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Hallucinogenic compounds in the form of, or extracted from, plants and mushrooms have been used for centuries, mostly in religious rituals. Almost all hallucinogens contain [[nitrogen]] and are classified as [[alkaloids]]. Many hallucinogens have chemical structures similar to those of [[neurotransmitters]] (e.g., acetylcholine-, serotonin-, or catecholamine-like) and temporarily interfere with their action or bind their receptor sites, but the exact mechanisms by which these substances exert their hallucinogenic effects remain unclear.

Hallucinogenic compounds in the form of, or extracted from, plants and mushrooms have been used for centuries, mostly in religious rituals. Almost all hallucinogens contain [[nitrogen]] and are classified as [[alkaloids]]. Many hallucinogens have chemical structures similar to those of [[neurotransmitters]] (e.g., acetylcholine-, serotonin-, or catecholamine-like) and temporarily interfere with their action or bind their receptor sites, but the exact mechanisms by which these substances exert their hallucinogenic effects remain unclear.

The very same characteristics that led to the incorporation of hallucinogens into ritualistic or spiritual traditions have also led to their propagation as drugs of abuse. Importantly, and unlike most other drugs, the effects of hallucinogens are highly variable and characteristically unreliable, producing different effects in different people or at different times. This is mainly due to the significant variations in amount and composition of active compounds, particularly in the hallucinogens derived from plants and mushrooms.

The very same characteristics that led to the incorporation of hallucinogens into ritualistic or spiritual traditions have also led to their propagation as drugs of abuse. Importantly, and unlike most other drugs, the effects of hallucinogens are highly variable and characteristically unreliable, producing different effects in different people or at different times. This is mainly due to the significant variations in amount and composition of active compounds, particularly in the hallucinogens derived from plants and mushrooms. ''Because of their unpredictable nature, the use of hallucinogens can be particularly dangerous.''

== Also See ==

== Also See ==