Question

Differentiate between the following:

Hallucinogens and sedatives

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Hallucinogens	Sedatives
Main action	Alter thoughts, feelings and perceptions.	Depress central nervous system activity.
Effect on perception	May cause a person to see or hear things that do not exist.	Generally reduce excitement and sensitivity to surroundings.
Effect on alertness	May produce altered consciousness and loss of the sense of time or space.	Cause calmness and drowsiness; higher doses may induce sleep.
Examples	LSD, mescaline and psilocybin.	Barbiturates and other sedative drugs.
Main risk	Can cause frightening hallucinations and impaired judgement.	Excessive use or combination with alcohol can be dangerous.