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Hallucinogen Addiction: Side Effects & Treatment
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What hallucinogens are
Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations, making people see images, hear sounds and feel sensations that seem real but are not.
They fall into two categories: classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Both produce similar side effects, and both can be man-made or occur naturally in plants and mushrooms.
How addiction to them works is still not well understood. The current thinking is that they disrupt communication between neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord, which in turn affects mood, sensory perception and muscle control.
- What they do
- Produce sights, sounds and sensations that are not real
- Two categories
- Classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs
- Sources
- Man-made, or from plants and mushrooms
- How well understood
- Still being researched
Hallucinogens seldom cause physical dependence, and that is not the same as being harmless. Call if the experiences are not stopping.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that around 1.4 million people are using hallucinogens. This includes individuals aged 12 and older. Young adults ages 18 to 25 were the most prevalent hallucinogen users among individuals ages 12 and up.
Many kinds of hallucinogens exist, and people use them in various ways, such as:
- Swallowing them as tablets, pills, or liquid
- Consuming them raw or dried
- Brewing them in tea
- Snorting them
- Injecting them
- Inhaling, vaping, or smoking them
- Absorbing them through the lining in the mouth via drug-soaked papers
Are Hallucinogens Addictive?
Hallucinogen addiction is rare. Most people do not see hallucinogens as addictive. However, some can cause tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.
For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that LSD is not an addictive drug. This is because it does not cause uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviors. However, it does produce tolerance.
Many users might start taking larger doses of the drug to feel the same effects. This can be extremely dangerous and may lead to an overdose.
Conversely, PCP is one hallucinogenic drug that is known to be addictive, as it causes common withdrawal symptoms like cravings, headaches, and sweating, among others.
Researchers have yet to determine the addictive qualities of other hallucinogens like DMT. Researchers need to continue studying hallucinogens more to accurately determine whether they are addictive or not.
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Street Names for Hallucinogens
LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide)
Common street names for LSD include Acid, Battery Acid, Blotter, Boomers, and California Sunshine. Other names are Cid, Doses, Dots, and Golden Dragon.
You might also hear Heavenly Blue, Hippie, Loony Toons, and Lucy. Some people call it Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Microdot, Pane, or Purple Heart. Other names include Superman, Tab, Window Pane, Yellow Sunshine, and Zen.
Psilocybin
Street names for psilocybin mushrooms include Alice, Boomers, Buttons, Caps, Champiñones, Hongos, Magic, Magic Mushrooms, Mushies, Mushrooms, Pizza Toppings, Shrooms, and Tweezes.
Peyote
Many people know peyote by different names. These include Black Button, Britton, Button, Cactus, Green Button, Half Moon, Hikori, Hikuli, Hyatari, Nubs, Seni, Shaman, and Tops.
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
The most common street names for DMT are DMT itself and Dmitri.
PCP (Phencyclidine)
Street names for PCP include Angel Dust, Supergrass, Boat, Tic Tac, Zoom, and Shermans.
Ketamine
Ketamine is also known by street names such as Blind Squid, Cat Valium, Green, Honey Oil, Jet, K, Keller, Kelly’s Day, K-Hold, K-Ways, Special K, Super Acid, and Vitamin K.
DXM (Dextromethorphan)
A common street name for DXM is Robo.
Salvia divinorum
Street names for Salvia divinorum include Diviner’s Sage, Maria Pastora, Sally-D, and Magic Mint.
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is often called Huasca, Yagé, Brew, Daime, The Tea, or La Purga.
Examples of Hallucinogens
Some common examples of hallucinogens and dissociative drugs are listed below.
- Examples of classic hallucinogens include
- LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide)
- Psilocybin (Magic mushrooms)
- Peyote (Mescaline)
- DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)
- Ayahuasca
- Examples of dissociative drugs include
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How Long Do Hallucinogens Stay in Your System?
Many different factors affect how long hallucinogens will stay in your system, such as:
- The type of hallucinogen drug used
- How much of the drug was used
- Individual biological factors (age, health, weight)
- The type of sample obtained for testing (hair, urine, blood, etc.)
For example, LSD is one of the most commonly abused hallucinogens. Drug test detection times for LSD are as follows:
- Urine2-4 days after the last use
- Blood6-12 hours after the last use
- HairUp to 90 days after the last use
What Are the Side Effects of Hallucinogen Abuse?
The side effects of hallucinogen abuse can vary a lot. They depend on the person, the type of drug, the amount taken, and whether someone used other drugs. Generally speaking, here are some of the most common side effects of hallucinogens:
- Euphoria
- Blurry vision
- Intense relaxation
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Increased breathing rate
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased body temperature
- Chills
- Sweating
- Numbness
Sometimes, people who use hallucinogens may also experience what’s known as a “bad trip.” This is an adverse reaction to the drug. Side effects of a bad trip include:
- Unpleasant/intense hallucinations
- Intense fear
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Drug-induced psychosis
- Dangerous and/or life-threatening behavior
What Are the Signs of Hallucinogen Overdose?
High doses of hallucinogens can be too much for the body to handle and may cause an overdose. However, death rarely occurs from the drug overdose itself. Instead, many fatal hallucinogen overdoses occur because of risky behaviors, suicide, and physical injuries.
Signs of a hallucinogen overdose can vary depending on the drug, but may include:
- Depressed breathing
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Call 911 right away if you think you or someone you love is having a hallucinogen overdose.
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What Are Hallucinogen Withdrawal Symptoms?
Not all hallucinogens produce withdrawal symptoms, but some drugs like PCP or ketamine do. Some people may become physically dependent on these drugs and experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. Common hallucinogen withdrawal symptoms include:
- Stiff muscles
- Depressed breathing
- Convulsions
- Rapid heart rate
- Extreme changes in body temperature
- Cravings
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Seizures
- Flashbacks
Quitting hallucinogens can be difficult, especially if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Many people believe that since hallucinogens are eliminated from the body relatively quickly, medical detox isn’t necessary. In some cases, hallucinogen detox is crucial. This is especially true if a person has built a tolerance or has strong withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.
A hallucinogen detox program can provide 24/7 monitoring and medication-assisted treatment to reduce the severity of hallucinogen withdrawal symptoms. A medical detox program provides a safe and supportive space. This helps with long-term sobriety, physical healing, and emotional healing. So, in other words, relapse is much less likely with the assistance of a hallucinogen detox program.
Hallucinogens Addiction Withdrawal Timeline
The hallucinogen withdrawal timeline varies greatly depending on the person and the type of hallucinogen drug that was used. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary a lot. This makes it hard to determine a specific timeline for these symptoms.
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What Are the Signs of Hallucinogen Addiction and Abuse?
Some of the most common signs of hallucinogen abuse may include:
- Bizzare or erratic behavior
- Difficulty walking straight or having other coordination problems
- Paranoia
- Extreme changes in appetite
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid breathing
- Poor perception of time, space, and distance
- Depression
- Risky and/or dangerous behaviors
Hallucinogen addiction is rare and unlikely. However, if someone feels they can’t function without a hallucinogen, they may need help. If they have a high tolerance to the drug, support is important. Getting sober and staying sober can be challenging.
How to Overcome Hallucinogens Addiction
The first step to recovering from hallucinogen addiction is usually detox. This process helps you overcome physical dependence.
During this time, you will also receive clinical care. This helps you get ready for a hallucinogen rehab program. It also sets the stage for emotional and spiritual healing in the future.
Inpatient or outpatient rehab for hallucinogen treatment offers various types of behavioral therapy. These therapies help address the root causes of your addictive behaviors. A hallucinogen treatment program can help you understand the problems that caused your substance abuse. It focuses on your mental health issues.
At Nova Recovery Center, we provide complete care. This includes detox, rehab, sober living, and aftercare services. Our goal is to help you beat addiction and live a healthier, happier life.
If you are ready to begin your recovery, call (512) 605-2955. Speak with a Nova representative today about hallucinogen treatment options.
Explore More Types of Hallucinogens
- 2C‑B and other 2C compounds
- Alpha‑MT (α‑Methyltryptamine)
- Ayahuasca (and its constituents)
- Bufotenin (5‑HO‑DMT) and 5‑MeO‑DMT
- DMT
Ibogaine
Ibogaine treatment for addiction involves using a hallucinogenic drug made from the root bark...
- Ketamine
- LSD
- MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
- Mescaline / Peyote
- Mushrooms
- NBOMe
Frequently Asked Questions About Hallucinogens
Can people be addicted to hallucinogens?
Yes, while hallucinogens are not considered physically addictive like opioids or alcohol, people can develop psychological dependence. This includes cravings, compulsive use, and difficulty controlling consumption.
What is a hallucinogen dependence?
Hallucinogen dependence refers to the psychological reliance on these substances, where users feel they need them to function, cope, or experience certain feelings. It often leads to tolerance and risky behavior.
What hallucinogens are used for addiction?
Hallucinogens are not used to treat addiction. In fact, substances like LSD, PCP, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT can themselves cause harmful effects and may worsen underlying mental health conditions.
What are the examples of hallucinogen drugs?
Examples include LSD (acid), psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline (peyote), DMT, ketamine, and PCP. These drugs alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.
Can people be resistant to psychedelics?
Yes, some individuals have a natural resistance, meaning they may experience reduced or no effects. Repeated use also builds tolerance, making the drug less effective.
Can you build a tolerance to DMT?
Tolerance to DMT can develop quickly with frequent use. After repeated doses, the effects diminish, and users may require higher amounts to feel the same impact.
What are three long-term effects of hallucinogens?
Long-term effects may include persistent visual disturbances (HPPD), anxiety or depression, and impaired memory or cognition. These vary by drug type and usage patterns.
What is tolerance to psychoactive drugs?
Tolerance means the body adapts to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. With hallucinogens, tolerance can develop rapidly and fade after a period of abstinence.
What are the effects of hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens can cause visual or auditory distortions, altered perception of time, mood changes, confusion, and in some cases, panic or paranoia.
Which of the following is a common side effect of hallucinogens?
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, sweating, rapid heart rate, and intensified sensory experiences that may lead to anxiety.
What are the effects of hallucinations?
Hallucinations can cause a person to see, hear, or feel things that aren’t real. This may lead to disorientation, risky behaviors, or unsafe decision-making.
How do hallucinogens affect the human body system?
They interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain, altering mood, perception, and cognition. Physical effects may include increased blood pressure, heart rate, and coordination problems.
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