Hallucinogen Dependence & Abuse Facts

Hallucinogens are a serious classification of drugs. Often times, people use these substances recreationally, and repetitive use can lead to dependence. Many hallucinogens can also cause people to experience a variety of harmful side effects. Explore these hallucinogen dependence and abuse facts to learn more.

If you or your loved one need a safe space to recover from addiction, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our short- and long-term recovery programs.

What are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are substances that have psychoactive qualities. Some of their effects include hallucinations, perceptual anomalies, and changes in consciousness, thought, and emotion.

There are two primary categories of hallucinogens:

Classic hallucinogens. These cause hallucinations, which are images and sensations that seem real, but are not.
Dissociative drugs. In addition to causing hallucinations, these make users feel disconnected from and out of control of their body and surroundings.

Common Hallucinogens

Some common classic hallucinogens include:

DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide)
Peyote (mescaline)

Some common dissociative drugs include:

PCP (Phencyclidine)
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Salvia (Salvia divinorum)
Psilocybin mushrooms
Ketamine

Any Use Should Cause Worry

Since most hallucinogens are illegal drugs and/or have severe effects, any use of these substances should cause concern. Many people take these drugs to escape from reality or avoid their problems. When people repetitively use these drugs, it’s possible to develop a dependence.

Hallucinogen Side Effects

Some hallucinogens, such as PCP, can cause serious side effects such as seizures or coma. Others like salvia, mushrooms, and peyote can cause nausea, chills, loss of coordination, and more.

It’s possible to overdose on some types of hallucinogens, such as ketamine. While you can’t overdose on other types of hallucinogens, they severely alter your state, mindset, and reality. This can cause a person to make poor decisions that can lead to serious personal injury or even death.

Hallucinogen Dependence

While ketamine and PCP have addictive qualities, most other hallucinogens do not. However, it’s possible to develop a psychological dependence to these substances. Some signs that a person may be dependent on hallucinogens include:

They put off their responsibilities to take the drug
They take extreme measures to obtain the drug
They believe they need to take the drug frequently
They use the drug to cope with their problems
They continue to use the drug despite it causing negative consequences

If you believe that you or a loved one is abusing or developing a dependence on hallucinogens, it’s important to seek help. A professional recovery program can help you get your life back on track.

Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery

Knowing these hallucinogen dependence and abuse facts can help you recognize when it’s time to seek professional help. If you’re dependent on hallucinogens or struggling to maintain your sobriety, consider reaching out to Myrtle Beach Recovery. We offer short-term and long-term recovery programs, providing a safe place to work through the 12 Steps.

/by clickgiant