Dissociatives are a class of
hallucinogen, which distort perceptions of sight and sound and produce feelings of detachment - dissociation - from the environment and self. This is done through reducing or blocking signals to the
conscious mind from other parts of the brain. Although many kinds of drugs are capable of such action, dissociatives are unique in that they do so in such a way that they produce
hallucinogenic effects, which may include
sensory deprivation,
dissociation,
hallucinations, and dream-like states or
trances. Some, which are nonselective in action and affect the
dopamine and/or
opioid systems, may be capable of inducing
euphoria. Many dissociatives have general
depressant effects and can produce
sedation,
respiratory depression,
analgesia,
anesthesia, and
ataxia, as well as
cognitive and memory impairment and
amnesia.
