Hallucinogens, commonly referred to as psychedelics or hallucinogenic drugs, have gained popularity, especially among young adults. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), around 2.5 million people in the United States used hallucinogens in 2020.
This rising use prompts important questions about their effects and potential for addiction. In this article, we’ll explore the effects of these substances, their potential for dependency, and the types of hallucinogens that exist.
What Are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics, are a group of drugs that alter perception, mood, and thought processes. These substances can cause people to see, hear, and feel things that aren’t there.
Hallucinogens are often used recreationally or in spiritual rituals due to their mind-altering effects. While some people use hallucinogens seeking introspection or altered consciousness, their unpredictable effects and potential risks make them dangerous, especially with frequent use.
Types of Hallucinogenic Drugs
Hallucinogens are typically divided into two main types:
1. Classic Hallucinogens
Classic hallucinogens are known for profoundly altering a user’s perception and sensory experiences. These include:
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)
- Psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms)
- Mescaline (derived from the peyote cactus)
- DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)
2. Dissociative Drugs
Dissociative drugs cause a sense of detachment from one’s body and environment, which can be intense and sometimes disorienting. Common dissociatives include:
- PCP (Phencyclidine)
- Ketamine
- DXM (Dextromethorphan, often found in cough syrups)
These substances interact with the brain differently, leading to distinct experiences and varying levels of risk when it comes to long-term effects and dependency.
Short-Term Effects & Signs of Withdrawal
Hallucinogens can produce a range of immediate effects that typically appear shortly after ingestion and often fade as the drug wears off. However, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms may also emerge as the substance leaves the body.
Common short-term effects and withdrawal symptoms of hallucinogens include:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Vivid hallucinations
- Heightened sensory perception
- Altered perception of time
- Sweating, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
Short-term effects of dissociative drugs can include:
- Disorientation and confusion
- Intense feelings of paranoia, fear, or panic
- Aggressive or invincible sensations
- Hallucinations and memory loss
- Physical symptoms like numbness, coordination loss, and increased body temperature
- Difficulty breathing, particularly when mixed with depressants like alcohol
Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogen Use
Prolonged hallucinogen use can lead to serious long-term effects, both mental and physical. One major concern is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), where individuals experience recurrent hallucinations or flashbacks, even long after drug use has stopped. HPPD is especially common in younger users and may be triggered even after a single use.
Other long-term effects of classic hallucinogens include:
- Persistent visual disturbances
- Cognitive disorganization and memory issues
- Paranoia and mood instability
- Flashbacks and recurring hallucinations
- Symptoms resembling neurological disorders
Long-term effects of dissociative drugs may include:
- Memory loss and disorientation
- Depression or thoughts of self-harm
- Weight loss and speech difficulties
How Addictive Are Hallucinogens?
Classic hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin, are generally not physically addictive, as they do not typically produce cravings or severe withdrawal symptoms. However, dissociative drugs, including PCP and ketamine, have a higher potential for dependency, especially when used frequently.
Studies suggest that nearly 1 in 10 users of dissociative drugs may show signs of addiction or dependency, developing a reliance on these substances to manage emotional distress or achieve a sense of detachment.
Treatment for Hallucinogen Use Disorder
While there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating hallucinogen use disorder, behavioral therapies have proven highly effective. Counseling and therapy are often the most successful approaches, helping individuals develop strategies to manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
Effective treatment options include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to hallucinogen use. This therapy also equips individuals with coping mechanisms to handle triggers.
- Contingency Management: This approach rewards individuals for achieving sobriety, reinforcing positive behavior and commitment to recovery.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET helps increase motivation for change, encouraging individuals to pursue a sober lifestyle by highlighting the benefits of sobriety.
Each of these therapies can help individuals regain control over their lives, build healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately reduce their reliance on hallucinogens.
Take the First Step: At Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, our team is committed to providing compassionate and effective treatment for hallucinogen use disorder. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.