What do you think of when you hear the term “hallucinogens”? For many people, their minds create bright dreams and adventures.
These adventures often go beyond what is real. However, for some people, it can cause fear. This fear includes feelings of danger, uncertainty, and losing control of your mind.
Hallucinogens have a unique and complex role in today’s world. Whether utilized for leisure, wellness, or spiritual development, they can change our thoughts, emotions, and perception of reality. If you go too far down the wrong path and misuse them, it can become harmful. This could affect your mind, body, and overall health.
Hallucinogens are drugs that can dramatically shift your perception of the world around you. You might have heard them referred to as psychedelics, as they not only affect your senses but also alter your thoughts and emotions.
These substances can be synthetic. This means that scientists create them in a lab. They can also come from natural sources, like plants and fungi.
When you use a hallucinogen, your mind might produce strong feelings or pictures that aren’t real. People refer to these as hallucinations. You could hear, see, or even feel things that seem real but that someone entirely made up.
Sometimes, these drugs can make you feel disconnected from your body. They can also make you feel like you are in a different place. For a long time, people have used hallucinogens in their religious rituals or for healing. Nowadays, some people use them just for fun.
Most doctors think that using psychedelic drugs is unsafe. However, more people are interested in hallucinogens nowadays. They intend to utilize these medications with expert assistance for psychological concerns. This includes problems like depression and anxiety.
Scientists are studying the possible benefits of these substances. One area of interest is psychedelic-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the research is still in its early stages.
Hallucinogens come in all shapes and forms, but they generally fall into three main categories: psychedelics, dissociative, and deliriants.
Psychedelics Hallucinogens
People use the word “psychedelic” to talk about substances that reveal parts of your mind that you might not even realize are there. These substances change how you see and feel things—examples include Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline.
There are some less common chemicals in this group. All of them seem to affect a part of the brain called the 5-HT2A receptor. You can find these substances in:
What these psychedelics do is let your brain take in everything around you without the usual limits. It’s not only about seeing things in a new way. It’s about feeling them more intensely than usual.
Dissociative Hallucinogens
Dissociative hallucinogens are drugs such as PCP (phencyclidine), ketamine, Dextromethorphan (DXM), and salvia divinorum. These compounds alter how the brain transmits signals regarding our senses, actions, and cognition. Instead of causing intense hallucinations, they typically cause individuals to feel disconnected from either themselves or their environment.
Deliriant Hallucinogens
Deliriants are also known as anticholinergics. The word “deliriant” comes from how these substances affect people.
They make individuals feel like they are in a fever dream. This leads to feelings of disorientation, confusion, and a sense of being away from reality. Dissociative can place you into a thrilling, lucid, dream-like condition. They can also make you exhibit symptoms of sleepwalking—you won’t remember what happened when you return to reality.
People sometimes call them “true hallucinogens.” This is because they can create very realistic and vivid hallucinations.
For example, you might start talking to someone who isn’t there. You could feel frustrated with a ‘person’ who copies your every move. Later, you might realize it’s just your reflection in the mirror.
Hallucinogen addiction is when a person relies on or regularly consumes hallucinogenic substances despite the harm they can bring. Addiction to hallucinogens is a complex issue. Unlike substances like alcohol or opioids, hallucinogens don’t typically cause the physical withdrawal symptoms that other drugs might. However, these substances can lead to psychological dependence and can alter brain function over time.
This kind of addiction may not always look like the stereotypical substance abuse we think of. With hallucinogens, the mental hold can be subtle. A person with an addiction may think they control their use. But when someone loses that control, the consequences can be severe.
Remember that addiction doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It usually starts slowly, with just a bit of use here and there, and then it tends to ramp up as time goes on. When someone becomes addicted, quitting can be hard. This is true even if they see how it hurts their life.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction?
If you’re beginning to suspect that you might have a problem with hallucinogens, it’s important to take a closer look at your life. Be on the lookout for any signs that might appear, as they can vary in frequency—sometimes there are many and other times fewer.
These signs can be physical, mental, behavioral, or social. Sometimes, they can be pretty subtle, and you might not realize how much they impact you. If you start seeing any of these problems, it might be a good idea to reach out to a professional for help.
Behavioral symptoms:
Physical symptoms:
Cognitive symptoms:
Psychosocial symptoms:
What are the Risk Factors for Developing an Addiction?
Addiction does not develop in isolation. Several things can increase the likelihood of someone becoming dependent on substances like hallucinogens.
When your brain works well, neurotransmitters send signals between different parts of your brain and body. These chemicals help you do everything—from walking and talking to making decisions. They also keep your body running on autopilot, like breathing or digesting food. But when you take drugs, things get a bit out of balance.
Hallucinogens not only impact the regular functions of your brain but also completely interfere with the creation of neurotransmitters. Instead of merely stimulating your brain like opioids do through dopamine, hallucinogens actually confuse it. Your brain and body may start to react in new ways. This can include changes in mood, sleep, appetite, pain sensitivity, and how you respond to your surroundings.
Furthermore, hallucinogens can seriously alter your senses, leading you to see, hear, or feel things that aren’t present. It’s almost like your brain is exploring its own imaginary world.
What are the Short-Term Effects of Abuse?
When people use hallucinogens, they can experience immediate side effects that include:
What are the Long-Term Effects of Abuse?
Using hallucinogens for a long time can take a toll on every aspect of your life, leading to some serious long-term problems, like:
To find out if you have a problem with hallucinogen use, you should talk to a healthcare expert like an addiction specialist, a substance abuse counselor, a psychologist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or a psychiatrist. They will need to do a detailed check-up. This check-up is not simple and will look at many things, like how much you use drugs, how you act, and your past mental health. This can include:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides guidelines for identifying substance use disorders. It helps determine when using substances like LSD, psilocybin, or PCP has become a significant concern. Here are the criteria for diagnosing hallucinogen use disorder:
Commonly, the procedure for addressing substance use disorders involves the following essential stages:
We know that cost is a major factor for most people when seeking treatment for drug & alcohol abuse in Virginia. Novara Recovery Center works with most major insurance plans to help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment at our program. To find out your personal options for treatment, get a free verification of insurance benefits right now by clicking the button below.
It’s better to stop something terrible from happening than to fix the problems it causes later. To avoid addiction, especially to hallucinogens, the first step is to understand the risks. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can start thinking about how to keep yourself safe and avoid getting hooked on them.
Earlier, we discussed some key risk factors. These include your genes, mental health issues, and your social environment. Each of these can influence your chances of becoming addicted to hallucinogens.
These risks are not only for hallucinogens. They also apply to any addictive substance. This includes stimulants, alcohol, and prescription drugs.
It’s important to understand these factors early and do something to avoid situations that could increase your risk. Being aware and taking action is the best way to protect yourself.
The journey to a healthy life without hallucinogens can be tough. The good news is that many treatment options can help you overcome addiction. Whether you’re just starting or looking for continued support, there’s a path that can guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
At Novara Recovery Center, we have helped many people who have struggled with using hallucinogens too much. You’re not alone in this—many people face similar challenges, just like with any other substance.
The truth is that recovery is possible. But trying to handle it all by yourself? That’s not the best route.
The fastest and most effective way to heal is by leaning on professional support. You deserve that help. Treatment for substance use disorders typically involves:
Detoxification
When it comes to hallucinogens, physical withdrawal symptoms aren’t usually intense. But that doesn’t mean there’s no benefit to detoxing with medical support. It can help with the psychological side of things, especially if you’re dealing with other mental health issues at the same time.
If you only use hallucinogens, you might not need a medical detox. Mixing hallucinogens with alcohol or other drugs changes this. But here’s the thing—everyone is different, and most people struggling with substance use are dealing with more than one type of substance.
That’s why starting with an initial screening call with our admissions team is brilliant. After completing our center’s assessment, our staff will decide if you need a detox. This will happen before you go to partial care or another step in your recovery.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient care, or residential treatment, means you’ll be living at the facility for the whole time you’re recovering. Staying away from daily triggers at home, work, or in your neighborhood helps you focus on getting better. It’s a great place for deep healing, but you won’t get to put what you learn into practice until the program wraps up. It’s all about creating a solid base before you jump back into your everyday routine.
Partial Care Program (PHP)
At Novara Recovery Center, our partial care program, known as partial hospitalization (PHP), offers benefits like residential rehab. You can enjoy these benefits without needing to stay overnight. It is often more cost-effective because it does not require regular medical monitoring.
It might be an excellent option for you because health insurance could assist in covering an extended treatment duration. Additionally, if you are covering the cost yourself, it could also be a less expensive choice.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
If you have finished partial care (PHP) and need more help, consider the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for drug use. It could be a good choice for you.
It’s a great choice for anyone who has faced a setback after rehab. It also helps those balancing work while seeking support for a less severe substance abuse issue. If you’ve finished an inpatient program, stepping into IOP can be a crucial part of your continued recovery journey.
Outpatient Care
This program gives you the freedom you need. It fits around your life so that it won’t disrupt your career, family, or other commitments.
You can go to therapy during the day, on weekends, or for a few minutes in the evening if that suits you best. You’ll be at home, where you feel comfortable.
But here’s the thing: while it’s flexible, it does bring you face-to-face with the same triggers in your own space. That can be tough, especially when you are still figuring out healthier coping methods.
Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapy Options for Addiction Recovery
When it comes to addiction recovery, there’s no shortage of therapy and counseling options to explore. Some therapies target groups, while others focus on individual sessions. You know what’s great? They can tailor your therapy experience to fit what you like, whether you enjoy being with others or prefer one-on-one time.
Holistic therapy could be a great option as it provides a well-rounded way to heal. It’s all about discovering the therapies that resonate with you and help you along your recovery journey.
Some of the most promising treatments for hallucinogen addiction based on scientific evidence include:
Holistic therapy serves as a complementary approach to addiction treatment that does not involve medicine. The goal is to supplement conventional methods of addiction treatment.
Holistic therapies include:
Holistic therapy takes into account a person’s mind, body, and spirit all together. This makes it different from other types of treatment that mainly focus on mental and physical health.
Holistic therapy for hallucinogen use aims to achieve several important goals:
If you or someone you care about is dealing with addiction, know that you don’t have to face it by yourself. Everyone’s path to getting better is different, and we at Novara Recovery Center understand that. That’s why we offer personalized care just for you.
We know that each person’s recovery is unique, so we choose therapies that will really help you on your own journey. We’re here to help you make lasting changes in your life. Let’s start this journey together! Your path to recovery starts right now.
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Geoffrey Andaria is a seasoned writer and editor specializing in mental health content. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, he possesses a solid foundation in crafting freelance articles and conducting research. Geoffrey has also completed courses in social work. He dedicates himself to providing valuable and informative content for individuals impacted by mental health challenges and addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams is currently a board member for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He possesses a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a license to offer addiction counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, he has submitted an application to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.
