What is a flashback?

The concept of flashback includes different meanings. Thus, a flashback In a film it is the interruption of the action in progress to present events that, which occurred in a previous time, are related to it. Instead, a flashback It is also a narrative technique that involves moving the action of the story to the past of the story, which allows the background of the characters to be presented once the story has begun.

Finally, a flashback It is an episode characterized by visual and perceptual alterations that appear as a consequence of the consumption of hallucinogenic drugs. In this article, we will focus on this last meaning and talk in a little more detail about this perceptual phenomenon that has also received the name of the effect. flashback or hallucinogen persistent perception disorder (PAPD).

Flashback: what is it?

The flashbacks They are defined as perceptual episodes, which constitute a disorder of perception, and which are characterized by being visual illusions, or hallucinations, and by distorting sensations. The flashbacks They typically appear in people who use hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (DMT), ecstasy (MDMA) and mescaline. They also appear in people who consume barbiturates and marijuana (although more rarely).

Thus, a flashback It is an intense re-experiencing of events that happened previously. that come to mind in the form of a sequence of images in a more traumatic way.

It is a phenomenon characterized by the spontaneous repetition of the same hallucinations that had been experienced when the aforementioned hallucinogenic substances had been consumed. That is, the person is not consuming, but through the flashbacks relives the sensations, images or hallucinations experienced at the time of ingesting the drug. The flashbacks They usually appear several hours after consumption of the drug.

TPPA: a perceptual alteration

This type of flashbacks They are also called “the effect flashback“. In 1986, the American Psychiatric Association included in his manual of mental disorders the so-called persistent perception disorder due to hallucinogens (PAPD)”. TPPA was defined as an experience of “trip”-like visual phenomena some time after taking the substance in question.

It is not necessary for the person to have used the substance more than once to experience the effects. flashbacks; That is, one time is enough to experience them. In TPPA it is necessary to rule out other sources of visual and perceptual alteration.

hallucinogenic drugs

Hallucinogenic drugs are those that, in non-toxic doses, cause profound alterations in the perception of reality of those who consume them.

When a person consumes hallucinogens they can see, hear and feel things that do not really exist. These are sensations very different from those experienced while awake. There are even some hallucinogens that produce rapid and intense emotional swings.

One of its effects: persistent perception disorder (HPPD)

As we have seen, one of the effects of hallucinogenic drugs is flashbacksalso called flashbacks persistent. In fact, they are often categorized as one of its long-term effects and this phenomenon has sometimes been called “hallucinogen persistent perception disorder” (HPPD).

HPPD involves the appearance of hallucinations and other visual disorders (such as seeing halos or trails attached to moving objects). These symptoms are sometimes confused with neurological disorders. (such as a stroke or brain tumor).

Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder often occurs in conjunction with another long-term effect of hallucinogens: psychosis. HPPD does not occur in all hallucinogen users; It happens a bit like having a bad trip, that some experience it and others do not. In this sense, it is a bit of a “lottery.” However, there are certain studies that state that HPPD is seen more frequently in people with a history of psychological problems.

A single exposure to the drug is enough

In line with what we mentioned, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that flashbacks and persistent psychosis can occur even in people who have only used hallucinogens once. Logically, the more times it is consumed, the more likely it is to develop these types of effects.

Final thoughts

As we have seen, flashbacks are one of the effects of hallucinogenic drugs. The person usually experiences them with confusion or even fear and anguish.. This is because you experience it in a “drug-free” state, in the sense that they can appear hours or even days after the drug consumption.

Currently there is no established treatment for this symptom, although antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs are usually prescribed. Psychotherapy is also used. However, the most effective “treatment” to avoid flashbacks It is directly not consuming the substances that trigger them.

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