Hallucinogens

  • acid
  • blotter
  • cid
  • cubes
  • liberty caps
  • liberties
  • lsd
  • magic mushrooms
  • mushrooms
  • microdot
  • sacred mushrooms
  • shrooms
  • tabs
  • trips
  • zen
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What are hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that work on the brain to affect the senses and cause hallucinations – seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting or touching things that do not exist. Hallucinogens are sometimes called psychedelic drugs, trips, magic mushrooms, LSD or acid.

New psychoactive or synthetic substances can also have a hallucinogenic effect, such as NBOMe, see Synthetic Drugs Effects and FAQs for further detail.

Download the hallucinogens fact sheet.

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Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens

Lysergic acid diethylamide

(C20G25N3O)

Some hallucinogens occur naturally in trees, vines, seeds, fungi (eg psilocybin or magic mushrooms) and leaves. Others are made in laboratories by mixing different chemical substances (trips, LSD, acid). Some drugs, such as cannabis and ecstasy, can cause hallucinogen-like effects when used in high doses or in certain ways. Using hallucinogens is often called tripping.

Physical effects can include

  • muscles twitching
  • feeling numb
  • feeling sick or vomiting
  • poor coordination

Effects depend on...

​What hallucinogens do to you depends on how much you take, your height and weight, your general health, your mood, your past experiences with hallucinogens, whether you use hallucinogens on their own or with other drugs, whether you use alone or with others, at home or at a party, etc.  

  • feeling weak
  • pupils get bigger
  • shaking
  • heart beats faster

How hallucinogens affects your body

Tap a body part to learn more of the effects hallucinogens places on your body.

Psychological effects can include

  • seeing, hearing, touching or smelling things in a distorted way, or that don't exist
  • mixing of the senses (eg you hear colours or see sounds)
  • changed and intense thoughts
  • intense sensory experiences
  • space becomes distorted
  • emotional swings

General information

Are hallucinogens a problem for you?


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    You can call ADIS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015 or for Sydney Metropolitan 02 8382 1000 or alternatively you can start a Web Chat.

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    The service is provided by ADIS at St Vincent's Hospital, in partnership with the NSW Ministry of Health.

    What to expect

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    Use your suburb name to narrow the search to services near you.

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  • PeerLine is confidential service run by the NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA). NUAA works to improve the health, welfare and dignity of people who use drugs. 

    PeerLine is a free, confidential peer supported telephone service for people who use drugs, who are on the Opioid Treatment Program or seeking treatment. Trained peers will help you with information, advice and advocacy

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    PeerLine is available from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

    Call for free on 1800 644 413 or email peerline@nuaa.org.au to connect.

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Your Room > A-Z of Drugs > Hallucinogens