What can hallucinogens do to a person's perception?

Hallucinogens are substances that significantly alter an individual’s perception, mood, and cognitive processes. When a person consumes hallucinogenic drugs, these substances can lead to profound changes in the way they interpret sensory information, which includes visual, auditory, and tactile sensations. This alteration in perception can result in experiences such as seeing patterns, hearing sounds that aren't present, or feeling sensations that have no physical source.

The impact on perception can also extend to an individual's sense of time and space, potentially making them feel detached from reality. This is often a central characteristic of hallucinogen use, distinguishing it from other types of drugs. While hallucinogens may affect various cognitive functions, their defining trait is the way they manipulate a person's interpretation of reality, creating vivid altered states of consciousness. In this context, the ability of hallucinogens to change how the mind perceives information is a clear and relevant distinction.