Psychedelics and Dissociatives
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Psychedelics
A psychedelic substance is a psychoactive drug whose primary action is to alter cognition and perception. Psychedelics are part of a wider class of psychoactive drugs known as hallucinogens, a class that also includes related substances such as dissociatives and deliriants. Unlike other drugs such as stimulants and opioids which induce familiar states of consciousness, psychedelics tend to affect and explore the mind in ways that result in the experience being qualitatively different from those of ordinary consciousness. The psychedelic experience is often compared to non-ordinary forms of consciousness such as trance, meditation, yoga, and dreaming.
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide, abbreviated LSD or LSD-25, also known colloquially as acid, is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug of the ergoline family, well known for its psychological effects which can include altered thinking processes, closed and open eye visuals, synaesthesia, an altered sense of time and spiritual experiences.
Dissociatives
Dissociatives are a class of psychoactive drugs which are said to reduce or block signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain. Although many kinds of drugs are capable of such action, dissociatives are unique in that they do so in such a way that they produce hallucinogenic effects, which may include sensory deprivation, dissociation, hallucinations, and dream-like states or trances. Some, which are nonselective in action and affect the dopamine and/or opioid systems, may be capable of inducing euphoria. Many dissociatives have general depressant effects and can produce sedation, respiratory depression[citation needed], analgesia, anesthesia, and ataxia, as well as cognitive and memory impairment and amnesia.
DXM
DXM became a popular adulterant in pills because it is legal, sometimes produces effect that a newcomer could deem “Ecstasy-like,” and produces a result with the Marquis reagent that can be confused with MDx. However, oral DXM doses are much greater than those for MDMA. At higher doses, DXM can produce hyperthermia, nausea, vomiting, and unpleasant hallucinations.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic. Large enough oral doses can lead to a K-hole, but the amount required (350+mgs) makes this somewhat unlikely. More likely is that the user will experience an unpleasant disconnected and confused sensation. Perhaps the best non-health reason to be concerned about ketamine is that is produces an effect that is very unlike MDMA.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or sweet air, is a chemical compound with the formula N2O. At room temperature, it is a colorless non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. It is known as "laughing gas" due to the euphoric effects of inhaling it, a property that has led to its recreational use as a dissociative anesthetic.
