The Redpoint Center | Overcoming Hallucinogen Dependency

Understanding Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a diverse class of drugs that affect an individual in many ways, commonly resulting in profound alterations to one’s perception of the world around them. Their potent effects can lead to hallucinations, from visual or auditory hallucinations altering one’s perceived relationship with reality to even olfactory hallucinations reinforcing this changed sense of environment.

Hallucinogens like PCP are also addictive, and navigating an addiction to any kind of hallucinogen can be a complex and challenging journey. We at The Redpoint Center understand the need to challenge your use of hallucinogens in an informed and dedicated manner, with trained clinicians available to help guide you through a personalized treatment program, all while empowering you to address your unique needs and goals for a healthier, sober future.

The Prevalence of Hallucinogens

Despite their intense mental, emotional, and physical ramifications, the use of hallucinogens is still widespread, with around 7.1 million people having reported using hallucinogens in 2020 alone. However, there is no point that you are “too addicted” for effective treatment and recovery. Whether you are looking to begin your journey to a life free from hallucinogens or looking to continue building on your effective coping strategies, The Redpoint Center is here to help.

The Various Types of Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens come in many different forms, often split into two distinct categories: classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs.

Classic Hallucinogens

Classic hallucinogens like LSD affect the brain’s nerve receptors and disrupt how the brain handles serotonin, impacting one’s behaviors, perception, mood, and regulatory functions. Those under the effects of classic hallucinogens can perceive any number of sights, smells, or sounds that may not be present. Classic hallucinogens can also cause:

—— Mood swings
—— Stress
—— Fear
—— Panic
—— Anxiety

The effects of hallucinogens can even impact your ability to regulate your body temperature or dieting habits, leaving hallucinogens with a powerful and all-encompassing impact on the body and mind.

Dissociative Drugs

Dissociative drugs, such as PCP, ketamine, or salvia, also significantly impact one’s perception. These drugs can cause intense lethargy, slowing down the body’s normal processes and causing an individual to distort their perception of reality through a lens of detachment. By affecting the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is involved in the perception of pain, memory, and environment, those under the influence of dissociative drugs can feel detached from their environment and even their own body or self.

Hallucinogens have a variety of sources, from natural extracts to man-made hallucinogens, and can be taken in various forms, from pills to injections, powders, and more. However, hallucinogens of either category are exceptionally dangerous, with a multitude of long-term effects on the body and mind.

Comprehensive Care

Professional and clinical care is necessary to address both the short- and long-term effects of hallucinogens. At The Redpoint Center, we are ready to help you understand these effects while creating a pertinent treatment program for your specific needs throughout any stage of treatment and recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Hallucinogen Addiction

Overcoming an addiction to hallucinogens can be difficult, but we at The Redpoint Center are ready to help you identify and recover from addiction. While each client will have their own experiences with addiction, some common signs of hallucinogen addiction include:

—— Self-isolation tendencies
—— Using hallucinogens at risky or inappropriate times
—— Experiencing negative consequences but continuing to use
—— Excessive or intense mood swings
—— Changes in finances or budgeting
—— Increased feelings of anxiety or depression
—— Persistent paranoia or pervasive fear or doubt
—— Changes in dieting, sleep, or hygiene routines
—— Difficulty concentrating

While hallucinogen addiction can be a difficult situation, there is always hope. Finding the right path to treatment and sobriety is always possible. The Redpoint Center is prepared to be the catalyst for your sober journey, and we are standing by to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

The Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens affect both the body and mind in various ways. From immediate short-term effects such as altered perception, increased heart rate, and changes in mood and muscle control to changes in sexual behavior or sleep schedules, hallucinogens can continue to impact each individual even long after the initial high has worn off.

Those who have used hallucinogens may experience long-term effects such as:

—— Disorganized thinking
—— Mood swings
—— Visual disturbances
—— Anxiety
—— Paranoia
—— Panic

Hallucinogens can continue to impact one’s perception long after initial use, leading to persistent psychosis even if one is not actively engaged with hallucinogens at a specific time. These experiences of psychosis can also develop into hallucinogen persistent perception disorder (HPPD,) bringing flashbacks, paranoia, hallucinations, and other symptoms of psychosis. These episodes of HPPD can onset quickly and without warning and require educated, dedicated support to navigate safely.

Other mental health disorders are also common due to persistent use of these drugs, from anxiety, depression, and panic disorders to mood disorders, each of which demands a personalized, dedicated, and clinical approach.

Beginning Your Journey at The Redpoint Center

At The Redpoint Center, we offer an extensive treatment program filled with a wide array of therapeutic modalities to help you overcome the use of hallucinogens and maintain a healthy, transformed lifestyle. Our caring clinicians are available to personalize your treatment plan, treating the whole self rather than addressing isolated symptoms.

By combining proven therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and much more, we are committed to empowering each client to be their own best force for change, all while curating a supportive, healing atmosphere in the heart of Colorado. We believe in helping you pursue your own goals and are ready to support you with personalized, clinical care each step of the way.

Reach Out Today

Hallucinogens present a unique recovery journey, and we at The Redpoint Center are ready to help you challenge and overcome the use of hallucinogens and their effects on your life. For more information on how we can personalize your recovery journey, call our caring, trained staff today.

(303) 219-0973