Hallucinogen Addiction

What Are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that significantly alter a person’s perception, mood, and thought processes. These substances can distort reality, causing users to see, hear, and feel things that seem real but do not exist.

Depending on the form, hallucinogens can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Commonly referred to as “tripping,” the effect of hallucinogens varies depending on the type of hallucinogen and the individual’s body chemistry.

Hallucinogens can be divided into two categories: classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs.

Classic Hallucinogens

Classic hallucinogens—otherwise known as psychedelics—primarily affect serotonin levels in the brain, influencing mood and perception.

While some psychedelic drugs are naturally found in plants or fungi (such as DMT in ayahuasca and mescaline in the peyote cactus), others (like LSD) are synthetically produced in laboratories.

Examples of psychedelics include: 

• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
• Magic mushrooms or “shrooms” (psilocybin)
• Peyote (mescaline)
• DMT (dimethyltryptamine)

Dissociative Drugs

Dissociative drugs disrupt the user’s sense of reality and often produce feelings of detachment from the body or surroundings.

These drugs change how your brain processes the neurotransmitter called glutamate, which helps with memory, emotion, and perceiving pain.

Examples of dissociative drugs include:

• PCP or angel dust (phencyclidine)
• Ketamine
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• DXM (dextromethorphan)
• Salvia

Some dissociative drugs (like ketamine) are still used medically as an anesthetic, while others (like PCP) no longer have any approved medical use.

Why Do People Use Hallucinogens?

People may use hallucinogens to explore altered states of consciousness, enhance sensory perception, or achieve a sense of connection to others.

In some cultures, hallucinogens like peyote and ayahuasca are used in ceremonial or spiritual practices to foster self-reflection and personal growth.

However, a person’s experience with hallucinogen use can vary widely and is influenced by factors such as the type of drug, dosage, setting, and the user’s overall mental health.

While some users report positive experiences, others may experience what’s often referred to as a bad trip—which involves frightening hallucinations, paranoia, or intense anxiety.

Side Effects of Hallucinogen Abuse

Hallucinogenic drug use can cause a wide range of effects on both the mind and body. Since hallucinogens change how the brain processes information, abuse can lead to intense and unpredictable experiences.

While some effects are temporary, repeated or heavy use can result in long-term health problems. The severity of these side effects often depends on individual factors like the specific drug taken, how much, and the state of mind of the drug user.

Short-term side effects of hallucinogen abuse include:

• Distortion of reality or sense of time
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating or chills
• Increased body temperature
• Dizziness or slurred speech
• Mood swings
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Dilated pupils and sensitivity to light
• Impulsive, risky, or even violent behavior

Additionally, hallucinogen use can exacerbate certain mental health conditions. Someone already dealing with anxiety or depression might experience a more intense version of those symptoms.

For example, hallucinogens can trigger intense panic attacks in individuals with anxiety or lead to prolonged depressive episodes in those with depression.

In severe cases, hallucinogenic drug use can cause psychosis or long-term mental health problems, especially if the person already has an underlying mental health disorder like schizophrenia.

Other long-term effects of hallucinogen abuse can include:

• Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD): A rare but serious condition that causes people to continue visual distortions (like intensified colors or a change in how you perceive movement) long after the drug has worn off.
• Flashbacks: Brief episodes where the person can experience brief visual distortions, emotions, or other changes in perception similar to what they experienced during their drug trip. Flashbacks can occur days, weeks, or even years after using a hallucinogen and are typically triggered by factors such as stress, fatigue, or substance use.
• Physical health problems: Chronic hallucinogen use may contribute to cardiovascular issues, particularly for drugs like PCP or MDMA, which can elevate heart rate and blood pressure over extended periods.
• Addiction: For some, long-term use of hallucinogenic drugs can lead to developing substance use disorder (i.e., addiction). While hallucinogens are not typically considered physically addictive, some people may develop a psychological dependence, leading them to continue using despite negative consequences.

Signs of Hallucinogen Abuse and Addiction

The key to recognizing when drug abuse has become an addiction is when a person continues to compulsively use substances despite risks, legal issues, or the negative impact on their life.

Identifying hallucinogen abuse in a loved one—or admitting it in yourself—might be a critical step in preventing substance use from turning into a full-blown addiction or substance use disorder.

Some signs of hallucinogen abuse include:

• Behavioral changes: Frequent or secretive behavior (which could indicate drug use), neglecting responsibilities, or engaging in risky activities.
• Physical symptoms: Dilated pupils, sweating or chills, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and/or poor coordination.
• Psychological changes: Paranoia, anxiety, mood swings, or flashbacks resembling past drug trips.
• Social isolation: Avoiding friends and family or losing interest in hobbies.
• Paraphernalia: Items like blotter paper, mushrooms, powders, or unusual smoking tools.
• Financial issues: Spending excessively on hallucinogens or related activities.

Microdosing—taking barely perceptible doses of hallucinogens for mental or emotional benefits—has gained popularity in recent years. While some people claim it enhances creativity or reduces anxiety, microdosing can blur the line between controlled use and abuse.

Over time, even microdosing may lead to increased tolerance, psychological dependence, or the normalization of substance use, making it harder to recognize when casual use has become a problem.

Signs of addiction to hallucinogens will often include:

• Taking higher doses to achieve the same effect (i.e., tolerance)
• Compulsive need to keep using hallucinogens, even if it has a negative impact
• Trying to quit or cut back but being unable to
• Spending excessive time or money obtaining, using, or recovering from hallucinogens
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to hallucinogen use
• Using hallucinogens in risky situations, like while driving or at work
• Losing interest in relationships, routines, or favorite hobbies
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, when not using

Hallucinogen Withdrawal

Hallucinogen withdrawal is different from the kind of withdrawal symptoms you might associate with physically addictive substances (e.g., opioids or alcohol).

Most hallucinogens are not considered physically addictive, but heavy or frequent use can still lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression or mood swings
• Fatigue or low-energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased cravings for the drug
• Sleep issues like insomnia or intense dreams

Hallucinogen Overdose

Hallucinogen overdose is not as commonly discussed as overdose from substances like opioids or alcohol, but it is possible to experience a form of “overdose” or acute toxicity with hallucinogens.

The term overdose in this context refers to taking a dangerously high dose that leads to severe and potentially life-threatening physical or psychological effects.

Most life-threatening situations involving psychedelics (e.g., LSD, mushrooms) arise from the person’s distorted perception of reality, leading them to put themselves in dangerous situations.

On the other hand, dissociative hallucinogens (e.g., ketamine) can cause respiratory depression—especially if combined with other drugs—which can shut down your breathing or stop your heart.

A hallucinogen overdose can trigger long-term conditions such as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), chronic anxiety, or psychosis, especially in those predisposed to mental health issues.

Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment

Hallucinogen addiction treatment primarily focuses on addressing psychological dependence and any underlying mental health conditions. The goal is to help individuals regain control of their lives, improve their mental well-being, and develop effective coping skills.

While hallucinogens typically do not cause physical dependence, individuals struggling with addiction can benefit from entering an inpatient or outpatient rehab treatment program.

Inpatient programs at specialized treatment centers offer intensive support for those who need a safe, monitored environment to begin recovery. Inpatient care might be ideal for someone with a severe addiction, additional mental health condition, multiple addictions, or otherwise needs the stability and routine of 24/7 support.

Outpatient programs provide flexibility, allowing individuals to attend therapy sessions and group counseling while maintaining daily responsibilities. In many cases, outpatient rehab is suitable for treating hallucinogen addiction.

One of the primary treatment methods for hallucinogen addiction is therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients identify and change harmful thought patterns, manage triggers, and develop healthier ways to cope with stress or emotional challenges.

Therapy sessions may also focus on addressing the psychological effects of hallucinogen use, such as anxiety, depression, or lingering perceptual issues like flashbacks.

By combining therapy with support from a treatment program, you or your loved one can work toward long-term recovery and a healthier, more stable life.

Hallucinogen Abuse and Addiction Statistics

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2019, over 5.5 million American adults reported using hallucinogens in the past year, indicating a significant rise since 2015.

• Rising Use Among Young Adults: In 2023, 9% of adults aged 19 to 30 reported using hallucinogens in the past year, up from 5% in 2017.
• Increase in Middle-Aged Adults: Among adults aged 35 to 50, past-year hallucinogen use reached 4% in 2023, doubling from 2% in 2021.
• Youth Trends: Hallucinogen use among adolescents aged 12 to 17 has decreased in recent years, contrasting with the upward trend in adults.
• Emergency Department Visits: There has been an 86% increase in hallucinogen-related emergency department visits in Ontario between 2013 and 2021, reflecting a concerning trend that may be indicative of broader patterns.

Get Help for Hallucinogen Addiction

Hallucinogen abuse can lead to significant psychological challenges, including dependency, mental health issues, and long-term effects like HPPD.

Recognizing the problem is the first step toward recovery, and seeking professional help can make a life-changing difference.

Get started by checking out SAMHSA’s online treatment locator for information about local treatment options and answers to your recovery questions.