Hallucinogen addiction

Hallucinogens come in various forms, including natural substances like magic mushrooms (psilocybin) or synthetic ones like LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). They are usually taken orally as tablets or as a liquid, but some can be brewed into tea. The effects can kick in within 20 to 90 minutes and can last anywhere from a few hours to over half a day, depending on the drug and dosage.

Cannabis can also have hallucinogenic effects, particularly if you take it in high doses or use a potent strain. Ketamine, which is one of the UK’s most commonly abused drugs, is a dissociative hallucinogen, meaning it makes you feel detached from reality or even from your own body.

Hallucinogen addiction is a bit different from other forms of drug addiction which tend to create a strong physical dependency. Hallucinogens work more on the mind than the body so while you may not experience intense physical withdrawal symptoms, the psychological grip of hallucinogens can be just as powerful.

Hallucinogen addiction usually begins with experimentation, but after enjoying the effects of hallucinogens, you take them again. After a while, you may begin to feel like you are losing control of your hallucinogen use, even if you don’t always have a good time.

Hallucinogens can be unpredictable and while one trip may be mind-blowing in a positive way, the next trip could be terrifying. Despite this, you might still feel compelled to take the drugs, hoping to recreate the good experiences or because you have come to rely on the sense of escape.

Despite common misconceptions, several hallucinogens can cause a psychological dependency and even a physical one. Some of the most common forms of hallucinogen addiction that we see in Oasis Runcorn include:

LSD addiction

LSD, or “acid,” is known for its powerful trips but the desire to keep chasing those mind-bending experiences can be powerful. LSD doesn’t cause physical dependence which makes the addiction more about the psychological grip it has on you.

Cannabis addiction

While many people see cannabis as relatively harmless, using large quantities or strains with high levels of THC can lead to both psychological and, in some cases, physical dependency. Some people start relying on cannabis to relax or escape and before they know it, they feel like they can’t function without it.

Ketamine addiction

Ketamine can make you feel like you’re detached from reality, and this escape can become something that you crave. While it’s mostly about the mental pull, using ketamine frequently can also cause some physical withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious or jittery when you try to stop.

It’s not always easy to spot when casual use starts turning into an addiction, especially with hallucinogens. But there are some signs you can look out for, including:

• Thinking about your next trip more often than you’d like
• Feeling like you can’t unwind or have fun at all without hallucinogens
• Using hallucinogens even when you know it’s causing problems like arguments with loved ones, financial issues or legal problems
• Trying to cut or quit back but going back to hallucinogens because you can’t
• Continuing to take hallucinogens despite those problems

Recognising these signs early on can make a big difference so if any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to reach out for help.

The effects and dangers of hallucinogenic abuse can vary depending on the type of drug you’re using, but there are some common risks that everyone should be aware of:

Unpredictable reactions

Everyone’s mind reacts differently to hallucinogens and there’s no telling how your trip will go. What starts off fun can suddenly become intense fear, paranoia and panic that leaves you feeling stuck in your own head and at risk of accidents.

Lingering mental effects

Using hallucinogens over and over can damage your mind long after the trip is over. You might start feeling anxious or depressed or even have flashbacks where parts of your trip come back when you least expect it.

Physical toll

Hallucinogens can do a great deal of harm to your body, too. They can speed up your heart, raise your blood pressure and make you feel sick. In some cases, especially if you mix them with other drugs, they can cause serious problems like seizures or dangerously high body temperature.

Strained relationships and life struggles

As you use hallucinogens more, you might start pulling away from the people who care about you, struggling at work or school or getting into trouble with the police, as most hallucinogens are illegal.

Long-term damage

While the effects of hallucinogens might seem temporary, the damage they do to your mental and physical health can be very permanent. This can affect your overall well-being and make your life difficult in the long run.

The first step of treating addiction is drug detox but with hallucinogens, this process is sometimes a bit different. Hallucinogens don’t usually cause intense physical withdrawal symptoms but medical support is still important as you might still experience anxiety, mood swings or cravings as your body adjusts to life without the drugs.

Once you have detoxed, the focus shifts to drug rehab. This is where you’ll dive into understanding why you turned to hallucinogens in the first place. Rehab helps you develop healthier ways to cope with stress, anxiety or whatever challenges led you to use hallucinogens compulsively.

Finally, aftercare is crucial for keeping you on the right path after you leave Oasis Runcorn. We will provide weekly group therapy sessions and help you make and follow through on a personal relapse prevention plan.

Hallucinogen addiction can pull you into a world of confusion and fear but you don’t have to face it alone. Oasis Runcorn is here to guide you back to reality with expert care and support. Our comprehensive treatment plans are designed to help you overcome hallucinogen addiction and build the life you deserve. Contact us today to find out more.