Psychedelics – LSD & Mushrooms

Overview

Hallucinogenic drugs and psychedelics include LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline/peyote, and many more. At Hanley, we have developed a number of distinct protocols that are effective at treating those who’ve become addicted to these drugs.

Common Hallucinogens

Though the properties of various hallucinogens vary, all hallucinogens can cause hallucinations — whether sensations and/or images — that seem real though they are not.

Common classic hallucinogens include the following:

  • LSD – ALSO KNOWN AS ACID, BLOTTER ACID, DOTS, AND MELLOW YELLOW
  • PSILOCYBIN – ALSO KNOWN AS MAGIC MUSHROOMS OR SHROOMS
  • PEYOTE – ALSO KNOWN AS BUTTONS, CACTUS, AND MESC
  • DMT – ALSO KNOWN AS AYAHUASCA OR DIMITRI
  • 251-NBOME – ALSO KNOWN AS 251 OR N BOMB
  • KETAMINE – ALSO KNOWN AS SPECIAL K
  • DEXTROMETHORPHAN – ALSO KNOWN AS DXM
  • SALVIA (SALVIA DIVINORUM) – ALSO KNOWN AS DIVINER’S SAGE, SALLY-D, MARIA PASTORA, AND MAGIC MINT

Side Effects

The effects of hallucinogens may last several hours and vary depending on the specific hallucinogen. Some of the typical effects of the broad group of hallucinogens are:

  • FEELINGS OF EUPHORIA
  • HALLUCINATIONS OR DISTORTED PERCEPTION
  • SEEING OR HEARING THINGS THAT ARE NOT THERE
  • DISORGANIZED THOUGHTS OR CONFUSION
  • ANXIETY, PARANOIA, OR FEELINGS OF PANIC
  • DIZZINESS
  • BLURRED VISION
  • LOSS OF COORDINATION
  • INCREASED HEART RATE AND/OR BLOOD PRESSURE
  • IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT
  • NAUSEA AND VOMITING
  • SWEATING WHICH MAY ALTERNATE WITH CHILLS AND SHIVERING
  • NUMBNESS

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

People tend to think hallucinogens aren’t addictive, but this notion is completely false. Psychedelics can be euphoric while being used, but they are dangerous to the neurotransmitters in the brain long-term. Some drugs are worse than others; LSD is one of the greatest offenders.

Neurotransmitters promote feelings of happiness and well-being and are essential to not feeling anxious or depressed. With each successive use of a psychedelic, an individual diminishes their natural chemical capacity toward happiness until it reaches the point to where they are neurochemically incapable of feeling happy without chemicals. The only time they experience joy is while chemically altered by psychedelics.

Treatment Modalities

Some people may be using hallucinogens as a way to treat undiagnosed mental disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. A comprehensive Psychedelic Addiction Therapy program for people recovering from a hallucinogen use disorder, especially those accompanied by co-occurring disorders, should include:

  • EVIDENCE-BASED NEUROLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS
  • COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
  • MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
  • MEDICAL CARE (INCLUDING MEDICATION, WHEN APPROPRIATE)
  • PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
  • CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
  • FAMILY EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING
  • LIFE SKILLS TRAINING
  • SPIRITUAL CARE SUPPORT
  • CONTINUING CARE SERVICES

Hanley’s team of multidisciplinary professionals includes physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, master’s level clinicians, and more. To learn more about our programs, visit us here.

“Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder”

While “flashbacks” are something many people familiar with, many people are not aware that long-term use of psychedelics can make a person vulnerable to a more sustained and constant form of flashbacks. This a medically-recognized syndrome called “Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder.” People who’ve experienced HPPD say there is absolutely nothing pleasant about being in the grips of a prolonged flashback and the most prominent feature of this syndrome is severe anxiety and terror.

Like any addiction, quitting is not easy, and for most, moderating is impossible. We have the experience and expertise to help you overcome an addiction to hallucinogens—whether you are a long-time user or have more recently picked up the drug.