Hallucinogens are a drug class that is growing in popularity with college
students. Recent experimental trends, such as microdosing, have helped promote the use of
hallucinogens on campus, and students may be tempted to use these substances due to their
beliefs about the drugs’ positive effects on mood. Although hallucinogens are not currently
an established form of medical therapy, studies have shown that they have significant
benefits as adjunctive treatments for psychological disorders. However, the recreational
use of these drugs in college students often occurs in uncontrolled doses or with drug
mixing, which is often dangerous. Furthermore, students with mental health disorders may
have their symptoms masked by hallucinogenic drug use, which could delay treatment and
have serious consequences. Long-term use of these drugs may also result in tolerance or
hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. This article attempts to review current
information regarding hallucinogen use and how it applies to the college population.
