Hallucinogens Explained: Are They Addictive? Risks & How to Seek Treatment

Hallucinogens are among the oldest drugs that alter the brain’s perception of reality. The user will see, hear, and feel things that are not real. Hallucinogens are usually found in plants such as cannabis, cacti, and certain types of mushrooms. The drug can also be made synthetically in laboratories. 

Hallucinogen use is significantly related to mood, anxiety, personality, and mental disorders. These drugs can have severe and life-threatening effects on the user. Understanding hallucinogens and their risk for addiction can potentially save individuals from life-altering consequences.

What are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are psychoactive drugs. They are often called “psychedelic” drugs and can be categorized as either psychedelics, dissociatives, or deliriants.

This means they alter the brain’s chemical structure, leading to a distorted perception of reality. People using hallucinogens can see, hear, and feel things that are not real. It has also been linked to mental disorders.

Due to their harmful effects, hallucinogens are classified as Schedule 1 under the Controlled Substances Act. It’s illegal to manufacture, distribute, and possess the drug. They have no approved medical use and are highly prone to abuse.

Historically, hallucinogens have been used in a variety of ways, from religious practices to healing purposes and medical research. Different cultures have used a variety of plants, such as peyote and ayahuasca, with hallucinogenic compounds for healing or spiritual ceremonies.  

Western counterculture movements used substances like LSD to explore consciousness in the 20th century. New research shows that hallucinogens could help with mental health issues, even though earlier studies were hindered. Cultural perspectives differ, with some communities stigmatizing hallucinogens while others tolerate them as methods for healing and recreation.

Types of Hallucinogens

There are a lot of types of hallucinogens, but there are the most common ones used for different purposes, such as spiritual ceremonies, healing, and recreation. 

Here are some common classic hallucinogens:

• LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): LSD is called acid, blotters, or window pane because it resembles thin transparent squares. It’s dubbed as one of the most potent and mood-altering hallucinogens since the “trips” can last for many hours. The user can see images and feel sensations that aren’t real and may experience acute anxiety and depression after the effect wears off.

• Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): This hallucinogen is derived from a specific type of mushroom. Initially used for religious ceremonies, it has become famous for recreational use by being ingested or brewed into tea. Whitel, Psilocybin is illegal in many states due to its LSD-like effects, concerns persist about potential mushroom overdose.
• Ecstasy (MDMA/Molly): MDMA is a popular party drug known for its euphoric effects. It can make a person more sociable and feel extreme happiness. It has a high potential for addiction and can result in a variety of mental illnesses, especially with frequent and long-term use.
• Peyote/Mescaline: Traditionally, peyote buttons are chewed or soaked to produce a strong drink. They can also be smoked in combination with other narcotics or crushed into a powder for consumption. Peyote with mescaline can cause euphoria, which is frequently followed by anxiety, nausea, a faster heart rate, altered perception, and euphoria.
• DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): DMT can be found in a variety of plants like ayahuasca or can be made synthetically in secret laboratories. The user experiences an altered perception of reality, varying from overwhelmingly pleasant to frightening. It is illegal to produce, distribute, and possess DMT. 
• Marijuana (Cannabis): The legality of marijuana has changed throughout the years. However, it is still the most common and most accessible hallucinogen, which has a high potential for abuse. Despite the increasing use of weed for medical purposes, the risks are still apparent, such as a distorted perception of reality and a lack of body coordination. In addition to these concerns, it’s essential to consider the implications of using weed in recovery.

Common Dissociative Hallucinogens

Another type of hallucinogen is one that results in an out of the body experience. The user feels detached from their thoughts, body, and emotions. The following are the most common dissociative hallucinogens:

Phencyclidine (PCP): PCP was initially manufactured as a general anesthesia for surgical procedures but was stopped due to its toxic effects. Reports say that PCP is one of the most dangerously abused drugs. Users feel numbness, detachment, and vivid hallucinations.

Ketamine: Ketamine is used medically as an anesthetic for humans and animals. However, it is also manufactured illegally for recreational use. The effects range from calming and relaxing to loss of memory. It’s also widely known as a drug that’s mixed into drinks and used for sexual assaults.

Dextromethorphan (DXM): DXM is a component of cough syrups and is widely prevalent among adolescents since they are accessible and affordable. These are over-the-counter cough suppressants that also have anti-allergy components. Abusing DXM leads to hallucinations and feeling detached from their own body.

Salvia (Salvia divinorum): Salvia divinorum, or magic mint, is a hallucinogenic plant that grows in Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America. It’s consumed by chewing fresh leaves, consuming their juices, or smoking or vaporizing dry leaves. Nowadays, it’s currently being sold on online platforms and can produce strong hallucinations and feelings of being disconnected from oneself.

What Are the Effects of Hallucinogens?

Short-Term Effects of Hallucinogens

The effects of hallucinogens can be categorized into short-term physical, psychological, and sensory. The experience can vary from person to person, but there are general effects, such as:

Physical Effects: 

• Changes in heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Elevated body temperature
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Enlarged pupils
• Tremors

Psychological Effects:

• Altered perception of reality
• Mood swings
• Loss of focus
• Impaired memory
• Euphoria
• Anxiety
• Confusion

Sensory Effects:

• Vivid hallucinations
• Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that are not real
• Detachment from one’s own body and thoughts

Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens

The following are some of the long-term impacts of hallucinogens:

Physical Health Risks: Prolonged use of hallucinogens may lead to physical health complications such as persistent hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which involves experiencing hallucinatory effects long after drug use has ceased. Chronic use can also result in heart, lung, and kidney problems, as well as general physical deterioration.

Mental Health Risks: The use of hallucinogens may worsen or trigger underlying mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. In addition, long-term use may put susceptible people at risk of developing persistent psychosis or other mental health issues.

Potential for Addiction: Although hallucinogens are not usually thought of as physically addictive substances, some people may become mentally dependent on them, mainly if they use them to escape reality or cope with stress. It may result in problems with their daily lives and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

Hallucinogens may not be physically addictive, but users can be mentally dependent on them. Understanding the mechanism of addiction and other factors can help in combating this drug problem.

Mechanism of Addiction

Research is still ongoing about the specific mechanism of addiction to hallucinogens to fully understand the process. Studies have shown that it mainly affects serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, memory, learning, and happiness. People who take hallucinogens repeatedly might try to achieve the same initial euphoric and hallucinogenic effects.

However, because the body becomes more tolerant of the drug’s strength over time, attaining these results might need using bigger dosages and more frequently. This may result in a vicious cycle of increasing use as people seek out the desired feelings.

Dependency vs. Tolerance

Dependency and tolerance are two distinct concepts related to drug use, including hallucinogens. Tolerance means that the body has a diminished response to a drug with long-term use. The individual may need to increase the dosage and use the drug more frequently to achieve its desired effects.

Dependence is when a person continues to use the substance despite its harmful effects. They opt to use it to experience its pleasurable effects or decrease the uncomfortable signs of withdrawal.

Psychological vs. Physical Addiction

Psychological addiction is characterized by obsessive drug-seeking behavior despite the adverse effects. There is an intense craving and preoccupation with using the substance. Physical addiction is the result of the body becoming accustomed to the presence of drugs; it is marked by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Although hallucinogens are not usually linked to physical addiction, they can cause psychological dependence in users who have an intense urge to use the substance to relieve stress or improve their mood.

Signs of Hallucinogen Addiction

If an individual is struggling with hallucinogen addiction, it can manifest in several ways, such as: 

Behavioral Indicators: These may include secretive behavior, neglecting responsibilities, isolation or withdrawal from friends and family, and engaging in risky or illegal activities to obtain or use hallucinogens.

Physical Symptoms: While hallucinogens are not typically associated with physical addiction, physical symptoms may still occur, such as enlarged pupils, increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, loss of appetite, or problems sleeping.

Psychological Signs: Psychological signs of hallucinogen addiction can include cravings, preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, and impaired judgment or decision-making.

Treatment for Hallucinogen Use Disorder

Treatment for hallucinogen use disorder typically involves a combination of approaches:

Detoxification: While hallucinogens are not physically addictive in the same way as other substances, individuals may still benefit from medically supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms. Detoxication is the safe removal of the substance in a person’s system. 

Behavioral Therapies: Commonly used therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management help people deal with their drug use patterns, cravings, and triggers. These approaches teach coping skills, help change harmful behaviors, and tackle the root causes of substance use.

Support Groups and Counseling: Participation in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or individual counseling can provide ongoing support, encouragement, and accountability for individuals in recovery from hallucinogen use disorder. Counseling can also help address co-occurring mental health issues and strengthen coping mechanisms.

Medications: While there are no specific medications approved for the treatment of hallucinogen use disorder, medications may be prescribed to manage co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may contribute to substance use. Additionally, medications may be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or cravings associated with other substances used concurrently with hallucinogens.