Hallucinogens / Question
Published: January 13, 2005
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I tried mush twice this summer and the second time I overdosed. The experience was really scary and was like a different perspective on life and I had a lot of hallucinations. Ever since, I've been having really vivid, nasty flashbacks. It's now been 6 months since I had mush, but i still get these really freaky flashbacks. Should I go see a doctor?
Signed: Nasty Flashbacks From Mush
Dear Nasty Flashbacks From Mush,
TeenHealthFX assumes that you are referring to the "mush" created when Peyote or San Pedro cacti is prepared to extract mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic.
Mescaline although natural, is a hallucinogen and can cause pupil dilation, vomiting, dizziness, tachycardia (heart rhythm where heart beats more than 100 times per minute), sensations of warm and cold, headaches and nightmares. While Native American and Mexican cultures have used peyote as part of religious ceremonies to communicate with spiritual figures or cure medical ailments, mescaline is illegal today. There is no known medical use for it.
Mescaline is known for its mind expanding and psychedelic propeties. It can often provide "bad trips" filled with scary images and general paranoia that can lead to accidential death or suicide. These "bad trips" can also result in horrifying flashbacks months later as you are experiencing now.
To learn more about psychedelic mushrooms see our answer to Magic Mushroom Effects for more information on the effects of mescaline.
Although nothing can control flashbacks or make them stop completely, you may want to check out these sites and numbers for more information about treatment: www.drughelp.org, National Institute on Drug Abuse & Alcoholism (888) 644.6432.
An evaluation by your doctor could help you to understand what is happening to you. He or she can perform specific tests and assess the effects of mescaline on your body. If you do not have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can make an appointment at the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475. Outside of this area, contact your local teen health center.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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