One of the experiences that is most associated with drugs in popular culture is the ability to generate hallucinations in those who consume them. It is true that not all psychoactive substances included in this category are capable of producing these effects, but those that do have this property are an example of the extent to which introducing molecules capable of coupling to our neurons into our brain can give rise to abnormal experiences. , which significantly modify the way we relate to reality and everything we took for granted.
Now, many times these types of alterations do not only occur during the minutes following drug consumption. Sometimes they occur much later, and an example of this is the experiences known as flashbacks. In this article We will see what they are and what drugs can produce flashbacks up to several hours after taking them
In the context of the world of mental health and psychiatry, flashbacks are alterations in perception that lead the person to relive experiences with a strong sensory and emotional charge several times, as if it were occurring in the present, even though they are actually caused by the intense evocation of content stored in the subject’s memory. In most cases, these experiences are distressing and/or disturbing, which is why they can damage the quality of life of those who suffer flashbacks. In fact, this is one of the typical symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
But not all flashbacks are rooted in trauma; some are caused by the experience of having consumed a drug capable of distorting the perception of things, a set of psychoactive substances that we usually call hallucinogenic drugs (or that may have the effect of hallucinations).
What are the characteristics of hallucinogenic drugs? In reality, beyond the fact that they give rise to these types of psychological and perceptual effects, they do not have much in common.
And it is that There are several mechanisms through which a psychoactive substance can distort our perception of things ; In our brain there is no kind of switch that activates the appearance of hallucinations, but rather a set of nerve cells working together more or less successfully to try to provide us with relatively reliable information about what is happening around us, and whose tasks are sometimes They are hindered by drugs. And since this network of neurons that coordinate can be influenced by drugs in many ways (for example, each of them has many different types of receptors that capture neurotransmitters or possible molecules originating from drug consumption), there are different ways in which which hallucinations can appear.
Of course, they all have in common that they affect the parts of the brain in charge of processing sensory information and combining it, giving rise to the experience of a “whole” with meaning; These are distributed mainly in the parietal, frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
How do flashbacks arise?
Now, this division of tasks of different brain structures is only relative, because in practice, the entire brain works in a unitary manner, with all its parts trying to be in tune with the rest.
That is why when push comes to shove, the parts of the brain in charge of processing the information that comes from the senses work hand in hand with, for example, networks of neurons specialized in memory functioning ; Ultimately, what we learn about previous experiences determines how we interpret what we see, touch, hear, etc.
This is where the reason for flashbacks produced by drugs lies: some substances produce an alteration in both the cells linked to perception and those associated with the previous ones that are responsible for “filing” and evoking memories. AND Hallucinogenic experiences are usually intense enough to remain marked in our minds
In this way, some drugs cause altered perception to alter our memory and vice versa, in a vicious circle that, as it is based on this mutual feedback, can last longer than the rest of the effects of psychoactive substance consumption. And while it is true that in most cases flashbacks disappear on their own in a matter of days, sometimes they can make the person feel like they have been “stuck” in that experience by repeating themselves over and over for longer than the day. normal. And in the worst case, it can even generate false memories of a traumatic nature.
What types of drugs can cause flashbacks?
As we have mentioned, the majority of drugs capable of producing flashbacks are hallucinogenic, with some exceptions. Let’s see what they are.
1. LSD
LSD is one of the most popular drugs in the context of recreational consumption in nightlife venues, especially among young people. But it is far from being a harmless drug; It can lead to hallucinations so intense that they put the person in danger if they are not supervised, and it can also leave consequences.
2. Psilocybin
Psilocybin is often considered a “natural” drug because the hallucinogenic compound on which it is based It is available naturally in several species of mushrooms ; However, this characteristic does not make it better or worse for health, and it still has the potential to harm the health of those who take it and/or put them in danger.
Mescaline is a phenylethylamine found primarily in a plant known as peyote and in cacti of the genus Echinopsis. Induces a psychedelic state often associated with visual distortions that consist of seeing geometric and fractal patterns.
4. Ecstasy (MDMA)
MDMA is also a drug associated with nightlife, but in this case it is not as notable for its hallucinogenic effects; Those who take it do so more because of its way of influencing their mood. However, sometimes produces hallucinations and flashbacks, and has a certain addictive potential in addition to damaging the nervous system if consumed very frequently in the medium and long term.
5. Cannabis
Cannabis is not particularly known for causing hallucinations, but in some cases it does have this effect. It is not so surprising if we remember that the famous “joints” usually generate delusional thoughts; hallucinations are a step further in the type of distortion in the way of perceiving reality Furthermore, it is worth remembering that despite the myth that marijuana does not “get you hooked”, the reality is that it can cause addiction.
Do you want to start a treatment process for addictions?
If you are looking for professional help against addictions, contact us.
In CITA Clinics We specialize in addictive disorders and offer the possibility of going through all the necessary phases to overcome drug use in our residential module.
