Other Psychoactive substances

1. Peyote and Mescaline

The peyote cactus, Lophophora williamsii, has been used in the religious rituals of Mexican Indians for thousands of years. Because of the visual and kaleidoscope illusions produced by peyote, the ancients were convinced that they could communicate directly with their gods without the need for priests. The fleshy green cactus tips--the mescal buttons--are dried in preparation for chewing and oral consumption. Rather than endure the bitter taste of the sliced mescal buttons, some users prefer to smoke the ground up material. Others brew a peyote tea or swallow capsules containing a powdery form of the cactus buttons. Regardless of the method of administration, peyote tends to cause stomach disorders, nausea and vomiting. Afterward, psychedelic effects persist from six to 10 hours and typically include feelings of weightlessness and depersonalization, perceptual distortions, and synthesias.

Mescaline is the major psychoactive ingredient of the peyote cactus and is responsible for the mind-manifesting, LSD-like effects of the mescaline buttons. In doses of 200-500 mg (the equivalent of 20 mescal buttons), mescaline causes increased heart rate, increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, and dilated pupils as well as a slowing down of both coordination and reflexes, and a clouding of one's concentration.

Mescaline may now be produced in the laboratory and is available in capsules, tablets, and liquid form. This synthetic mescaline produces effects similar to LSD, but is rarely available on the "street." While mescaline induces altered perceptions, there tends to be less mental or cognitive disorganization than is caused by LSD. Neither peyote nor its mescaline derivative produces physical dependence. Psychological dependence is rare, but tolerance develops rapidly, often within three days. Cross-tolerance with LSD and psilocybin exists. Along with LSD and other psychedelics, peyote and mescaline are Schedule I drugs under the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. However, peyote is legal only for members of the Native American Church who use mescal buttons sacramentally in their rituals. (Please note that Tequila, an alcoholic beverage, is produced from a cactus with a similar name, but not the same mescal that we are discussing here.)

2. Psilocybin

When psilocybe mushrooms (psilocybe caerulescens, stropharia cubensis) and several other members of the psilocybe genus, are eaten, human perception and cognition are affected in ways similar to those caused by mescaline and LSD. Before the onset of this drug's unique mental effects--visions perceived with eyes closed and altered states of consciousness--the intake of psilocybin may cause nausea and vomiting.

The psychoactive ingredients of these sacred mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocyn, both chemically related to LSD. Both of these drugs can be made synthetically in the form of a white crystalline powder, but they may also be contained in mushroom preparations. Much of what is sold on the "street," however, consists of LSD and other chemicals. Like mescaline, psilcybin is rarely available on the "street," although some users have procured "grow-your-own" psychedelic mushrooms from special mail-order houses.

In order for psilcybin to produce psychedelic effects, this substance must first be changed (metabolized) to psilocyn in the body before it can enter the brain. After one to five grams of the appropriate dried mushrooms are eaten, or a dose of 20 to 60 mg of synthetic psilocybin is taken, effects begin within half an hour and last three to six hours. The duration of the psilocybin trip is considerably shorter than that of LSD. Injection of psilocybin will initiate the trip somewhat earlier.

Generally, the effects are similar to, but less intense, than those of LSD. Having developed a reputation for producing very strong visual distortions, psilocybin is believed to produce particularly vivid and colorful illusions. Tolerance to the effects of psilocybin builds rapidly and with daily use, although physical dependence does not appear. Though psychological dependence is a possibility, the condition is thought to be extremely rare.

3. DMT (dimethyltryptamine)

A derivative of certain South American shrubs as well as a synthetic compound, DMT is a very powerful, fast-acting drug that produces psychedelic effects of an extremely short duration. Known chemically as dimethyltryptamine, DMT is produced in either liquid or powder forms. Usually, DMT is combined with tobacco, parsley, or marijuana and smoked. Sometimes, a finely ground powder of DMT is sniffed, eaten, or prepared in a solution for injection.

One of the surprising aspects of DMT is its almost instantaneous impact upon the user. Psychedelic effects often begin and reach their peak of intensity within 10 minutes after smoking. The trip lasts only 30 to 60 minutes, and then the visual and time-sense distortions subside rapidly. In essence, a DMT trip is a compact version of an LSD trip, without the side effects of LSD.

As with most other psychedelics, use of DMT soon produces a tolerance, but there is no evidence of physical dependence. Despite its appeal as the "business-person's" trip--allegedly DMT can be taken during an individual's lunch hour--there is little demand for this drug. Perhaps DMT's action as an MAO inhibitor is its greatest potential hazard. When taken in combination with various foods, liquids, and other drugs, DMT may cause life-threatening changes in blood pressure.

4. Morning Glory Seeds

Pulverized seeds of the common morning glory plant (ipomoea purpurea and various species of Rivea and Argyreia) contain a psychoactive substance, d-lysergic acid amide. This psychedelic drug is very similar to LSD, but is much less potent. A dose of between 200-300 seeds will induce LSD-like effects within 30 minutes after a person eats a powdery mixture or almost immediately after a person injects a liquid preparation. Sometimes, the seeds are chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. The chewing process releases the psychoactive drug for absorption into the bloodstream.

After an initial period of apathy and irritability, the user typically experiences a pleasant state of elation and serenity, quite similar to low-dose LSD-like phenomena. However, "pearly gates" and "heavenly blues," as the seeds are often called, are not really ideal psychedelics unless a natural source can be located. Seed producers coat commercially available seeds with a poisonous substance to discourage their recreational use. Upon ingestion, the toxic substance induces dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chills, and diarrhea.

5. Nutmeg

A commercial spice derived from the tropical evergreen, Myristica fragrans, nutmeg appears as either the whole, dried seed or as a preparation of coarsely ground powder. Both the seed and the powder can be eaten; the powder is occasionally sniffed. Two to five hours after grated nutmegs are swallowed, a confusional state with mild euphoria and illusions develops. These effects are in response to a chemical identified originally as myristican. However, other psychoactive substances may also be involved. In most instances, nutmeg is used only when more powerful drugs are not available. Prisoners sometimes buy or steal this spice when better psychedelics cannot be obtained.

Mace, the orange, lacy covering of the nutmeg shell, also contains myristican. Sometimes the ground or whole mace is used as a kitchen spice. When swallowed in quantity, mace induces mild psychedelic effects. Although its use is infrequent, an occasional "mace party" has been recorded on college campuses.

6. MDA (3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine)

Nicknamed the "mellow drug of America," and "speed for lovers," MDA is derived from various plant oils, including sassafras, MDA can also be synthesized as a white powder. This product can be taken orally (in a capsule), sniffed, or injected as a solution.

Chemically similar to both mescaline and the amphetamines, MDA induces euphoria, a peaceful, dream-like state beginning about one hour after a person first takes the drug. The average trip may last nearly eight hours. Although at very high doses MDA produces many physical reactions--some requiring emergency medical treatment--the most notable effect seems to be a tranquil emotionality. The accompanying psychological warmth and tenderness permit the "tripper" to concentrate on interpersonal relationships. Communication with other people seems to be enhanced as a pervasive sensuousness overcomes the user.

7. MDMA (methylenedioxyamphetamine)

Known as "Ecstasy," "Adam," "the Big E," and "X-TC," MDMA is a chemical cousin of MDA. This psychoactive drug combines some of the hallucinogenic effects of mescaline with the stimulant effects of amphetamines.

Originally synthesized in 1914, MDMA did not become a significant drug of abuse until the 1970's, when it enjoyed a sudden popularity among college students. Although taking the drug by mouth is generally preferred, MDMA is inhaled on occasion, but only rarely injected. Derived by chemically engineering MDA, MDMA is considered a "designer drug"--an originally legal substance that acts similarly to its illegal cousin.

Some advocates of MDMA labeled the drug as the LSD of the 1980's because it provides the euphoric "rush" of cocaine and some of the mind-expanding qualities of psychedelics, without the scary visual distortions. In practical terms, MDMA is the successor to MDA and is often considered an aphrodisiac, despite its interference with erection and inhibition of orgasm in both sexes.

Research indicates that MDMA is somewhat milder and shorter-lasting than MDA and exerts amphetamine-like effects on the body (dilated pupils, dry mouth and throat, lower jaw tension, grinding of the teeth, and overall stimulation). On the other hand, many users report a general relaxation effect, decreased use of psychological defense mechanisms, increased empathy for others, promotion of intimate communications, and enhanced sensual experiences, especially the pleasures of touching.

Some physicians and therapists have found MDMA to be a significant therapeutic aid in dissolving personal anxieties in certain patients. Research also suggests that MDMA tends to intensify feelings, facilitate self-insight, promote positive changes in attitudes and feelings, and facilitate close interpersonal relationships.

Although the claimed benefits sound very attractive, other investigations have revealed several undesirable effects of MDMA. Recreational users report that over time, the desired effects of the drug become weaker, while the negative side effects become more likely. Psychological difficulties reported by users include mental confusion, depression, anxiety, generalized panic situations, and even paranoia. Common physical problems experienced are increased muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movements, faintness, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. However, the greatest fears are associated with Ecstasy's potential for acting as a toxic substance within the brain and causing major changes in brain chemistry.

Because of its potential for abuse and its possible neurotoxic effect, MDMA was temporarily restricted as a Schedule I controlled substance in 1985 and permanently classified in Schedule I in 1988. Also that year, the Drug Enforcement Administration rejected arguments supporting its treatment value. As an analogue of MDA, MDMA is also illegal as a "designer-recreational" drug.

8. DOM (also called STP) (4-methyl-2, 5-dimethoxyamphetamine)

Another synthetic variation of mescaline and amphetamine, DOM was first introduced to the drug scene in 1967 as STP. Named after a motor oil additive--scientifically treated petroleum--the original acronym was soon reinterpreted to stand for "Serenity, Tranquility, Peace.

" Usually taken orally, DOM, at very low doses induces an amphetamine-like euphoria and feelings of enhanced self-awareness. At higher dose levels, LSD-like effects are experienced. Generally less potent than LSD, DOM is not metabolized rapidly, remains in the body much longer than most other psychedelics (from 12 to 24 hours), and produces a variety of physical problems, including nausea, sweating, tremors, and convulsions. The length and intensity of the DOM (STP) "trip" both contribute to an unusually high rate of bad trips produced by the drug.

Chemical Variations

An almost endless number of psychedelics have been synthesized by creative "kitchen chemists" for the illegal "street" market. Some of these, such as DOB (4-bromo-2, 5-dimethoxyamphetamine) and MMDA are mescaline-amphetamine variants similar to DOM and MDA, respectively. Other psychedelics with stimulant properties are PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine) and TMA (trimethoxyamphetamine). DET (diethyltryptamine) is similar in chemical structure to DMT.

All of these drugs differ from one another in terms of speed of onset, duration of action, potency, and capacity to modify mood. They are seldom pure, their capsule dosages are variable, and they are often misrepresented as other psychedelics. **Note: This topic will be presented in detail later in this text.

9. PCP (phencyclidine)

Phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, was developed in 1959 as an anesthetic and was later used in veterinary medicine as a powerful horse tranquilizer. Use of PCP in humans was discontinued in 1965, because it was found that patients often became agitated, delusional, and irrational while recovering from its anesthetic effects. It is classified as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. PCP is illegally manufactured in clandestine laboratories and is sold on the street by such names as angel dust, crystal supergrass, killer joints, ozone, wack, and rocket fuel. The variety of street names for PCP reflects its bizarre and volatile effects. PCP is a white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water or alcohol. It has a distinctive bitter chemical taste. PCP can be mixed easily with dyes and turns up on the illicit drug market in a variety of tablets, capsules, and colored powders. It is normally used in one of three ways: snorted, smoked, or eaten. For smoking, PCP is often applied to a leafy material such as mint, parsley, oregano, or marijuana.

Extent of Use

NIDA's Monitoring the Future Study shows that use of PCP by high school seniors has declined steadily since 1979, when 7.0 percent of seniors had used PCP in the year preceding the survey, to 1993, when 1.4 percent of seniors reported using PCP in the preceding year. In 1995, the number was 1.8 percent, and in 1996, 2.6 percent. In 1979, 2.4 percent of seniors had used PCP within the past month, compared to 1.3 percent in 1996.

Percentage of high school seniors reporting past-year use of PCP:

1979 1993 1995 1996

7.0% 1.4% 1.8% 2.6%

According to the 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 3.2 percent of the population aged 12 and older have used PCP at least once. Lifetime use of PCP was significantly higher among those aged 26 through 34 (4.2 percent) than for those 18 through 25 (2.3 percent) and those 12 through 17 (1.2 percent).

Health Hazards

PCP was first introduced as a street drug in the late 1960's and quickly gained a reputation as a drug that could cause bad reactions and was not worth the risk. Many people, after using the drug once, will not knowingly use it again. Yet others use it consistently and regularly. The reasons often cited by users as factors in their continued PCP use are feelings of strength, power, and invulnerability and a numbing effect on the mind that often results in anger, rage, and the disappearance of unpleasant memories. Recent studies, including those of men arrested for criminal activity, indicate that if PCP induces violent or criminal behavior, it does so infrequently.

At low to moderate doses, physiological effects of PCP include a slight increase in breathing rate and a more pronounced rise in blood pressure and pulse rate. Respiration becomes shallow, and flushing and profuse sweating occur. Generalized numbness of the extremities and muscular incoordination also may occur. Psychological effects include distinct changes in body awareness, similar to those associated with alcohol intoxication. Use of PCP among adolescents may interfere with hormones related to normal growth and development as well as with the learning process. At high doses of PCP, there is a drop in blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, flicking up and down of the eyes, drooling, loss of balance, and dizziness.

Psychological effects at high doses include illusions and hallucinations. PCP can cause effects that mimic certain primary symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, mental turmoil, and a sensation of distance from one's environment. Often speech is sparse and garbled. People who use PCP for long periods report memory loss, speech difficulties, depression, and weight loss. When given psychomotor tests, PCP users show loss of fine motor skills and short-term memories. Mood disorders also have been reported. PCP has sedative effects, and interactions with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines can lead to coma or accidental overdose.

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