Hallucinogens Addiction: Types, Effects, and Treatment Options

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to lose touch with reality?

The feeling of seeing, hearing, or feeling something that is not actually present in the physical reality can be very disorienting. This is just part of the effect that hallucinogens also known as ‘psychedelics’ can have on your mind.

The fascination with its effect is what attracts people towards using it. While it's attractive to chase a different reality than your own, its risks far outweigh the appeal.

Hallucinogens when not used carefully, can cause significant damage to the physical as well as mental health of an individual.

Hallucinogens are dissociatives or deliriants that have a direct impact on brain functioning. All these terms explain the impact of these substances on the mind. Psychedelic substances are known to change the brain’s chemical structure which can cause a dramatic change in reality.

Hallucinatory substances have a history of being used in a variety of ways other than recreational usage. They have a history of being used in medical practices as well as religious purposes.

Hallucinogens can make an individual see, hear, and feel things not present in the physical reality. It has also been linked to making individuals prone to developing mental disorders.

Hallucinogens are known to be found in naturally occurring compounds found in plants or can be produced synthetically in labs. Hallucinogens can be distributed in two major categories: Classic Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs. Both impact the brain's functioning differently, leading to different changes in reality.

Classic psychedelics are a group of hallucinogens that primarily affect serotonin receptors in the brain. They are known for producing vivid visual and sensory distortions, altered perception of time, and significant changes in mood and cognition.

Some of the most widely recognized classic psychedelics include:

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide):

LSD is famous for its intense visual and auditory hallucinations, often accompanied by distortions in time perception and rapid shifts in emotions ranging from euphoria to anxiety. Users may experience a profound alteration in their sense of reality.

Magic Mushrooms:

These naturally occurring fungi produce effects similar to LSD but tend to be shorter in duration. Psilocybin can induce a trance-like state, visual hallucinations, and changes in perception, often described as spiritual or mystical experiences. Although a fatal overdose is rare, misuse can lead to psychological distress.

DMT (Dimethyltryptamine):

Frequently described as producing a rapid and intense psychedelic experience, DMT induces vivid hallucinations and altered sensory perception, often interpreted as a spiritual or dream-like journey.

Ayahuasca:

A traditional Amazonian brew containing DMT combined with natural enzyme inhibitors, ayahuasca induces long-lasting visionary experiences often framed within spiritual and healing contexts.

Other substances commonly associated with hallucinogenic-like effects but not classified as classic psychedelics include MDMA (Ecstasy) and Marijuana (Cannabis). While they can alter perception and mood, their mechanisms and effects differ from classic hallucinogens and are classified separately.

Common Dissociative Hallucinogens can be characterized by their symptoms of causing an out-of-body experience. It creates a dream-like visual experience for the individual that makes them lose their sense of reality.

Some of these are:

Ketamine:

Ketamine pushes an individual away from their body and into an almost dream-like state. It feels like an out-of-body experience with intense visual illusions and can be very dangerous if taken in high doses.

Phencyclidine:

Phencyclidine or PCP has overlapping similarities in its effect to ketamine, which pushes the person into a state of dissociation from reality with a loss of control of their body and emotions.

Salvia:

Salvia divinorum, or magic mint is consumed by chewing fresh leaves, consuming their juices, or smoking or vaporizing dry leaves. It can produce strong hallucinations and feelings of being disconnected from oneself.

While it seems fascinating to indulge in experiences like these, dissociative substances can be very harmful and cause long-term psychological damage. These substances are addictive due to their intense out-of-body experience.

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

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

• Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which leads to the individual having continued visual distortions even when the drug is out of the system.
• Deterioration in physical health due to persistent use gives rise to heart, lung, or other physical ailments.
• Inability to retain memory
• Mental Health Issues include worsening psychotic symptoms or triggering underlying mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
• Psychological Dependence, people may use these drugs to escape reality and become dependent on them. It may result in them not being able to manage their daily life and create a cycle of substance abuse.

Unlike many other substances, classic hallucinogens generally do not cause addiction in the traditional sense. They rarely produce physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms, which are hallmarks of substances like opioids or alcohol.

Instead, hallucinogens are more likely to cause psychological dependence. This means that while the body may not crave the drug physically, a person might develop a strong mental or emotional attachment, feeling compelled to use the substance repeatedly to escape reality or cope with stress.

An important distinction to make is that some hallucinogens develop tolerance quickly, meaning that after repeated use in a short period, their effects diminish, reducing the incentive for frequent use.

This tolerance, however, fades rapidly after a break from the drug.

While classic hallucinogens are less likely to cause addiction compared to other drugs, frequent or heavy use, especially of dissociative hallucinogens like ketamine or PCP, can lead to more pronounced psychological reliance and even addiction-like behaviors.

Moreover, use can precipitate severe psychological distress, such as persistent anxiety or paranoia.

Recognizing these signs early and seeking support can make a significant difference in preventing long-term harm.

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.

Although hallucinogens don’t cause the typical addiction symptoms, the psychological dependence still needs to be addressed in the treatment approach towards hallucinogen use disorder. Some techniques used to manage the symptoms of this disorder are:

It helps in addressing the negative behavior patterns that are followed by people dealing with this disorder. These therapeutic techniques can help them break the patterns of substance abuse and create positive habits and thought patterns. Some of them are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Contingency Management
• Motivational Interviewing

They create a positive environment where people can share their struggles with the disorder and get peer support. Through peer groups, they can learn from each other’s mistakes and push each other to get through this together. Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and local peer support groups are very helpful.

Getting mental health support and treatment to manage psychological disorders like depression or anxiety that are triggered due to dependence and prolonged use of substances.

These facilities provide a structured and safe environment. Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab is flexible for individuals not only to maintain a healthy lifestyle at a slow pace but reduce the stress of rebuilding their new life on their own.

Continued therapy will also help in preventing relapse and focusing on building a better future free from dependence on drugs.

We at Design For Recovery are here to help you in your recovery journey with our Sober Living Homes in Los Angeles. Our homes are intended to offer a safe, substance‑free setting where residents can focus on daily routines and choices that support their personal goals for a better life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Hallucinogen Use Disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and get started on breaking free from your dependence.

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