Hallucinogens are a type of drug that causes cognitive and emotional effects some people may find pleasurable. People who use hallucinogens may experience short and long-term complications. A condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is one potential complication of hallucinogen abuse.

This article will explore hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.

If you or someone you love struggles with HPPD or substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our compassionate, effective treatment programs. Reach out with questions, to schedule an intake appointment, or to get help verifying your insurance coverage.

What are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens (also called psychedelics) are a type of drug that alters a person’s cognitions, emotions, and perceptions. Common hallucinogenic drugs include:

• Psilocybin (mushrooms)
• PCP
• LSD (acid)
• Ketamine
• Salvia
• Peyote
• DMT

Some hallucinogenic drugs come from natural sources, such as plants and fungi. Others are synthetic (human-made).

Hallucinogens can cause a range of side effects, including visual hallucinations, altered perceptions, and an altered sense of time. People may experience pleasant sensations of contentment or well-being or have frightening sensations and hallucinations. People may refer to unpleasant or disturbing hallucinogenic effects as a “bad trip.”

What is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder?

People may have varying experiences when using hallucinogens. Some of the factors that can impact a person’s experiences include:

• The amount of a psychoactive substance they used
• The type of hallucinogen they took
• Their mood and mental state while using these drugs
• Other substances or medications they used at the same time

In some cases, users experience a “good trip.” Good trips feel comforting and positive. However, people who experience “bad trips” can experience disturbing or scary sensations. They may have vivid, distressing hallucinations.

People may have flashbacks of a bad trip long after the drug’s effects have worn off. A flashback can include:

• Seeing bright lights that don’t fade away
• Visual disturbances
• Rings of light around objects in the environment

These and other effects can be distressing or irritating. People may become distracted or unsettled by these perceptions.

People who have frequent flashbacks to a bad trip may have hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). HPPD is a rare condition, and it can be challenging to diagnose it accurately.

There are two types of HPPD. They are:

• Type 1: Short, sporadic flashbacks
• Type 2: Pervasive, long-term flashbacks that are typically disturbing

Research on HPPD types is limited. Medical professionals may not recognize the symptoms of this medical condition. However, addiction specialists typically understand this condition and can offer effective treatment for it.

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What are the Symptoms of HPPD?

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder is a known mental health and medical condition. It appears in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Here is an overview of potential symptoms of HPPD.

Halos

Visual symptoms are common in people with HPPD. Persisting visual symptoms may include seeing rings of light around objects or seeing a “trail” after a moving object.

Difficulty reading

Visual distortions can make it challenging for people with HPPD to read. Words may appear to move across the page or appear jumbled.

Distorted perception of size

People with HPPD may see objects as larger or smaller than they really are.

Sense of unease or fear

During a flashback, people with HPPD may experience a sensation of fear, uneasiness, or dread.

Geometric patterns

Seeing repeated geometric patterns is a common symptom of HPPD. For example, people may see checkerboards or other repeating patterns where they do not exist.

Altered color perception

HPPD can cause distorted senses of color. Objects’ colors may appear brighter or different than reality. People may also struggle to identify colors or experience bursts of color in their visual fields.

Risk Factors for HPPD

Mental health and medical experts are still exploring the causes and risk factors for cases of HPPD. Some of the potential risk factors for HPPD include:

• A personal or family history of an anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, etc)
• History of tinnitus
• Difficulty with concentration
• A history of experiencing eye floaters

Research from 2003 suggests that people who used LSD were more likely to develop HPPD. However, research also shows that using cannabis, ketamine, DMT, and other hallucinogenic drugs can also lead to HPPD. Some reports suggest that it is possible to develop HPPD after using hallucinogens just once or twice.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment Now

If you or someone in your life struggles with HPPD or substance abuse, you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment and support at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our treatment specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Perspectives
2. Frontiers in Psychiatry: The “Endless Trip” among the NPS Users: Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology in the Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder. A Systematic Review