ABSTRACT
The hallucinogens are a descriptive pharmacological class of synthetic and naturally occurring derivatives of the ergot alkaloids. These include the tryptamines, amphetamines, and related sympathomimetics. The feature that distinguishes these agents from the parent compounds is the production of hallucinations,* which are depicted as changes in perception, thought, and mood and the occurrence of dreamlike feelings. An individual who ingests hallucinogenic substances describes the effects as having a spectator ego, where a person experiences a bond with nature and society, a sense of overwhelming revelation and truth, and a vivid awareness of his or her surroundings. The use of hallucinogens was popularized in the 1960s by artists, musicians, writers, poets, scientists, and other celebrities (such as Timothy Leary), who aimed to enlighten the world about the beneÞts of the substances. The compounds were purported to improve creative abilities, foster higher levels of thinking and consciousness, and enhance perception. The hallucinogens were thus labeled as mind expanding drugs. In addition, they claimed to have beneÞcial effects in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, cancer, and alcoholism — claims that have since been proven invalid.
