Hallucinogen Addiction — Abuse And Treatment Options

Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs are a class of drugs that create in the person who takes them hallucinations, altered sensory perception, and altered sensory experiences.

Hallucinogenic drugs have, at various times, given rise to the belief that they offer insight into spiritual or mental health problems.

Writers and musicians from William S. Burroughs to Sting have written about ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogenic drink native to the Amazon that is used as a mental health alternative.

In the 1970s, psychiatrists used MDMA to help patients in talk therapy, and today ketamine (which is a short-lasting anesthetic) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.

But hallucinogens are largely illegal in the U.S., barring a couple of exceptions, and can be addictive leading to drug abuse and mental repercussions.

Different Types Of Hallucinogens

There are many types of hallucinogens, including classic hallucinogens that have been popular at various times.

The most common hallucinogens include:

• lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
• ketamine (also known as special k)
• phenylcyclohexylpiperidine or phencyclidine (PCP or angel dust)
• peyote
• mescaline
• psilocybin mushrooms
• salvia (a plant-based psychedelic native to Mexico)

DMT

Dimethyltryptamine is the chemical compound found in the plant that makes ayahuasca. It is also synthesized in laboratories and sold on the street as DMT.

Learn more about DMT abuse.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is the street name for methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which was discovered in the first part of the 20th century. Ecstasy became a popular party drug in the 1990s.

Find out more about Ecstasy addiction.

Molly

Molly is the same thing as ecstasy, just trafficked under a different name.

Like ecstasy, molly is a stimulant drug (hence the “methamphetamine” part of MDMA) that has a psychoactive component.

Read more about molly addiction.

LSD

LSD is a hallucinogen that leads to changes of perception of time and space. It’s most commonly used in liquid form on blotting paper.

Find out more about LSD use.

Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)

Psilocybin is the hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms.

While shrooms are not known to be addictive, they can lead to a number of health risks, including hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).

Read about magic mushroom abuse.

Does Hallucinogen Abuse Lead To Addiction?

Hallucinogens can lead to drug addiction because of the euphoric state that these drugs induce.

People who take hallucinogens can seek high doses of them in the pursuit of more intense and sustained highs.

What Are The Signs Of Addiction To Hallucinogens?

People who have formed an addiction to a hallucinogenic drug may begin to exhibit behavioral changes.

Signs of addiction to psychoactive drugs include:

• intense cravings
• drug-seeking behavior
• hallucinations and delusions when not on the drug
• trouble sleeping

Additionally, the person abusing hallucinogens can experience mood swings, agitation, paranoia, or psychosis.

Side Effects Of Hallucinogen Abuse

There are also many negative physical side effects including high blood pressure and loss of coordination or muscle control.

Other side effects can include:

• loss of appetite
• nausea
• mixed senses
• a feeling of panic
• dry mouth
• sweating due to increased body temperature

Long-term effects can include continuing psychosis and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).

Will Hallucinogen Abuse Lead To Withdrawal Symptoms?

Like many other forms of drug abuse, hallucinogen drug addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drugs.

These symptoms can include agitation, trouble remembering things, and flashbacks.

Other hallucinogen withdrawal symptoms may include:

• seizures
• depression
• difficulty talking

The Risks Of Mixing Hallucinogens And Other Substances

As with other forms of substance abuse, people sometimes use hallucinogenic drugs with other illicit drugs.

People generally engage in polydrug use because they believe it will intensify the high. But in the case of hallucinogens, it can just as easily intensify a bad trip.

Some dangerous hallucinogen drug combinations include: 

• LSD and heroin: LSD works by affecting a brain chemical called serotonin, but when you mix it with heroin it can increase the possibility of serotonin syndrome.
• opioids and hallucinogens: Opioids and hallucinogens can cause respiratory problems and even lead to fatal depression of the respiratory system
• alcohol and hallucinogens: This is an unpredictable combination that can result in panic attacks, elevated heart rate, and vomiting.

Other potentially harmful drug cocktails are LSD and cocaine or LSD with cocaine and heroin (which is commonly called a Frisco speedball after its place of origin, San Francisco).

The LSD and cocaine combination is particularly harmful because of its tendency to elevate the heart rate to dangerous levels.

Can Hallucinogens Lead To Overdose?

Yes, hallucinogens can lead to overdose. Depending on the drug, overdosing on a hallucinogen can create a variety of harmful and potentially fatal symptoms.

Hallucinogen overdose symptoms include:

• hyperthermia
• tachycardia
• seizure
• convulsions
• coma

Detoxing From Hallucinogens

Hallucinogenic detox can be a difficult experience if you have been using the drugs for a long time and have become physically dependent on them

You can experience the following uncomfortable symptoms while detoxing:

• confusion
• depression
• trouble with memory
• nightmares

Find out more about hallucinogen detox.

Treatment Programs For Hallucinogen Abuse

There are treatment programs available for hallucinogen abuse at professional treatment centers.

Most treatment rehab centers will evaluate the nature of your substance use disorder, how long it has been going on, and other factors before going over treatment options with you.

Typical treatment options can include:

• detox
• inpatient or outpatient treatment
• intensive support groups
• evidence-based therapy
• aftercare

Evidence-based therapy is an important component of ending addiction.

Therapeutic models help you discover things about yourself that led you to addiction, and they are helpful in dealing with triggers and stressors when your time in treatment is over.

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment Today

If you or your loved one is experiencing hallucinogenic substance abuse, you can get addiction treatment today.

There are treatment centers across the nation that specialize in treating substance use disorder.

Browse our website to find a treatment center to contact today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff