Some of the chemicals included mind-altering drugs like psilocybin, mescaline, peyote, and LSD ("Ken Kesey"). Kesey eventually became addicted to a few of the drugs, which caused him to experience hallucinations.
One of the drugs he became addicted to was LSD. Two Swiss chemists named Arthur Stoll and Albert Hofmann developed LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide in 1938. Lysergic acid diethylamide is found in the fungus ergot and its purpose is to intensify sense perceptions and create hallucinations. The hallucinogenic effects were discovered when Hofmann accidentally swallowed some of it while he was working with the substance. The drug can also cause acute anxiety, restlessness, depression, suicide, mood changes, or affect a person's sense of time. The effects were unpredictable most of the time and the "bad trips" lasted about 8 to 12 hours. Occasionally, LSD is taken with a combination of other drugs to enhance the effect it has on the mind. During the 1960s and 70s, LSD was used by millions of young people in America. It was usually taken orally from little squares of blotter paper, gelatin "windowpanes," or tiny tablets called microdots ("LSD").
Peyote was another drug that Kesey started taking in college that produced the same results as LSD. It is a spineless cactus that is ingested into the body to produce visions or hallucinations. Peyote is chewed, brewed into a concoction for drinking, or rolled into pellets to be swallowed. The substance mescaline is present in peyote and is one of several naturally occurring hallucinogenic drugs. The main difference between peyote and LSD is that peyote has no uncomfortable aftereffects. However, there is an initial feeling of nausea when the plant is ingested ("Peyote").
While testing the drugs, Kesey was asked to keep a journal of his experiences and the effects of the drugs. Taking the drugs fundamentally altered Kesey both personally and professionally.
