Consequences of Hallucinogens Use

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Hallucinogens are highly variable substances that produce varying effects from person to person. Due to the significant variations in amount, potency, and composition of their active compounds, they are highly unreliable and dangerous. Studies show that around 7.4 million people have used hallucinogens in the past year, equalling nearly 3% of the country’s population. 

The psychoactive chemicals in hallucinogens alter thoughts, sensory perceptions, emotions, and consciousness. There are two main hallucinogen categories:

• Psychedelic hallucinogens cause hallucinations where unreal sensations occur. Substances include psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, mescaline (peyote), and PCP.
• Dissociative hallucinogens cause the user to feel disconnected from self and reality. Substances include ketamine, DXM, Salvia, and PCP.

Synthetic hallucinogens such as PCP, LSD, MDMA, and other designer drugs are illegally manufactured in a variety of ways with a multitude of different compounds that cause a wide range of dangers. Even dealers on the street are increasingly having these drugs tested before selling them because of the extreme danger potential.

Hallucinogen Tolerance, Dependency, and Addiction

Hallucinogen abuse often leads to psychological harm.

Hallucinogens have different effects in the brain, and most have a quick tolerance that is short-lived. Increasing your dose before tolerance is eliminated can cause adverse effects such as psychosis or overdose. Physical dependence usually results from the alternative mixtures and not from the hallucinogenic properties.

Addictions may result from increased alterations in brain activity and psychological dependence based on mental health status, chemical variations, and environmental factors.

Consequences of Hallucinogens Use

Hallucinogen abuse can cause significant adverse consequences. Users often suffer psychological consequences of severe depression, anxiety disorders, antisocial disorders, psychosis, paranoia, suicidal or harmful tendencies, and other cognitive or social impairments.

If the user has a “bad trip,” they can have frightening hallucinations that may lead to panic and other harmful consequences. For instance, PCP is often associated with violent and harmful tendencies, leading to impaired judgment. Many individuals find themselves in dangerous situations and have no idea where they are or how they got there when they use this drug.

Impaired coordination and other psychomotor controls can lead to accidental injuries or death. Physical health effects are a serious concern for chronic hallucinogen users. The drugs may elevate body temperature to the point of dehydration or hyperthermia, or cause fluctuations in heart rate and respiration, which can lead to overdoses, seizures, coma, heart attacks, and death. Chronic abuse can cause disregard for physical health and lead to malnutrition or other physical disorders.

Long-term consequences include flashbacks, persistent psychosis, or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which may be mistaken for a neurological disorder such as a stroke or a brain tumor.

Do you think you might be addicted to hallucinogens? What about someone you know? There are many different treatment options available, from inpatient and residential care to outpatient programs. Reach out for recovery resources to learn more today. 

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