Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that cause changes in sensory perception, shifts in mood, and visual or auditory hallucinations. Some people call them psychedelic drugs. Examples of the most common hallucinogens include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin mushrooms (shrooms or magic mushrooms), ketamine, salvia divinorum, MDMA, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), phencyclidine (PCP), and more.
According to Columbia University, about 5.5 million people in the United States used hallucinogens in 2019.[1]
The mind-altering effects of psychedelics can vary, often depending on the brain chemistry of the person taking them, the dose consumed, and even the environment or state of mind you were in when you took them. Some people have good experiences on psychedelics, while others suffer from something referred to as a “bad trip.”
Consuming a psychedelic drug can change your perception of reality, cause you to experience intense hallucinations, and lead to an increased risk of mental health emergencies. In other words, it is best to avoid using these drugs and reach out to a drug rehab center if you are having a hard time stopping.
In this article, you will learn:
What you will learn:
- What are psychedelic drugs?
- What are the signs of hallucinogen abuse?
- Can you get addicted to psychedelic drugs?
What are Hallucinogenic Drugs?
Hallucinogenic drugs cause side effects like feeling disconnected from your body, sensory changes, mood swings, and hallucinations. They alter your view of reality in a variety of ways. Psychedelics cause these effects by disrupting the connection between different chemical networks in your brain.
In addition to the psychological effects of hallucinogens, you might experience physical effects like an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, changes in breathing, excessive sweating, and more. The effects you experience will vary depending on which type of hallucinogen you take.
The main types of hallucinogenic drugs include:
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
- Mescaline
- Psilocybin mushrooms
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Ecstasy or MDMA
- Ketamine
- Salvia divinorum
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
Some psychedelics are naturally occurring, like psilocybin mushrooms. On the other hand, there are also hallucinogenic drugs that are created in a lab, like LSD or MDMA. Whether the drug is natural or not, abusing psychedelics can lead to a wide range of adverse physical and mental health effects.
Signs of Hallucinogen Abuse
If you are worried your loved one is abusing psychedelics, you should educate yourself on the signs. People misusing these drugs might behave in strange or erratic ways. You might find them looking off into space or at something that is not there.
Other signs of psychedelic drug abuse include:
- Being secretive about their whereabouts and isolating themselves from friends and family
- Experiencing intense mood swings
- Displaying signs of paranoia or delusional thinking
- Spending a lot of time with a new friend group
- Saying that they can hear colors or see music (synesthesia)
- Episodes of euphoria and intense depression
- Extreme relaxation or fatigue
- Memory issues
- Saying they see or hear things that are not there
- Heightened senses and emotions
Using hallucinogens in high doses can lead to panic attacks, intense fear, paranoia, and the symptoms of psychosis. If someone abuses these drugs frequently, they could develop hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).[2] This condition causes you to experience hallucinations even when you are sober.
Can You Get Addicted to Hallucinogens?
Most experts agree that psychedelic drugs do not lead to addiction in the traditional sense. You will not experience physical withdrawal symptoms once you stop abusing them. That said, you can develop a psychological dependence.
For example, you might experience intense depression, panic, paranoia, or increased mental health symptoms when you stop using hallucinogens. While you will not have all of the textbook symptoms of a substance use disorder, you’ll still require treatment from a professional substance abuse program.
Addiction treatment centers help you overcome psychedelic drug abuse by treating the psychological symptoms of withdrawal, managing any co-occurring mental disorders you might have, and providing you with evidence-based therapies to treat the root cause of your substance abuse.
Even though hallucinogenic drugs do not cause life-threatening overdoses, they can cause long-term mental health issues that are difficult to manage. Because of this, you should always seek professional help when you are suffering from psychedelic drug abuse.
Get Connected to a Hallucinogen Rehab Center
If you or a loved one abuses hallucinogenic drugs, it’s time to consider attending a drug rehab program. At Alamo Behavioral Health, we can help you recover from the root causes of your substance abuse and manage any co-occurring mental health conditions you may have.
At Alamo Behavioral Health, we believe that quality care begins with a compassionate community. Within our drug and alcohol rehab center in San Antonio, you’ll find a welcoming environment where individuals from all walks of life come together to support one another on their path to recovery. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. From medical detox services to comprehensive addiction treatment programs, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to promote healing and wellness.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recover from hallucinogen abuse.
References:
- Columbia University: New Study Estimates Over 5.5 Million U.S. Adults Use Hallucinogens
- Frontiers: The “Endless Trip” among the NPS Users
