How Common is Hallucinogen Abuse?

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Hallucinogens are widely abused drugs that cause users to hear or see things that aren’t real. The drug can have a different effect on individual users, which is why it is important to know the risks of hallucinogen abuse, and the effects it has on the brain. Hallucinogen drugs can be man-made (LSD and PCP) or plant based (Salvia or peyote).

Many people take hallucinogens to feel good or to escape loneliness. They can undergo an out-of-body experience or a “trip” that gives them clarity and insight that they might feel are missing from their lives. Others may ingest peyote or other substances as part of a cultural rite or practice. 

Why Should I Worry About Hallucinogen Abuse?

Hallucinogen abuse can cause suicidal thoughts.

While occasional use of hallucinogens is common among some recreational drug users, if taken often, users can develop a pattern of drug abuse. Hallucinogen abuse can cause psychological problems and can even do permanent brain damage, even for first timers. Some common signs of hallucinogen abuse are:

• The body can develop a tolerance quickly and lead the user to take more. This poses danger since too much can cause an overdose.

• Experiences differ each time the user takes a hallucinogen. They may have a “trip” that can cause them to hallucinate to the point where they can hurt themselves, or someone else.

• Hallucinogen abuse has long-term effects that include depression, panic, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.

• People who abuse hallucinogens also tend to experience flashbacks. Users can re-experience the effects of the hallucinogenic drug days or weeks after use. In some cases, users have flashbacks even months or years later after they have stopped using the hallucinogen drug.

• Users can have difficulty trying to concentrate and communicate. Chronic users might have difficulty distinguishing between reality and illusion.

Hallucinogens have a powerful effect on the brain. No one can tell what type of trip they will experience. Some have experienced pleasant and enjoyable sensations, while others have experienced terrifying thoughts that can lead to panic and even suicide.

What Other Dangerous Symptoms Can Result from Hallucinogen Abuse?

Since the effects can be unpredictable and different for individual users, hallucinogens are extremely dangerous drugs that can disturb the normal function of the user’s brain. They can develop long-lasting psychoses and become vulnerable to fatal situations.

The effects of hallucinogen abuse are highly variable and unreliable. As such, they may cause changes in the way your brain processes thoughts, emotions, and even perceive reality. These brain changes stay with you through withdrawal and even long after you stop using drugs. Recovery becomes a life-long process.

Is There Help for Hallucinogen Abuse?

If you or someone you love experienced any of the symptoms above due to hallucinogen abuse and are still using the drug, consider contacting a substance abuse counselor to find the right treatment. No one can predict what can happen in any “trip,” but waiting to see if something bad happens down the line isn’t the right move. Get help before anything happens, including permanent damage to your mental health.

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