Hallucinogens are dangerous, habit-forming substances that change the user’s perception of reality. There are three types of hallucinogens: deliriants, dissociatives, and psychedelics, and these drugs can put users into a trance, produce a dream-like “reality,” and even result in insanity. Drugs such as LSD, PCP, MDMA, mescaline, and ketamine are common hallucinogens, as are the over-the-counter drugs Benadryl and Dramamine; certain mushrooms also produce a hallucinogenic effect when consumed. Although hallucinogens do not produce a physical dependency, unlike other drugs such as opiates, frequent users nevertheless become addicted to the high they produce. The symptoms of both frequent abuse and withdrawal are severe and include death. At The Ranch PA, we can help you or your loved one figure out why hallucinogens became appealing. We provide our clients with a medically supervised detox that manages extremely challenging symptoms of withdrawal such as suicidal ideation and severe depression. Our hallucinogens rehab also uses today’s most progressive therapeutic techniques — including Motivational Interviewing Therapy and Biofeedback — to help you figure out why substance abuse ever became an issue to begin with. Quite simply, The Ranch PA’s extraordinary therapists are well qualified to help you or your loved one reengage with a life-lasting sober and productive lifestyle. The Short and Long-Term Effects of HallucinogensHallucinogens are strong, mood-altering chemicals that cause long-lasting physical effects, which include raised temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, dilated pupils, sweating, tremors, lost appetite, and sleeplessness that can last up to 12 hours. Other side effects include violent behavior, vomiting and shivering, stomach pain, irrational and uncontrollable anger, and the sense that bugs are crawling all over the skin. Users take hallucinogens in tablet, liquid, or capsule form; LSD often comes as a small decorated square of paper. Like all substances, hallucinogens interfere with the brain’s normal functions by disrupting the nerves and neurotransmitters. Those who take a hallucinogen will find it harder to focus on reality and communicate with others; severe panic attacks, psychosis, and accidentally hurting oneself or someone else are serious risks when taking a hallucinogen. Hallucinogens can also cause intense mood swings, and users frequently feel paranoid or anxious. Feeling intensely afraid is another common symptom, and users often completely lose touch with reality. Taking hallucinogens sometimes results in a completely different effect with each dose; some users report a euphoric, mind-altering high one time, only to suffer terrifying paranoia the next. The most common long-term effect of hallucinogen use is the flashback. During a flashback, the user’s “trip” suddenly returns — days, weeks or years after the dose was taken. It is typically brought on by using another substance or by exercise. Heavy users of hallucinogens sometimes suffer permanent psychoses from long-term use. PCP is particularly dangerous; heavy users have developed schizophrenia, or killed or injured themselves or others. Those who don’t use PCP are still at risk for prolonged severe depression, decreased motivation, delusions, impaired memory, and increased anxiety. Hallucinogens Rehabilitation at The Ranch PA Our progressive, individualistic hallucinogens rehab helps clients get back to reality with our supportive and compassionate treatment plans. We foster a community-oriented environment that helps clients recover physically from the symptoms of withdrawal, as well as emotionally and spiritually through our multidisciplinary treatment methodologies. The Ranch PA’s small size keeps group therapy sessions personal, and each client receives 10 to 15 individual sessions per week. As our clients recover, our qualified staff of medical, clinical, and therapeutic professionals helps them figure out what caused them to become addicted in the first place. We use everything from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to psychiatric counseling to experiential therapy to help them get — and stay — on the path to recovery. For more information on overcoming an addiction to hallucinogens, call us now at 877-548-4794. Photo via
