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Hallucinogen Treatment

While hallucinogens are a popular drug due to the hallucinogenic “trips” people can experience under their influence, they also carry a host of dangerous side effects, and many are illegal and addictive.

Though the use of hallucinogens in recent years has been relatively low in the United States compared to in days gone by, hallucinogen abuse and addiction remains a widespread problem. In a 2013 study, more than 229,000 Americans reported having used LSD in the past month, and 33,000 reported using PCP. Salvia, ayahuasca and other hallucinogens have also maintained a popular presence in recent years.

The Phoenix Recovery Center is here to help if you or a loved one is struggling with hallucinogen abuse or addiction. Read on to learn more about the many types of hallucinogens, their side effects, and treatment options, or contact us today to get started on the road to recovery.

What are Hallucinogens?

There are many different types of hallucinogens, both naturally occurring and synthetic, but all have the same general effects on people. Hallucinogens are drugs that alter their users’ perception of reality, sometimes by impacting their awareness of what is around them as well as their thoughts and feelings, and other times by causing hallucinations, in which people experience images and sensations that feel real but are not.

Hallucinogens have been used by people for hundreds of years for various purposes, including religious ceremonies, but they are also commonly abused for their hallucinogenic effects. But just what are hallucinogens? A hallucinogen is a chemical substance that can be found in plants and mushrooms but also in liquids, powders, pills, and capsules.

Types of Hallucinogens

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), these are some common hallucinogens:

  • DMT — Dimethyltryptamine; a chemical that can be found in Amazonian plants or created in a lab; also known as Dimitri.
  • Ayahuasca — A tea made from several Amazonian plants that contain DMT; also known as Hoasca, Aya, and Yagé.
  • LSD — D-lysergic acid diethylamide; a power mood-changing chemical derived from a fungus grown on grains such as rye; also known as Acid, Blotter, Dots, and Yellow Sunshine.
  • Peyote — Mescaline; derived from a small and spineless cactus, but can also be made synthetically; also known as Buttons, Cactus, and Mesc.
  • Psilocybin — 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine; a chemical found in many mushrooms from tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, Mexico, and South America; also known as Little Smoke, Magic Mushrooms, Purple Passion, and Shrooms.
  • DXM — Dextromethorphan; found in some over-the-counter medicines for colds and coughs; also known as Robo.
  • Ketamine — Used as an anesthetic for surgery on animals and humans; also known as K, Special K, and Cat Valium.
  • PCP — Phencyclidine; previously used as a general anesthetic for surgical procedures but no longer is due to its side effects; also known as Angel Dust, Hog, Love Boat, and Peace Pill
  • Salvia — Salvia divinorum; a plant found in southern Mexico as well as South and Central America; also known as Diviner’s Sage, Maria Pastora, Sally-D, and Magic Mint

Hallucinogens Effects and Symptoms

Hallucinogens can disrupt the communication between chemical systems in the brain and spinal cord, according to NIDA. Some affect the serotonin in the brain, which impacts our mood, sensory perception, sleep, hunger, body temperature, muscle control and sexual behavior. Others target glutamate in the brain, which impacts our ability to perceive pain, respond to the environment, feel emotion, learn, and create or access memories.

Hallucinogens effects begin within 20 to 90 minutes after taking a hallucinogenic substance and can last for 6 to 12 hours. They vary depending on what type of hallucinogenic substance is used — DMT effects will differ from the effects of LSD or the effects of Acid, for example — but general short-term hallucinogenic effects include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea
  • More intense feelings and sensory experiences
  • Changes in how time is perceived by the user

Other short-term effects more specific to different forms of hallucinogens include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased blood pressure, body temperature, or breathing rate
  • Dry mouth
  • Problems with sleep
  • Spiritual experiences
  • Feelings of detachment or relaxation
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Profuse sweating
  • Panic
  • Paranoia
  • Psychosis

Long-term effects of hallucinogens may include:

  • Speech problems
  • Memory loss
  • Anxiety
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Persistent psychosis

If you think you or a loved one is suffering from a hallucinogen addiction, Get help today by calling (801) 438-3185

Signs of Hallucinogens Abuse

Unsure if someone you know is using hallucinogens? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you can look to see if these signs of hallucinogens abuse are present in your loved one:
  • Dilated pupils
  • Bizarre and irrational behavior, including paranoia
  • Aggression
  • Hallucinations
  • Mood swings
  • Detachment from people
  • Absorption with self or other objects
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

There hasn’t been much research into many of the varieties of hallucinogens, but it is known that some are addictive, such as PCP. Others are not classified as such, such as LSD. Even when hallucinogens are not addictive in the general sense, users may still develop a tolerance to them or to similar drugs, where more of the drug must be taken over time to achieve the same effect as the initial, lower doses.

Hallucinogens Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone who is addicted to hallucinogens may experience hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms including drug cravings, headaches, and sweating, according to DrugAbuse.gov

What is the Treatment for Hallucinogens Abuse and Addiction and What Does That Look Like at PRC?

The Phoenix Recovery Center is equipped to offer therapy and treatment for hallucinogens abuse and hallucinogens addiction. Our services include an Inpatient Residential ProgramPartial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Day ProgramIntensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and General Outpatient Program (GOP).
The Phoenix Recovery Experience

Phoenix Recovery Experience

Patients and their families who choose The Phoenix Recovery Center to receive their hallucinogens treatment for addiction or abuse learn and develop both recovery and disease-management skills. We also help our patients and their families to identify, define, and achieve stability in their pursuit of a meaningful life. Through the tools we provide and their own efforts, patients and their family members can achieve improved emotional and cognitive health and can begin to heal their relationships.

We are excited to answer your questions about hallucinogen addiction treatment and to support you in your healing process as you reclaim the life you desire. Give us a call at (801) 438-3185 to learn more about treatment for hallucinogens abuse.

WHY CHOOSE US?

The Phoenix Difference

The Phoenix Recovery Center is driven by this guiding mission statement: “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”

Hallucinogen addiction treatment at The Phoenix Recovery Center is a carefully tailored program defined by research. We make every effort to support outcomes that prepare patients and their families to manage their hallucinogens addiction and to reclaim a meaningful life. We equip those we help to overcome hallucinogens abuse with both the knowledge and the applied behaviors they need to continue on a path to success.

WE CAN HELP

Hallucinogen Rehab Centers Near Me:

489 West South Jordan Parkway Suite 400
South Jordan, Utah 84095

Call Now (801) 438-3185

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, Call Now for Immediate Help: (801) 438-3185

The Phoenix Recovery Center
489 W. South Jordan Pkwy
Suite 400
South Jordan, UT