Hallucinogen Addiction

There is a common misconception that it is not possible to develop an addiction to hallucinogens. However, while hallucinogens don’t usually create the same intense physical cravings or withdrawal symptoms as other drugs, that doesn’t mean they can’t be addictive.

What sets hallucinogen addiction apart is the way these drugs can hook into your mind. People often begin using hallucinogens to explore different realities, push the boundaries of their senses or escape from the stresses of life.

Over time, however, the desire to keep having those same experiences can lead to repeated use, even when it starts causing more harm than good. This psychological dependency can be very hard to shake without the right help which leaves you locked into hallucinogen addiction.

There are many potentially addictive hallucinogens but two of the most common conditions seen at Recovery Lighthouse include:

• LSD addiction: LSD can hook you with its intense, mind-altering effects, causing you to seek out those experiences again and again. This can trap you in a cycle of psychological dependence and abuse which usually requires professional LSD addiction treatment to break.
• Ketamine addiction: A relatively unique form of hallucinogen addiction which causes both psychological dependency and physical withdrawal symptoms if you try to cut down or quit.

When you’re deep in hallucinogen use, the line between fun and addiction can blur faster than you can imagine. Here are some clear signs that an addiction to hallucinogens may have taken hold:

• You have been upping the hallucinogen dose to get the same high you used to experience with less.
• A huge chunk of your day is spent thinking about getting or using hallucinogens.
• You keep using hallucinogens even when they are messing with your relationships, school or work.
• All the things you used to enjoy doing now seem boring or less fun than taking hallucinogens.
• You have tried to quit or cut down but have found it impossible.
• You are moody, irritable or depressed when you’re not using hallucinogens.

If any of this sounds familiar, it may be a sign that you need professional help.

Hallucinogen addiction doesn’t just mess with your perception in the moment – it leaves lasting marks that can impact every part of your life. Here are some of the biggest dangers:

• HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder): This is where past trips revisit you through flashbacks and visual disturbances long after the drugs have left your system. They can be very scary and can cause extreme distress and potentially dangerous reactions.
• Physical health risks: Long-term hallucinogen use can cause various physical issues from heart problems to lung issues if you have been smoking the drugs.
• Mental health issues: Hallucinogens can trigger psychosis, worsen depression or anxiety and even spark conditions like schizophrenia.
• Cognitive issues: Keeping track of things, concentrating and even basic problem-solving can all become a struggle with ongoing hallucinogen use.
• Legal problems: In the UK, hallucinogens are illegal so getting caught with them can lead to legal issues like fines or prison time.
• Risk of accidental harm: Under the influence, your perception is distorted, which can make you a danger to both yourself and others.

Overcoming an addiction to hallucinogens means unravelling the emotional and psychological patterns it causes. At Recovery Lighthouse, this is done through an intensive hallucinogen addiction treatment programme that works on every level:

1. Drug detox: Even though hallucinogens don’t usually cause intense physical withdrawal, detox is still important if you have been using other substances or need a safe space to come down and readjust.
2. Drug rehab: Rehab is where you will learn to recognise your triggers, break free from old patterns and face life with a fresh perspective.
3. Aftercare: To keep you moving forward, we then provide a year of free weekly group therapy sessions to help you prevent relapse and put what you have learned in rehab into practice.