Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that produce visual and auditory hallucinations. These drugs alter your perception of reality and can cause you to see or hear things that are not actually there.
While some hallucinogens are naturally occurring, such as ayahuasca, others are synthetic, like LSD. As most hallucinogens have no accepted medical use for treatment in the US, they are illegal.
Common street names include:
- Acid
- Blotter
- Cubes
- Fry
- Mind Candy
- Mushrooms or Shrooms
- Special K
- STP
- X
- XTC
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of hallucinogens can vary depending on the specific drug, but they typically include:
- Visual hallucinations
- Auditory hallucinations
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Agitation or anxiety
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of hallucinogen use are not well understood. However, there is some evidence to suggest that chronic use may lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. There is also a risk of developing tolerance or dependence on hallucinogens.
Long-term effects of hallucinogens can vary depending on the specific drug, but they typically include:
- Persistent psychosis
- Flashbacks
- Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD)
Treatment for hallucinogen addiction typically includes talk therapy and behavioral counseling. Medications may also be used to help manage symptoms of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). If you or someone you know is struggling with a hallucinogen addiction, please seek professional help.
What Drugs Make You Hallucinate?
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that is found in certain mushrooms. It can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as changes in perception, mood, and body sensation.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogen that is derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. It can cause visual and auditory hallucinations – you can also expect changes in perception, mood, and body sensation.
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a hallucinogen that was originally developed as an anesthetic. It can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as changes in perception, mood, and body sensation.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in medical and veterinary settings. A related form, esketamine, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression under medical supervision, but recreational use carries serious risks.
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug that produces intense visual and auditory hallucinations. It occurs naturally in some plants and animals and can also be made synthetically in a laboratory. DMT’s effects are very intense but short-lived when smoked or vaporized, often lasting less than an hour, which sets it apart from longer-acting hallucinogens like LSD. DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a small cactus that grows in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The hallucinogenic compound mescaline is found in peyote buttons, which are the crown-shaped tops of the cactus.
Peyote has been used by Native Americans for centuries for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. Peyote is a Schedule I controlled substance, although federal law allows its religious use by members of the Native American Church.
San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) is a cactus that grows in the Andes Mountains of South America. It contains the hallucinogenic compound mescaline. San Pedro has been used by indigenous people in the Andes region for healing and spiritual purposes for centuries. While the cactus itself is often sold as an ornamental plant, its active compound, mescaline, is a Schedule I controlled substance.
Salvia divinorum is a plant that contains the hallucinogenic compound salvinorin A. Salvia divinorum is not federally controlled, but many states have banned or restricted it, so its legal status varies by location.
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves. The leaves contain the hallucinogen DMT, while the vine contains compounds that prevent the body from breaking DMT down, allowing it to take effect when swallowed. The brew has long been used by indigenous people in the Amazon region for healing and spiritual purposes.
Ayahuasca has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly among Westerners who are seeking an alternative to traditional Western medicine. Although ayahuasca is being studied in research settings, using it outside of clinical supervision carries serious risks, including dangerous interactions with medications.
How Long Do Hallucinogens Remain in the Body?
The length of time hallucinogens remains in the body depends on the specific drug. For example, LSD is typically detectable in urine for up to 5 days after last use, while psilocybin is detectable for up to 3 days.
When Do I Know That I Need Hallucinogen Treatment?
If you’re worried that your use of hallucinogens has gotten out of control, consider these questions:
- Am I using hallucinogens more frequently or in larger doses than I intended to?
- Have I been unable to cut back on my use of hallucinogens even though I’ve tried to do so?
- Do I spend a lot of time thinking about using hallucinogens or obtaining them?
- Do I continue to use hallucinogens even though it’s causing problems in my life?
- Do I use hallucinogens in dangerous situations, such as driving while under the influence?
- Have I experienced withdrawal symptoms when I try to stop using hallucinogens?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need hallucinogen addiction treatment.
What is Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment?
There is no specific treatment for hallucinogen addiction, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Many hallucinogens work by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain, which changes perception, mood, and thinking.
This can lead to changes in mood, perception, and behavior. Treatment typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy and medication management. Treatment options for hallucinogens are similar to those for other addictions, and individuals may also benefit from professional treatment for depressants washington to address co-occurring substance use issues.
Treatment for hallucinogen addiction typically includes some combination of:
- Individual therapy and group therapy
- 12-step programs, and other support groups
- Medications may be used to treat co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression, as determined by a clinician.
If you or someone you know is struggling with hallucinogen addiction, please seek professional help. There are many resources available to those who need them.
Detox
Medical detox is the first step in treatment, and it typically takes place in a hospital or residential treatment facility. During detox, the person will be monitored for any medical complications and withdrawal symptoms. After detox, the person will typically need to participate in an outpatient treatment program or inpatient treatment program.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be a useful tool in hallucinogen addiction treatment. This type of therapy can help the person identify and address the underlying issues that may have led to drug use. It can also help them develop skills to cope with triggers and cravings.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in treating substance abuse disorders. CBT can help the person learn how to identify and avoid triggers, manage cravings, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Group therapy is another effective form of treatment for hallucinogen addiction. This type of therapy provides support and camaraderie while also teaching skills for recovery. Group therapy can be helpful in dealing with the shame and isolation that often accompany addiction.
Aftercare
Aftercare programs for hallucinogenic addiction treatment may include 12-step programs, sober living houses, and continuing care groups. These types of support can help the person maintain sobriety and avoid relapse.
How Effective is Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment?
There is limited research on the effectiveness of hallucinogen addiction treatment, but it is thought that a combination of therapy and medication may be helpful.
Are Hallucinogens Addictive?
Most classic hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin, are not considered physically addictive because they don’t typically cause compulsive drug-seeking or a withdrawal syndrome. However, they quickly produce tolerance, meaning a person needs more of the drug to feel the same effects. PCP is an exception, as it is more closely linked to compulsive use and withdrawal symptoms.
Even without physical dependence, some people develop a pattern of hallucinogen use that harms their health, work, or relationships. When use continues despite these problems, it may be a sign of a substance use disorder that can benefit from professional treatment.
Hallucinogen Dependence
Hallucinogen dependence can be described as a person’s continued use of hallucinogens despite the negative consequences they cause in their life. Hallucinogen addiction treatment typically includes inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
Co-Occurring Disorders and Hallucinogen Abuse
People who struggle with hallucinogen use often have co-occurring mental health disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 21.2 million U.S. adults had both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2024, and nearly half of adults with a substance use disorder also had a mental illness.
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to protect the person from harming themselves or others. Hallucinogens are often used recreationally, but they can be very dangerous.
The most common co-occurring disorders among people with hallucinogen addiction are:
How Do Hallucinogens Affect The Brain
Hallucinogens affect the brain by binding to certain receptors and altering the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells. It plays a role in mood, perception, and behavior.
Think about how many functions in your brain are controlled by serotonin. Now imagine what would happen if the chemical was altered. That’s what hallucinogens do.
The effects of hallucinogens can be unpredictable. They depend on:
- The type of drug
- The amount taken
- The person’s mood and personality
- Whether other drugs are taken at the same time
Some people who use hallucinogens see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations). Other common effects include:
- The feeling of detachment from self or reality
- Distorted perceptions of time and space
- Heightened senses
- Intense emotions
What is Depersonalization?
Depersonalization is a feeling of disconnection from one’s body and thoughts. This can lead to a sense of floating or observing oneself from outside the body. Depersonalization is a common side effect of hallucinogen use.
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Panic
Short-term effects of hallucinogens typically last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of drug used. Some hallucinogens, such as LSD, can produce long-lasting changes in mood and perception (known as “flashbacks”) even after just one use.
The Benefits of Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment
There are many benefits to hallucinogen addiction treatment. Treatment can help people to:
- Reduce or stop their use of hallucinogens
- Deal with any underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to their drug use
- Learn new coping and problem-solving skills
- Develop a support network of family and friends who can offer encouragement and understanding
Take a Step into Recovery at Free By The Sea
While there are many drugs that can cause hallucinations, Free By The Sea offers a wide range of other addiction treatment services, including detoxification, therapy, and aftercare planning. These services are vital for those struggling with addiction, as they provide a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Washington has some of the most scenic and beautiful locations in the country. This setting can help to create a sense of peace and calm for those in recovery, providing an ideal environment for healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact us today.
Dr. Richard Crabbe joined our team in 2019 as our psychiatrist and medical director. He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002.
