People have been taking hallucinogens throughout history, with some of these drugs being used in various traditional religious rituals. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 8.5 million people aged 12 and above used hallucinogens recreationally at least once in 2022. These drugs seem most popular with young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. While users sometimes claim these drugs are harmless, they come with adverse effects and may cause addiction. You can easily lose control of any illicit substance use. If you’re on this page seeking psychedelic substance support, you’re in the right place. Our team of counselors at the Hallucinogen Abuse Hotline can provide immediate support and help you navigate life in recovery. Get in touch today.
What Are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens, or psychedelics, are drugs that affect the user’s perception, mood and thinking. They can affect all the senses and change the way a person sees and interacts with their surroundings. Users often report experiencing vivid hallucinations and an altered sense of reality. The effects can include intense emotions, from extreme happiness to unimaginable sadness.
While people have used psychedelics recreationally for decades, the effects are unpredictable, and long-term harm can occur. Some hallucinogenic drugs are being researched for the potential to treat certain mental health conditions, but recreational use is illegal in all states.
Types of Psychedelic Drugs
Hallucinogens can be naturally occurring or synthetic. Several drugs fall under the hallucinogen umbrella:
- Lysergic acid diethylamide. One of the most well-known hallucinogens, LSD is typically consumed orally and can cause visual hallucinations, altered thinking and mood swings.
- Psilocybin. Colloquially referred to as “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin produces effects similar to LSD, but milder.
- Dimethyltryptamine. DMT is a potent hallucinogen found in various plants and used in some traditional spiritual practices.
- Phencyclidine. PCP is a dissociative hallucinogen that can induce hallucinations and feelings of detachment from reality.
- Mescaline. Found in the peyote cactus, mescaline has been used for centuries in Native American religious rituals. Like most drugs in this category, it causes vivid hallucinations and changes in perception.
Dangers of Taking Hallucinogens
While many users view hallucinogens as relatively safe compared to other illicit substances, they still carry risks of adverse effects. Taking hallucinogenic drugs can cause negative experiences, often referred to as “bad trips.” Bad experiences can be particularly distressing when taking psychedelics with long-lasting effects, such as LSD, which can take up to 12 hours to wear off.
Users may feel extremely anxious and paranoid, which could lead to dangerous behaviors such as running in front of oncoming traffic. Hallucinations induced by psychedelic drugs can quickly become distressing and overwhelming. Physically, the use of hallucinogens can increase users’ heart rate and blood pressure and cause nausea, sweating and tremors. While fatalities from hallucinogen overdose are rare, people under the influence can act in ways that pose risks to themselves and those around them.
Long-term abuse of hallucinogens can seriously affect mental health. Chronic use may lead to persistent psychosis, delusions and disorganized thinking even after discontinuing the drugs. Some people may experience flashbacks, in which they relive the hallucinatory effects. Prolonged use of hallucinogens can cause or exacerbate mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Getting Past the Withdrawal
While psychedelics don’t always cause physical dependency, users can become psychologically addicted to them. When someone stops using hallucinogenic drugs, they may not experience physical withdrawal but can still face a range of psychological and emotional challenges.
Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, low mood and irritability. Users may have disturbing dreams and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, they might experience persistent hallucinations or flashbacks. Withdrawal symptoms can persist for weeks or months, depending on how long a person has been using.
Withdrawal is unpleasant and may negatively impact all aspects of day-to-day life. A person might feel an intense craving for their drug of choice. Going back to using provides only temporary relief of symptoms and no long-term benefits. Here are a few tips to help when trying to quit hallucinogens:
- Seek support. Reach out to friends, family or a support group. Talking about your experience can provide emotional relief and encouragement.
- Get professional help. Consider contacting a mental health professional or addiction counselor to guide you through the withdrawal process and offer coping strategies.
- Try mindfulness. Techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep-breathing exercises can help manage anxiety and improve mental clarity.
- Stick to a healthy routine. Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep to support your body and mind during withdrawal.
- Avoid triggers. Avoid situations or people that may tempt you to use.
How Is Hallucinogen Abuse Treated?
While no medications are currently FDA-approved to treat hallucinogen abuse, various therapy types can be beneficial for people struggling with it. Depending on the psychedelic and the length of use, one or more of the following treatment options might be recommended:
- Evidence-based therapies. Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, can be effective in treating hallucinogen addiction.
- Family therapy. Involving family members in the treatment process can help improve communication, rebuild trust and address underlying family dynamics that may contribute to substance abuse.
- Peer support groups. Joining support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, can offer a safe space to share experiences and learn from others who’ve overcome similar challenges.
When to Call the Hallucinogen Abuse Hotline
Using hallucinogens can damage your life, relationships and ability to perform in school or at work. Addiction can lead to long-term mental health issues. Don’t let shame or fear stop you from seeking hallucinogen addiction help.
The Hallucinogen Abuse Hotline offers free, confidential support and can connect you to local addiction resources tailored to your needs. Trained professionals are available 24-7 to listen, offer guidance and help you develop a recovery plan. Don’t delay getting the help you need. Call us today.