What is Mescaline? Addiction, Abuse & Treatment

Since ancient times, indigenous cultures in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States have used peyote in religious rites, using mescaline extracted from peyote or synthesized for ritual usage.

It isn’t easy to use mescaline as a recreational drug because of the scarcity of Peyotes. However, some hallucinogens are often mislabeled as mescaline to entice users—the effects of mescaline range from euphoria and distorted reality to feelings of peace and a sense of superiority. 

Understanding mescaline abuse and addiction is critical for establishing effective prevention and treatment measures to reduce the possible health and societal consequences.

What Is Mescaline?

Mescaline is a psychedelic, specifically a hallucinogen, which means it can alter your brain’s perception of reality, such as LSD and Psilocybin. 

Mescaline is primarily derived from cacti, mainly the Peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii), as well as other cacti such as the San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi) and the Peruvian torch cactus (Echinopsis peruviana).

Synthetic mescaline is chemically produced in laboratories. However, it takes a lot of work due to the ingredients’ complexity.

Both Peyote and Mescaline come under Schedule I substances according to the Controlled Substances Act, signifying a high risk of addiction, no recognized medicinal utility in the United States, and a lack of established safety for supervised medical use.

How Mescaline Works

Mescaline primarily functions by activating serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A ones. These receptors act as small docking stations for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood and perception.

When mescaline binds to these receptors, it disrupts the typical serotonin message pathway. This disturbance triggers a chain reaction, sending the brain on a psychedelic rollercoaster ride.

As a result, users frequently find themselves in a realm of intense visual hallucinations, hyper-heightened senses, and a distorted sense of time and place. 

Effects Of Mescaline

Mescaline has both short-term and long-term effects that affect the individual psychologically and emotionally. 

Here are the short-term effects of Mescaline:

• Intense nausea, vomiting
• Enlarged pupils
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure, 
• High body temperature 
• Excessive sweating
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Lack of body control
• Visual hallucination
• Euphoria
• Altered states of consciousness
• Uncontrollable laughter
• Slowed passage of time
• A mixing of senses (such as “seeing” a sound or “hearing” a color)
• Pupil dilation
• Dream-like state

Abusing Mescaline has long-term effects, such as:

• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Body and Muscle Pain
• Illusions
• Hallucinations
• Changed perspective of space and time.
• Altered bodily image
• Euphoria

Is Mescaline Addictive?

Mescaline is not considered physically addictive, which means it does not cause tolerance or withdrawal symptoms associated with substance dependence. Individuals may develop psychological dependence, in which they seek the drug’s effects.

Mescaline is more likely to cause psychological dependence than physical dependence. Users may become attached to the substance’s unique and profound sensations, but its lack of withdrawal symptoms sets it apart from physiologically addictive narcotics.

In comparison to other hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline is thought to have a lesser addiction potential.

Can You Overdose On Mescaline?

Mescaline overdoses are rare, but they are possible. The substance has low toxicity, and deadly effects are rare, but reactions can vary from person to person. A high dosage of Mescaline may cause psychological distress and adverse effects.

Taking Mescaline with alcohol or other substances increases the harmful effects, resulting in unexpected outcomes, increased toxicity, and potential medical crises. This combo heightens the sedative effects, raising concerns regarding respiratory depression, poor coordination, and loss of consciousness.

Recognizing the signs of an overdose early on can help lessen the impact of its effects. Here are the symptoms of Mescaline overdose: 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Abdominal pain
• Fast or shallow breathing
• Ringing in the ears
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Seizures

Risks of Mescaline Addiction

Mescaline may not usually lead to addiction, but it still has a lot of physical, psychological, social, and legal risks. Understanding the risks associated with Mescaline use can help an individual make informed decisions about substance use.

Physical Risks

Gastrointestinal Problems: Mescaline use can cause serious issues such as nausea and vomiting that may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

High blood pressure and Increased heart rate: Mescaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Those who already have existing heart conditions can be at a higher risk. Complications such as palpitations and heart attacks can sometimes occur. 

Accidents and Injuries: Because Mescaline can alter the perception of reality and impair judgment and body coordination, the person is at a higher risk for injury. 

Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions such as itchiness, swelling, or difficulty breathing can occur if the person is allergic to Mescaline or cacti and doesn’t know they’re taking it. 

Psychological Risks:

Bad Trips: Mescaline can create distressing psychological experiences, also known as “bad trips.” This can be an overwhelming sensation and may cause fear, anxiety, panic, confusion, and paranoia.

Flashbacks: Psychedelics like Mescaline can cause flashbacks. This is when the user feels the recurrence of Mescaline’s effects after days or weeks of using it.

Worsening of Mental Condition: For people with underlying medical conditions, using Mescaline can make it worse. Anxiety, depression, or psychosis may exacerbate and can lead to more severe symptoms.

Social and Legal Consequences:

Strained Relationships: Due to the preoccupation with substance abuse and its effects, the individual may neglect relationships. This can create problems, especially within the family, at work, and with friends.

Social Isolation: People who are abusing substances like Mescaline usually hide their struggle from family and friends. Due to that, they may tend to isolate and withdraw from people. 

Legal consequences may include arrests, fines, or other legal penalties associated with the possession or distribution of mescaline.

Treatment For Mescaline Addiction

Detoxification and Withdrawal Management: Detoxification is always the first step to recovery. It’s a method to get the drug out of the system. Withdrawal management involves the provision of appropriate hydration and nutrition. Adequate rest and exercise should also be implemented.

Behavioral Therapies and Counseling: Behavioral therapy is a way to address underlying causes that are related to addiction. Counseling is a way for the patient to process their thoughts and feelings, which is needed for recovery. 

Support Groups and Peer Recovery: A recovering individual can greatly benefit from a supportive environment such as the 12-step recovery. Peer recovery, where individuals share experiences and insights, can be instrumental in rehabilitation.

Holistic Approaches to Recovery: This emphasizes the complete well-being of persons in recovery by including a variety of complementary therapies such as mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy. A holistic approach is often offered in treatment facilities or sober living homes. 

Relapse Prevention Strategies: Creating ways to prevent relapse is an essential part of mescaline addiction treatment. This entails identifying triggers, developing coping techniques, and developing a specific plan to maintain sobriety in the long run.