What Are the Most Commonly Abused Dissociative Drugs?
By: A Forever Recovery
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What Are the Most Commonly Abused Dissociative Drugs?
Commonly abused dissociative drugs, also known as hallucinogens, are drugs that cause distortions in the perception of sounds and sights, often leading to feelings of detachment. It is the sense of detachment that provides the name dissociative to this class of hallucinogenic drugs.
Most Commonly Abused Dissociative Drugs
Of course, there are many drugs that cause dissociation. Those in this class can also cause sensory deprivation, hallucinations or trances, and can also affect the body’s dopamine and opioid system, leading to a feeling of euphoria.
Ketamine
Ketamine, developed in 1963 to replace PCP. It is anesthesia for humans and animals. Dealers sell the drug in liquid form. However, it is usually evaporated into a powder for illicit use and is snorted or swallowed. Some users do inject the drug, however. This substance is odorless and tasteless. It can easily be slipped into drinks without detection. It causes dream-like states and hallucinations, while some users report complete sensory detachment, almost like a near-death experience. In lower doses, users have attention impairment, memory loss or inability to learn.
The memory loss aspect of the drug is why individuals use it in the commission of sexual assaults. A drugged victim will not recall an attack afterward. In fact, PCP is one of the most commonly abused dissociative drugs. Ketamine has the street names of Cat Valium, K, Special K, and Vitamin K. High doses of the drug can lead to respiratory depression severe enough to cause death. Teenagers and young adults are the most frequent users of Ketamine.
PCP (Phencyclidine)
Another commonly abused dissociative drug is Phencyclidine or PCP. The primary use in the 1950s was a surgical anesthetic. Its use came to a halt when doctors discovered that patients became delusional, irrational, and agitated while recovering from its effects.
PCP is a white, crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water or alcohol, and the drug has a bitter, chemical taste. The drug is available in tablet, capsule and colored powders. Users snort, smoke, inject or swallow this substance. They also sprinkle it on leafy substances, such as mint, parsley, tobacco or marijuana.
Many times, individuals take the PCP unknowingly because a person hides it in tobacco or marijuana products. Low to moderate doses cause effects similar to alcohol use. However, users may experience shallow breathing, numbness of the extremities, weak muscle contraction and profuse sweating. At high doses, the drug can cause hallucinations and seizures, as well as nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, eye flickers, drooling, and dizziness.
Death from accidental injury, suicide, or combining the drug with alcohol or other depressants is possible. Other PCP names are angel dust, happy sticks, magic dust, Peter Pan or lethal weapon.
Salvia Divinorum
Salvia divinorum is a plant, found in a cloud forest in Sierra Mazateca near Oaxaca, Mexico. This drug induces visions and hallucinations. It is legal in Mexico, but many states have banned the drug in the United States. Users report feeling giddy and disoriented, with effects that can last up to two hours. Other effects include feeling as if the user is floating or lost in a tunnel.
Salvia users either chew the leaves, drink juice extracted from the plan,t or smoke the dried leaves. Users also use water pipes or will vaporize the leaves and inhale them. Street names for the drug include shepherdess’s herb, Maria Pastora, magic mint, and Sally-D.
Researchers are studying a link between salvia use and mental illness. The drug has triggered panic attacks, schizophrenia relapses and an increase in borderline personality traits. However, there is little research into whether the drug leads to addiction, or if the hallucinogenic properties of the drug are severe enough to warrant its illegal status in some states. There are few studies on the long-term effects of the drug. Initial studies indicate that the drug affects dopamine levels and has the potential for being addictive.
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Dextromethorphan is found in conventional, over-the-counter cough medicines. But, it can be used recreationally for its dissociative effects. The drug can be purchased without a prescription in cough syrup or cold tablets, while a powder form is available on internet sites. Users swallow the substance, and effects include confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.
Abusers claim that there are different plateaus during the use of the drug which range from color and sound distortion to out-of-body experiences. Street names are Robo and Triple C. An unusually strong reaction is known as Robo-tripping.
Individuals May Require Specialized Treatment for Commonly Abused Dissociative Drugs
For those who have a loved one who is using one of the most commonly abused dissociative drugs, or for those who are suffering from addiction to any of the drugs described, seeking inpatient treatment is the best option as self-treatment could be dangerous. Prolonged abuse of these drugs could result in painful or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Consider seeking the assistance of a trained addiction counselor or center that specializes in addictions to these commonly abused dissociative drugs.