Hallucinogen Addiction: Side Effects & Treatment

GET HELP TODAY!

100% Confidentiality Guaranteed
NAADAC Logo
joint commission gold seal

What are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are a type of drug that causes hallucinations. These drugs make people see images, hear sounds, and feel sensations. These experiences seem real, but they are not.

Hallucinogens Addiction drugs are usually classified into two different categories: classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Both types of drugs produce similar side effects and can either be man-made or occur in plants or mushrooms.

Researchers are still trying to understand how hallucinogen addiction works. Researchers think that these substances disrupt communication between neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. In turn, this affects bodily functions like mood, sensory perception, muscle control, and more.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that around 1.4 million people are using hallucinogens. This includes individuals aged 12 and older. Young adults ages 18 to 25 were the most prevalent hallucinogen users among individuals ages 12 and up.

Many kinds of hallucinogens exist, and people use them in various ways, such as:

  • Swallowing them as tablets, pills, or liquid
  • Consuming them raw or dried
  • Brewing them in tea
  • Snorting them
  • Injecting them
  • Inhaling, vaping, or smoking them
  • Absorbing them through the lining in the mouth via drug-soaked papers

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

Hallucinogen addiction is rare. Most people do not see hallucinogens as addictive. However, some can cause tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.

For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that LSD is not an addictive drug. This is because it does not cause uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviors. However, it does produce tolerance.

Many users might start taking larger doses of the drug to feel the same effects. This can be extremely dangerous and may lead to an overdose.

Conversely, PCP is one hallucinogenic drug that is known to be addictive, as it causes common withdrawal symptoms like cravings, headaches, and sweating, among others. 

Researchers have yet to determine the addictive qualities of other hallucinogens like DMT. Researchers need to continue studying hallucinogens more to accurately determine whether they are addictive or not.

Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.

Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.

Street Names for Hallucinogens

Common street names for LSD include Acid, Battery Acid, Blotter, Boomers, and California Sunshine. Other names are Cid, Doses, Dots, and Golden Dragon.

You might also hear Heavenly Blue, Hippie, Loony Toons, and Lucy. Some people call it Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Microdot, Pane, or Purple Heart. Other names include Superman, Tab, Window Pane, Yellow Sunshine, and Zen.

Street names for psilocybin mushrooms include Alice, Boomers, Buttons, Caps, Champiñones, Hongos, Magic, Magic Mushrooms, Mushies, Mushrooms, Pizza Toppings, Shrooms, and Tweezes.

Many people know peyote by different names. These include Black Button, Britton, Button, Cactus, Green Button, Half Moon, Hikori, Hikuli, Hyatari, Nubs, Seni, Shaman, and Tops.

The most common street names for DMT are DMT itself and Dmitri.

Street names for PCP include Angel Dust, Supergrass, Boat, Tic Tac, Zoom, and Shermans.

Ketamine is also known by street names such as Blind Squid, Cat Valium, Green, Honey Oil, Jet, K, Keller, Kelly’s Day, K-Hold, K-Ways, Special K, Super Acid, and Vitamin K.

A common street name for DXM is Robo.

Street names for Salvia divinorum include Diviner’s Sage, Maria Pastora, Sally-D, and Magic Mint.

Ayahuasca is often called Huasca, Yagé, Brew, Daime, The Tea, or La Purga.

Examples of Hallucinogens

Some common examples of hallucinogens and dissociative drugs are listed below.

Examples of classic hallucinogens include:

Examples of dissociative drugs include:

Other examples of hallucinogenic drugs include:

=

How Long Do Hallucinogens Stay in Your System?

Many different factors affect how long hallucinogens will stay in your system, such as:

  • The type of hallucinogen drug used
  • How much of the drug was used
  • Individual biological factors (age, health, weight)
  • The type of sample obtained for testing (hair, urine, blood, etc.)

For example, LSD is one of the most commonly abused hallucinogens. Drug test detection times for LSD are as follows:

  • Urine: 2-4 days after the last use
  • Blood: 6-12 hours after the last use
  • Hair: Up to 90 days after the last use

What Are the Side Effects of Hallucinogen Abuse?

The side effects of hallucinogen abuse can vary a lot. They depend on the person, the type of drug, the amount taken, and whether someone used other drugs. Generally speaking, here are some of the most common side effects of hallucinogens:

  • Euphoria
  • Blurry vision
  • Intense relaxation
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation 
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased body temperature
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Numbness

Sometimes, people who use hallucinogens may also experience what’s known as a “bad trip.” This is an adverse reaction to the drug. Side effects of a bad trip include:

  • Unpleasant/intense hallucinations
  • Intense fear
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Panic 
  • Drug-induced psychosis
  • Dangerous and/or life-threatening behavior

What Are the Signs of Hallucinogen Overdose?

High doses of hallucinogens can be too much for the body to handle and may cause an overdose. However, death rarely occurs from the drug overdose itself. Instead, many fatal hallucinogen overdoses occur because of risky behaviors, suicide, and physical injuries.

Signs of a hallucinogen overdose can vary depending on the drug, but may include:

  • Depressed breathing
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

Call 911 right away if you think you or someone you love is having a hallucinogen overdose.

What Are Hallucinogen Withdrawal Symptoms?

Not all hallucinogens produce withdrawal symptoms, but some drugs like PCP or ketamine do. Some people may become physically dependent on these drugs and experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. Common hallucinogen withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Stiff muscles
  • Depressed breathing
  • Convulsions
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Extreme changes in body temperature
  • Cravings
  • Headaches 
  • Sweating
  • Seizures
  • Flashbacks

Quitting hallucinogens can be difficult, especially if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Many people believe that since hallucinogens are eliminated from the body relatively quickly, medical detox isn’t necessary. In some cases, hallucinogen detox is crucial. This is especially true if a person has built a tolerance or has strong withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.

A hallucinogen detox program can provide 24/7 monitoring and medication-assisted treatment to reduce the severity of hallucinogen withdrawal symptoms. A medical detox program provides a safe and supportive space. This helps with long-term sobriety, physical healing, and emotional healing. So, in other words, relapse is much less likely with the assistance of a hallucinogen detox program.

Hallucinogens Addiction Withdrawal Timeline

The hallucinogen withdrawal timeline varies greatly depending on the person and the type of hallucinogen drug that was used. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary a lot. This makes it hard to determine a specific timeline for these symptoms.

Discover Our Drug Glossary

Everything You Need to Know...

What Are the Signs of Hallucinogen Addiction and Abuse?

Some of the most common signs of hallucinogen abuse may include:

  • Bizzare or erratic behavior
  • Difficulty walking straight or having other coordination problems
  • Paranoia
  • Extreme changes in appetite
  • Dilated pupils
  • Rapid breathing
  • Poor perception of time, space, and distance
  • Depression
  • Risky and/or dangerous behaviors

Hallucinogen addiction is rare and unlikely. However, if someone feels they can’t function without a hallucinogen, they may need help. If they have a high tolerance to the drug, support is important. Getting sober and staying sober can be challenging.

Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.

Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.

How to Overcome Hallucinogens Addiction

The first step to recovering from hallucinogen addiction is usually detox. This process helps you overcome physical dependence.

During this time, you will also receive clinical care. This helps you get ready for a hallucinogen rehab program. It also sets the stage for emotional and spiritual healing in the future.

Inpatient or outpatient rehab for hallucinogen treatment offers various types of behavioral therapy. These therapies help address the root causes of your addictive behaviors. A hallucinogen treatment program can help you understand the problems that caused your substance abuse. It focuses on your mental health issues.

At Nova Recovery Center, we provide complete care. This includes detox, rehab, sober living, and aftercare services. Our goal is to help you beat addiction and live a healthier, happier life.

If you are ready to begin your recovery, call (512) 605-2955. Speak with a Nova representative today about hallucinogen treatment options.

Explore More Types of Hallucinogens

2C‑B and other 2C compounds

Psychedelics like 2C‑B and its related 2C compounds...

Alpha‑MT (α‑Methyltryptamine)

Alpha-MT, also known as α-Methyltryptamine (AMT)...

Ayahuasca (and its constituents)

Ayahuasca is a traditionally brewed Amazonian...

Bufotenin (5‑HO‑DMT) and 5‑MeO‑DMT

Bufotenin (5‑HO‑DMT) and 5‑MeO‑DMT are powerful...

DMT

DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a strong hallucinogen found in some plants and animals...

Ibogaine

Ibogaine treatment for addiction involves using a hallucinogenic drug made from the root bark...

Ketamine

Ketamine is a powerful dissociative anesthetic...

LSD

D-lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD, is a hallucinogen. LSD...

MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)

MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy...

Mescaline / Peyote

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a small, spineless cactus ..

Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are fungi that contain psilocybin, a natural...

NBOMe

NBOMe is a powerful synthetic hallucinogen. It falls under..

Ololiuqui and Morning Glory Seeds

Ololiuqui and morning glory seeds carry a rich cultural legacy and complex chemistry. Used by Aztec priests...

Salvia divinorum

Salvia divinorum—a potent hallucinogenic herb native to Oaxaca, Mexico—has gained attention for...

Frequently Asked Questions About Hallucinogens

Yes, while hallucinogens are not considered physically addictive like opioids or alcohol, people can develop psychological dependence. This includes cravings, compulsive use, and difficulty controlling consumption.

Hallucinogen dependence refers to the psychological reliance on these substances, where users feel they need them to function, cope, or experience certain feelings. It often leads to tolerance and risky behavior.

Hallucinogens are not used to treat addiction. In fact, substances like LSD, PCP, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT can themselves cause harmful effects and may worsen underlying mental health conditions.

Examples include LSD (acid), psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline (peyote), DMT, ketamine, and PCP. These drugs alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.

Yes, some individuals have a natural resistance, meaning they may experience reduced or no effects. Repeated use also builds tolerance, making the drug less effective.

Tolerance to DMT can develop quickly with frequent use. After repeated doses, the effects diminish, and users may require higher amounts to feel the same impact.

Long-term effects may include persistent visual disturbances (HPPD), anxiety or depression, and impaired memory or cognition. These vary by drug type and usage patterns.

Tolerance means the body adapts to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. With hallucinogens, tolerance can develop rapidly and fade after a period of abstinence.

Hallucinogens can cause visual or auditory distortions, altered perception of time, mood changes, confusion, and in some cases, panic or paranoia.

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, sweating, rapid heart rate, and intensified sensory experiences that may lead to anxiety.

Hallucinations can cause a person to see, hear, or feel things that aren’t real. This may lead to disorientation, risky behaviors, or unsafe decision-making.

They interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain, altering mood, perception, and cognition. Physical effects may include increased blood pressure, heart rate, and coordination problems.

Related Topics or Scroll Down to Continue Reading

Two young men smiling and talking at a park picnic table in Austin, symbolizing recovery from Sonata addiction and life after prescription drug rehab.
Zoloft: How Does the Prescription Help
Two men reconnect in a lively Austin venue after completing prescription drug rehab for Sonata addiction.
What is The Addiction Treatment Process
A young woman sits in quiet reflection at a dimly lit café, symbolizing emotional healing after Sonata withdrawal and prescription drug rehab.
How to Get Sober Without Rehab
Two young women at a local Austin café working on recovery journaling and academic tasks, symbolizing a lifestyle free from Sonata addiction.
Prescription Opioids: The Facts Before Ordering
Two young men socialize outside a local Austin bookstore, representing recovery and resilience after overcoming Sonata addiction.
Prozac: Get it Help in The Sober Journey
Call Now Button