A significant category of hallucinogens includes substances like mescaline and LSD. These drugs primarily function as serotonin agonists, meaning they bind to and activate serotonin receptors in the brain.

Serotonergic Hallucinogens

Another class of hallucinogens, which includes PCP (angel dust) and the animal anesthetic ketamine, operates by antagonizing the NMDA glutamate receptor. This action blocks the normal functioning of the neurotransmitter glutamate at these specific receptor sites.

Glutamatergic Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens can be categorized based on their primary mechanism of action within the brain's neurotransmitter systems. Key examples of these categories include serotonin agonists, such as mescaline and LSD, and NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists, like PCP and ketamine.

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Hallucinogens are a category of psychoactive drugs known for causing significant distortions in a user's sensory and perceptual experiences, affecting how a person sees, feels, and perceives the world. This class of drugs is notably diverse, impacting a variety of different neurotransmitter systems.

Hallucinogens

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

* Mescaline 
* LSD
* PCP (angel dust) 
* Ketamine (an animal anesthetic)
* Marijuana
* Peyote
* Mescaline
* DMT

Examples of Hallucinogens

* Increased heart rate 
* Increased blood pressure 
May dissipate over time

Hallucinogens Effects on the Body

The use of hallucinogens can lead to a range of perceptual effects. Common experiences include vivid visual hallucinations, distorted bodily sensations, such as feeling disproportionately large, and a warped sense of time.

Perceptual Effects of Hallucinogens

Classification of Hallucinogens by Mechanism

In comparison to other major classes of psychoactive drugs, hallucinogens are generally considered to possess a lower potential for abuse.

Abuse Potential of Hallucinogens

Based on the primary effects described in the scenario, which class of psychoactive drugs is the most likely cause? Justify your answer by explaining how the reported experiences align with the fundamental characteristics of that drug class.

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