What is a common symptom experienced by users of hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are substances that significantly alter an individual's perception, mood, and cognitive processes. One of the hallmark symptoms of hallucinogen use is altered thought patterns. Users often experience changes in their perception of reality, including distorted thoughts, unusual associations, and even a breakdown of conventional thought processes. This can lead to hallucinations, where they see, hear, or feel things that aren't actually present.

In contrast, improved motor skills, decreased sensory perception, and calmness and relaxation do not accurately reflect the typical effects of hallucinogens. Improved motor skills are generally associated with stimulants, while hallucinogens often lead to impaired motor function. Decreased sensory perception is more aligned with depressants, which dull the senses rather than enhance them. Lastly, calmness and relaxation are typical of substances that have sedative properties, rather than hallucinogens, which often provoke excitement, anxiety, or agitation. Thus, altered thought patterns is the most characteristic symptom among users of hallucinogens.