Hallucinogen Addiction
Hallucinogens are mind altering drugs that lead to dissociative behaviors. Overall, they’re responsible for out of body experiences and hallucinations. Often, they can include substances like LSD, PCP, and peyote. There’s a myth that these drugs are somehow less dangerous than others. In reality, you can still struggle with a hallucinogen addiction, and recovery is always challenging.
What are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens are drugs that change your perception. They impact the way you see and interact with your surroundings, which means they’re incredibly dangerous. Some hallucinogens are naturally occurring, while others are synthetic. Even if hallucinogens occur naturally, they aren’t safe for human consumption.
As the name suggests, these drugs cause hallucinations. For example, you might see things that aren’t really there. You might also smell or hear things that aren’t actually in front of you. Hallucinations can be overwhelming, and they often cause significant mental and emotional turmoil.
Naturally occurring hallucinogens include peyote, which is a type of cactus or mushroom. Another naturally occurring hallucinogen is ayahuasca, a tea from plants that may cause terrible, painful symptoms. There are also plenty of synthetic hallucinogens as well. LSD, or D-lysergic acid diethylamide, is probably the most familiar to you. PCP is another similar example.
Like many drugs, people consume hallucinogens in various ways. For example, people usually inject or snort drugs like PCP. On the other hand, drugs like LSD are usually in tablet or pill form. People often brew tea from Peyote and ayahuasca. However, keep in mind that while there are diverse delivery methods, there’s no safe way to ingest hallucinogens.
What are the Side Effects of Hallucinogen Abuse?
Hallucinogens have a long list of side effects. Most people struggling with a hallucinogen addiction show physical and psychological symptoms. Immediately, taking hallucinogens changes the way the body and brain communicate. Ultimately, this affects sleep, hunger, body temperature, and muscle control.
Hallucinogens also increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. For some individuals, this may cause heart attacks or severe dehydration. To make matters worse, a lack of coordination when under the influence of hallucinogens leads to injuries and accidents.
The worst hallucinogen addiction side effects are psychological. For example, anxiety and depression commonly occur among long-term hallucinogen users. In addition, sudden flashbacks and persistent psychosis may occur as well.
How Addictive are Hallucinogens?
Certain types of hallucinogens, such as LSD, cause physical and chemical dependency. Other drugs, like PCP, are more physically addictive. However, these drugs can all lead to a psychological dependence. This is a very real addiction, and recovery from any substance is challenging.
How Can You Recover From a Hallucinogen Addiction?
Recovery from any form of drug addiction requires professional support and medical supervision. If you’re ready to end substance abuse once and for all, 1st Step Behavioral Health can help you conquer your hallucinogen addiction. The effective treatment methods we use include:
- Group therapy
- Dual diagnosis care
- Aftercare
- Relapse prevention programs
- Life skills training
- Family therapy
If you have a hallucinogen addiction, help that leads to lifelong happiness and sobriety is always available. At 1st Step Behavioral Health in Pompano Beach, Florida, you’ll have access to the necessary resources for reaching recovery. Begin overcoming your addiction right now by calling (855) 425-4846.
Take the First Step Today
We can help you get better. Contact us today to find out which program might be right for you, or to begin the process of arranging for treatment.
