Ever wondered what Duke and Gonzo brought along with them on their epic adventure in Las Vegas? Well here is an in depth look into what was brought and their effects:
The trunk of the car looked like a mobile police narcotics lab. We had two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a salt shaker half full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers . . . and also a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of Budweiser, a pint of raw ether and two dozen amyls . . . Not that we needed all that for the trip, but once you get locked into a serious drug collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can. The only thing that really worried me was the ether. There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge. And I knew we’d get into that rotten stuff pretty soon.
-Hunter S. Thompson from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Marijuana:The primary effects sought by those using cannabis recreationally are euphoria, relaxation, and changes in perception. Effects vary depending on dosage, with effects at low doses including a sense of well-being, mild enhancement of senses, subtle changes in thought and expression, talkativeness, giggling, increased appreciation of music, increased appetite, and mild closed-eye visuals. At higher doses, sense of time is altered, attention span and memory are frequently affected and thought processes and mental perception may be significantly altered.
Acid/LSD:
LSD is a classic psychedelic, which many users feel acts as a psychological amplifier. Colours may be enhanced, patterns may be perceived, and the user may feel connected to others and to the universe at large. On the negative side, users may become paranoid or feel as if they are dying.
Mescaline:
Hallucinations produced by mescaline are somewhat different from those of LSD. Hallucinations are consistent with actual experience, but are typically intensifications of the stimulus properties of objects and sounds. Prominence of colour is distinctive, appearing brilliant and intense. Like LSD, mescaline induces distortions of form and kaleidoscopic images; however, all of these visual descriptions are purely subjective. Mescaline elicits a pattern of sympathetic arousal, with the peripheral nervous system being a major target for this drug.
Cocaine:
Cocaine is both a central nervous system stimulant and a topical anaesthetic. Increases alertness, wakefulness, elevates the mood, mild to high degree of euphoria, increases athletic performance, decreases fatigue, clearer thinking, increases concentration, increases energy, increased irritability, insomnia, restlessness.
Alcohol:
Alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a central nervous system depressant with a range of side effects. Initially, alcohol generally produces feelings of relaxation and cheerfulness, but further consumption can lead to blurred vision and coordination problems. After excessive drinking, unconsciousness can occur and extreme levels of consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning and death.
Ether:
Dizzying intoxication, often with nausea at higher effects levels. Causes visual blurring. An auditory echoing effect is common. The strong solvent smell is often described as persistent after use.
Amyl:
Inhaling nitrites relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body. It is unclear if there is a direct effect on the brain. Smooth muscle surrounds the body's blood vessels and when relaxed causes these vessels to dilate resulting in an immediate increase in heart rate and blood flow throughout the body, producing a sensation of heat and excitement that usually lasts for a couple of minutes.
Uppers (Stimulants – Caffeine, Amphetamines, MDMA, NRIs):
Psychoactive drugs which induce temporary improvements in either mental or physical function or both. Examples of these kinds of effects may include enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion, among others. Many stimulants are also capable of improving mood and relieving anxiety, and some can even induce feelings of euphoria. Due to their effects typically having an "up" quality to them, stimulants are also occasionally referred to as "uppers".
Downers (Depressants – Benzos, Barbiturates, Ketamine, Heroin):
Psychoactive drugs which temporarily diminish the function or activity of a specific part of the body or mind. Examples of these kinds of effects may include anxiolysis, sedation, and hypotension. Due to their effects typically having a "down" quality to them, depressants are also occasionally referred to as "downers". Effects may include dissociation, muscle relaxation, lowered blood pressure/heart rate, respiratory depression, anasthesia, and anticonvulsant effects. Some are also capable of inducing feelings of euphoria.
Laughers (Weed, Ecstasy, Speed):
A laugher is a slang term for one of several types of drugs, usually euphorics or stimulants, that have a tendency to make the user laugh easily and hysterically while under its influence.
Screamers (Mescaline, Acid):
Slang for Hallucinogens.
Aggregated by Jason
Sources: Erowid, Wikipedia, The Fear and Loathing Game
