Deliriant
Deliriants are a class of hallucinogen that are unique in that even with lower doses, they offer solid hallucinations which display themselves seamlessly into waking consciousness, similar to fully formed dreams or delusions. In contrast, classical psychedelics and dissociatives have progressive levels of multiple all encompassing sensory effects, before reaching the level of concrete hallucination.
The term deliriant was introduced by David F. Duncan and Robert S. Gold to distinguish these drugs from psychedelics and dissociatives, such as LSD and ketamine respectively, due to their primary effect of causing delirium, as opposed to the more lucid states produced by other types of hallucinogen.[1] The term is generally used to refer to anticholinergic drugs.
Method of action
Deliriants work via their antagonistic action on acetylcholine receptors. Inhibition of acetylcholine leads to decreased levels of acetylcholine, causing delirium, sedation and intensely realistic hallucinations. In contrast, cannabis and caffeine have a reverse effect by inhibiting acetylcholine esterate, which breaks down acetylcholine. This leads to increased levels of acetylcholine and improved cognition, stimulation, thus cannabis has an inhibitory effect on deliriants.
Subjective effects
Pharmacological classes
A-typical
Plants and Entheogens
History
The employment of deliriants for shamanic purposes through the famed Datura plant has been in use since before recorded history. Chinese, Aztec, Indian, Native American, Caribbean Island, Chumash, Gypsy, Mexican, South American and Zuni records and legends all mention the use of datura leaves for sacred rituals and visionary purposes. Datura was used as a spiritual tool and a rite of passage.
References
- ↑ Duncan, D. F., and Gold, R. S. (1982). Drugs and the Whole Person. New York: John Wiley & Sons