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Hallucinogens - such as LSD and psilocybin - alter mood and a person’s perception of reality. These types of drugs are becoming increasingly popular in young people. While some people use them recreationally or for spiritual experiences, they can lead to problematic use - especially with frequent or high doses. With chronic use, persistent hallucinations, paranoia, and difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy may happen. While hallucinogens aren’t always considered physically addictive, they can create psychological dependence - making it difficult to stop. Yet, recovery is possible with the right care and support. Read below to learn more.
What Causes a Hallucinogen Addiction?
Hallucinogens include classic hallucinogens1 and dissociative drugs2. These types of substances cause visual, auditory, and tactile changes - meaning you may be seeing or hearing things that aren’t real. Dissociative drugs take things a step further; many describe taking these drugs as having an “out-of-body experience” where they feel detached from themselves and their surroundings.
Common types of hallucinogens include:
- LSD
- Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
- DMT
- Ketamine
- Salvia
- Ecstasy (MDMA/Molly)
- Peyote/Mescaline
So, how do these impact your brain? Classic hallucinogens work by binding to serotonin receptors3, which causes alterations in mood and perception. They also reduce sensory input, which may further alter your reality. However, dissociative hallucinogens work in a slightly different way—they inhibit glutamine (a neurotransmitter in the brain)4, leading to a sense of detachment. Some of these drugs may also increase dopamine levels, causing feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
Addiction typically develops when someone frequently uses these substances to escape reality, becoming an unhealthy way to cope with life’s challenges. Frequent use can also lead to tolerance—where more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effects.
While addiction to hallucinogens isn’t often physical, there can be a real psychological addiction to these substances that interferes with a person’s daily life and obligations. But with the right help and support, it’s entirely possible to overcome. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our team can guide you toward lasting recovery and address the root causes of your addiction. We believe your best days are still ahead of you and that sometimes, we all need a little help.
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Symptoms of a Hallucinogen Addiction
Since these drugs are frequently used illegally and recreationally, it can be hard to pinpoint an addiction. However, a tell-tale sign is that use is negatively impacting your life. Another common sign is cravings for the drug. Other symptoms may further include5:
- Mood swings
- Dissociation
- Dilated pupils
- Psychosis or paranoia
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty feeling joy without the abused substance
Withdrawal symptoms may also arise when discontinuing the use of the substance. These are often short-term and may include6:
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Intense sensory experiences
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Memory loss
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)7 is a rare but long-term side effect of hallucinogen use. This involves experiencing hallucinations (or flashbacks) despite not being on the substance anymore. However, this is more likely to happen with individuals who have co-occurring mental health conditions.
If you or a loved one’s life is being negatively impacted by hallucinogen use, there may be a problem. Getting professional help, such as with FRC, can break this cycle and provide the support needed for lasting recovery. With evidence-based treatment, personalized therapy, and a supportive environment, you or your loved one can regain control, heal, and build a healthier future. Call us at 804-635-3746 to begin your journey today.
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Treatment for a Hallucinogen Addiction
Individual treatment depends on many factors, such as the severity of your addiction. With FRC, each treatment plan is unique to each person. Your treatment may include:
Behavioral Therapy
Identifying your triggers and developing healthy coping strategies is key to overcoming a hallucinogen addiction. Behavioral therapies that may be part of your plan include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
Group Therapy & Community Support
Our rehab center in Richmond, Virginia, fosters community engagement and support, ensuring you don’t feel alone throughout your recovery. We offer group activities and therapy sessions, helping patients relate to and support one another.
Health & Wellness Strategies
Addiction can spill over into all areas of your life, impacting your health and lifestyle habits. As such, the FRC team offers physical activity classes, a gym, nutritional education, and more to help you get on track. After all, physical and mental health go hand-in-hand, and our team doesn’t ignore this fact.
Relapse Prevention
Throughout your treatment, you’ll learn strategies to identify your triggers and prevent relapse. Before you leave, we’ll equip you with the resources, tools, and support you need for continued success.
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Why Choose Freedom Recovery Centers
FRC strives not just to be another “facility.” Our rehab center in Richmond offers comfortable beds, nutritious and yummy food, a nail studio, a gym, basketball courts, and more. We understand that recovery goes beyond quitting the abused substance, and we’re here to help support you in creating a life you love and cherish.
We answer our phone lines 24/7, helping you get the support you need when you need it the most. Our caring and compassionate team is ready to help you take that next step forward toward a healthy and fulfilling life.
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Take the First Step Today
It’s never too late to get help. Whether it’s your first or last time in rehab, our team is ready to guide you on your journey toward lasting recovery. Call us at 804-635-3746.
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FAQs
Can people be addicted to hallucinogens?
While hallucinogens are typically not physically addictive, frequent use can lead to psychological dependence. This means you continue using these drugs despite the harmful consequences.
Do hallucinogens have withdrawal?
Compared to other drugs, hallucinogens don’t have extreme withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms often include anxiety, confusion, restlessness, depression, and a lack of motivation.
What are the effects of hallucinogen abuse?
With hallucinogen abuse, psychological effects can occur and impact your day-to-day life and relationships. For instance, you may feel intense fear, anxiety, depression, or paranoia with increasing use of hallucinogens.
Are psychedelics addictive?
Often, psychedelics are much less addictive than other hallucinogen substances, like ketamine or MDMA, that impact the dopamine pathways in the brain. In other words, psychedelic use is less likely to lead to addiction since it doesn’t affect the reward center of the brain the same, but this doesn’t mean it can’t become psychologically addictive.
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