from six to twelve hours
PCP: effects begin within minutes and last for
hours
Effects:
Physical (both)—increased heart rate and blood
pressure, elevated body temperature, loss of
appetite, loss of muscle coordination, slurred
speech
Hallucinogens:
Mental—hallucinations; intensified senses;
distortion of time, reality and environment;
confusion; mood swings; panic; suicidal thoughts
Long-term—heart and lung failure, flashbacks,
coma
Dissociative:
Mental—detachment/disconnection of
environment and self, distorted perceptions of
sight and sound, violence
Long-term—memory loss, speech difficulties,
paranoia, convulsions, coma
Withdrawal symptoms:
Depression, memory loss
Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Research Report Series, American Medical Association, Illinois Drug Threat Assessment—National Drug Intelligence Center, NIDA Community Epidemiology Work Group