Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Terms

Adrenochrome is a chemical compound created by the oxidation of adrenaline, a hormone secreted by human adrenal glands. Dr. Gonzo brings a bottle of adrenochrome to Vegas, a drug that Duke claims “makes pure mescaline… read analysis of Adrenochrome

Amyl nitrate is a common pharmaceutical drug and vasodilator, which is usually used to lower blood pressure. In the Drug Culture, Amyls are also known as “poppers,” and when snorted they produce an immediate, euphoric… read analysis of Amyls

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), otherwise known as blotter acid, or simply acid, is a psychedelic drug. LSD causes intense hallucinations and a rapid heartrate, and it produces effects that can last up to twelve hours… read analysis of Blotter Acid/LSD

Cocaine is a strong stimulant drug. Duke and Gonzo’s massive bag of drugs holds a salt shaker half full of cocaine, but Gonzo spills it when he tries to snort it while driving down… read analysis of Cocaine

A psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. Marijuana is by far the least dangerous drug that Duke and Gonzo partake in, but it is still heavily criminalized by law enforcement and the American government… read analysis of Grass/Marijuana

Also a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant, only hash, or hashish, is made from the resin of cannabis and is generally considered to be stronger and more concentrated than regular marijuana. Duke smokes… read analysis of Hash

An opioid drug known for its euphoric effects. Heroin, or smack, is usually injected into a vein, has an immediate onset, and is incredibly addictive. Duke and Gonzo don’t use heroin in Fear and Loathing… read analysis of Heroin/Smack

A naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the peyote cactus. Mescaline has hallucinatory effects similar to LSD, and Duke and Gonzo take a lot of this drug during the course of Thompson’s book. The drug… read analysis of Mescaline

An addictive drug derived from opium poppy plants, also used as a pharmaceutical pain killer. Duke and Gonzo take opium to Las Vegas in their bag of drugs. read analysis of Opium

A barbiturate drug typically used as a sleeping aid. Seconal was widely abused during the 1970s and is one of the “downers” Duke associates with the worsening drug crisis in America. read analysis of Seconal

A specific type of opium that Duke and Gonzo have in their bag of drugs. read analysis of Singapore Grey

Speed, or amphetamine, is a central nervous system stimulant typically used to treat certain conditions like narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder. It is highly addictive and produces an immediate burst of energy and euphoria. Duke… read analysis of Speed

Thorazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia. After Gonzo eats an entire sheet of blotter acid, Duke tells him that he will be sorry if they don’t have any Thorazine in their… read analysis of Thorazine