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Hallucinogen abuse and addiction involve the misuse of substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, leading to profound changes in sensory experiences and thought patterns. Common hallucinogens include substances like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and mescaline, which can induce vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as altered states of consciousness.
While some individuals use these drugs recreationally for their psychedelic effects, the potential for abuse can lead to psychological dependence, with users seeking repeated experiences to escape reality or explore their consciousness.
Able To Change is an Orange County treatment center and recovery community founded to inspire healing and lifelong wellness. With evidence-based interventions and professional support, it is possible to overcome an addiction to psychoactive substances.
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What are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens are a diverse class of substances that significantly alter a person’s perception, mood, and cognitive processes.[1] They can be naturally occurring, such as psilocybin mushrooms and peyote cactus, or synthetic, like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
These substances work primarily by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered sensory perceptions, emotional responses, and consciousness. Users may experience vivid hallucinations, distorted realities, and profound insights, making hallucinogens intriguing for both recreational and therapeutic use.
The effects of hallucinogens can vary widely depending on the substance, the dose, and the individual’s mental state and environment. Experiences can range from euphoric and enlightening to frightening and disorienting.[2]
While some users seek these substances for personal exploration or spiritual growth, others may misuse them in social settings, leading to potential risks. Hallucinogen use can result in unpredictable psychological reactions, including anxiety, paranoia, and confusion, particularly in individuals with a history of mental health issues.
Despite their potential therapeutic benefits in controlled settings – such as treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety – hallucinogens carry risks of abuse and psychological dependence.[3] Some may find themselves drawn to the intense experiences they provide, leading to repeated use and adverse effects on mental health and daily functioning. Furthermore, the legality and availability of these substances can contribute to unsafe usage practices, including using unregulated products or consuming them in harmful environments.
Hallucinogen Addiction and Abuse
Hallucinogen addiction and abuse occur when individuals misuse substances that alter perception and consciousness, leading to negative consequences in their personal and social lives. While hallucinogens are not typically associated with physical dependence like some other drugs, psychological dependence can develop.
Some may become preoccupied with seeking out the intense experiences these substances provide, often using them as a means of escaping reality or coping with emotional distress. This can lead to a cycle of repeated use, where individuals continually chase seemingly profound experiences, sometimes at the expense of their mental health and daily responsibilities.
In recent years, hallucinogen use has seen a notable increase in the US, with an estimated 8 percent of young adults reporting use in the past year as of 2021.[4] LSD use, in particular, has surged across all age groups, with the past-year usage rate among those aged 18 to 25 jumping from 0.9 percent in 2002 to 4 percent in 2019.[5]
While overall hallucinogen use had remained relatively stable for decades, it began to climb dramatically in 2020, culminating in an all-time high of 8 percent of young adults reporting past-year use in 2021, compared to just 5 percent in 2016 and 3 percent in 2011. The types of hallucinogens reported included LSD, MDMA, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, and PCP. Interestingly, MDMA (ecstasy) was the only hallucinogen to see a significant decline, dropping from 5 percent in both 2016 and 2020 to 3 percent in 2021.
Hallucinogen Quick Reference Chart
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What Are the Main Types of Hallucinogenic Drugs?
Hallucinogens can be classified into several main categories, each with distinct effects and sources:[6]
- Classic hallucinogens: This group includes substances like LSD and psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms). These drugs primarily affect serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions, vivid hallucinations, and changes in thought processes. Users often report enhanced sensory experiences and profound shifts in consciousness.
- Dissociative drugs: Substances such as PCP (phencyclidine) and ketamine fall into this category. These drugs can produce feelings of detachment from the body and environment, as well as distortions in sensory perception. While they can induce hallucinations, their primary effect is often a sense of dissociation, making users feel disconnected from reality.
- Entactogens/empathogens: MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or Molly, is the most well-known entactogen. These substances are known for enhancing emotional experiences and increasing feelings of empathy and connection with others. Although they have hallucinogenic properties, their primary effects focus on emotional and sensory enhancement.
- Naturally occurring hallucinogens: Many hallucinogens are derived from plants or fungi. Examples include mescaline (found in peyote and San Pedro cacti) and various other psychoactive compounds present in plants used in traditional rituals. These substances often have deep cultural and historical significance, as they have been used for centuries in spiritual and healing practices.
- Unique chemicals: This category includes newer synthetic hallucinogens that have emerged in recent years, often referred to as “designer drugs.” These substances can vary significantly in their effects and safety profiles, and their long-term impacts are not well understood. Examples include substances like 25I-NBOMe and other compounds that mimic the effects of traditional hallucinogens.
What Treatments Are Available at a Hallucinogen Rehab?
The need for effective treatment for hallucinogen addiction is essential, as individuals can experience significant psychological distress and impaired functioning due to their use. Able to Change Recovery offers a comprehensive treatment program specifically designed to meet the unique needs of those struggling with hallucinogen use. Our treatment center seeks to foster lasting recovery and improved mental health by utilizing various evidence-based modalities.
Some of the treatment modalities we use include:
- 12-Step Facilitation Therapy: This method introduces individuals to the principles of common 12-step programs to promote community support and accountability as they navigate their recovery journey.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with hallucinogen and psychedelic use, equipping individuals with effective coping strategies.
- Contingency Management: Employs a reward system to reinforce positive behaviors, giving motivation to commit to recovery.
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with interpersonal skills, focusing on emotion regulation to support long-term recovery.
- Family Therapy: Involves family members in the treatment process, enhancing communication and support systems that contribute to healing.
- Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment for sharing experiences and strategies, growing a sense of community and accountability among participants.
- Holistic Therapy: Often incorporating practices like yoga and meditation into the recovery process, holistic therapy addresses the whole person by integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual health into the recovery process.
- Individual Therapy: Offers personalized, one-on-one sessions tailored to the client’s specific challenges, facilitating deeper exploration of their experiences and recovery goals.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Promotes present-moment awareness and stress reduction, equipping individuals with tools to manage cravings and emotional distress more effectively.
- Trauma Informed Care: Ensures that treatment recognizes and responds to the effects of trauma, creating a safe environment for healing and recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment
Signs of hallucinogen addiction can vary, but some common indicators include frequent cravings for the drug, a strong desire to use hallucinogens despite negative consequences, and a noticeable change in behavior or mood. Individuals may become more withdrawn from friends and family, neglect responsibilities at work or school, and prioritize drug use over other activities. Additionally, someone struggling with addiction might experience anxiety or depression when not using, as well as an inability to control their consumption. Recognizing these signs early can be crucial for seeking help.
While hallucinogens are not typically associated with physical dependence in the same way that substances like alcohol or opioids are, psychological dependence can develop. This means that users may feel a strong compulsion to continue using the drug to achieve the desired altered state of consciousness. Some individuals may rely on hallucinogens as a way to escape from stress, anxiety, or emotional pain, leading them to use them more frequently or in larger amounts over time. Although withdrawal symptoms are less common, some users may experience psychological distress when they stop using.
Hallucinogens can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to both short-term and long-term effects. In the short term, they can cause intense emotions, altered perceptions, and vivid hallucinations, which can be enjoyable or frightening. However, for some individuals, these substances can trigger anxiety, paranoia, or even psychosis, especially if used in unsafe environments or by those with a history of mental health issues. Long-term use can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions or lead to new problems (such as persistent psychosis in those susceptible), making it essential to approach these substances with caution.
The first step in hallucinogen addiction treatment usually involves an assessment by a healthcare professional. This assessment helps determine the extent of the addiction and any underlying issues that need to be addressed. During this process, individuals can expect to discuss their drug use history, mental health, and any physical health concerns. Based on this information, a personalized treatment plan can be developed, including therapy, support groups, and coping strategies. Acknowledging the problem and seeking help is a critical initial move toward recovery.
[1] Raj, P., Rauniyar, S., & Sapkale, B. (2023). Psychedelic Drugs or Hallucinogens: Exploring Their Medicinal Potential. Cureus, 15(11), e48719. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.48719 on September 24, 2024
[2] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. (2012). HALLUCINOGENS AND DISSOCIATIVE DRUGS. In Research Report Series. https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/hallucinogensrrs.pdf on September 24, 2024
[3] Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. (n.d.). Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research# on September 24, 2024
[4] NIDA. (2022, August 22). Marijuana and hallucinogen use among young adults reached all time-high in 2021. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/08/marijuana-and-hallucinogen-use-among-young-adults-reached-all-time-high-in-2021 on September 24, 2024
[5] Shmulewitz, D., & Walsh, C. (2022, August 18). New Study Estimates Over 5.5 Million U.S. Adults Use Hallucinogens. Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/new-study-estimates-over-5-5-million-u-s-adults-use-hallucinogens on September 24, 2024
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, April). Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs on September 24, 2024