Is Cocaine a Hallucinogen?

What Are Hallucinogenic Drugs?

Hallucinogenic drugs (hallucinogens) are a class of psychoactive substances often consumed recreationally to induce altered perceptions, thoughts, and experiences. (2) These drugs derive their name from their ability to cause hallucinations, and each type has its own unique and characteristic effects on the user.

Common Effects of Hallucinogenic Drugs Include:

• Visual hallucinations, or seeing things others do not, or having distorted perceptions of real objects.
• Auditory hallucinations, or hearing things others do not.
• Tactile hallucinations, or feeling unreal sensations of touch, such as bugs crawling on or under the skin.
• Altered perspective.
• Altered sense of time and space.
• Distorted sense of self.
• Depersonalization, or feeling a lack of sense of self.
• Derealization, or feeling like real things and experiences are unreal or dreamlike.
• Changes in mood and emotion, such as euphoria or anxiety.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Changes in body temperature.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.

Not every hallucinogen will result in all these effects, which vary in number and intensity based on individual factors.

Examples of Hallucinogenic Drugs

There are several types of hallucinogens, most of which are illicit or only legal for medical use, including the following:

• DMT (dimethyltryptamine): DMT is a psychoactive chemical that occurs naturally in the human body and is thought to play a role in dreaming. As a recreational drug, DMT is a potent hallucinogen that has historically been used in spiritual and religious ceremonies.
• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide): LSD, or acid, is a synthesized hallucinogen taken recreationally to induce vivid visual and auditory hallucinations and changes in mood and emotions.
• Ketamine: Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that can induce changes in mood, feelings of unreality, and distorted perceptions.
• Mescaline: Mescaline is a hallucinogen found naturally in the peyote cactus with hallucinatory effects comparable to LSD.
• PCP (Phencyclidine): PCP is another dissociative anesthetic that can produce hallucinations, altered perception of time, feelings of unreality, delusions of grandeur, paranoia, and violent aggression.
• Psilocybin: Psilocybin (magic mushrooms or shrooms) is a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in certain mushroom species. Its hallucinatory effects are comparable to LSD, albeit generally milder.

Anticholinergics: Anticholinergics are a broad class of medications used to treat various conditions. Due to their effects on brain chemicals, large doses can produce hallucinatory effects.

Delusions & Paranoia From Cocaine Use

Although cocaine is not classified as a hallucinogen, misuse can lead to visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations, which can be frightening, as well as dissociation, paranoia, and delusions (false beliefs). In fact, paranoia is a relatively common side effect of cocaine misuse that can present as irrational fear, unfounded mistrust, and persistent suspicions.

Cocaine-induced paranoia can range from mild to intense and last long after the drug leaves the body. A person experiencing paranoia and delusions may believe they are being watched or followed, or they may think that acquaintances or friends are trying to harm them or get them in trouble.

Cocaine-Induced Psychosis

Chronic misuse of high doses of cocaine can lead to psychosis, which is characterized by profound and debilitating hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. Cocaine-induced psychosis can continue to persist even when cocaine is absent. (3) Likewise, the psychological damage it can cause may require psychiatric treatment. Individuals suffering from cocaine-induced psychosis can be unpredictable, easily agitated, aggressive, and sometimes violent.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs and symptoms of cocaine psychosis, seek professional help as soon as possible.