Hallucinogens such as MDMA, LSD, and PCP are extremely popular in parties and dance clubs across the country. There is a perception that they are “safe” and “natural” ways to enhance the pleasurable experiences of a night out. However, in most cases they are neither safe nor natural. They also come with a number of negative consequences to using them, as well as a difficult recovery process once you become addicted. So, how do you learn to cope with hallucinogens?

Physical Effects

To understand how to overcome and cope with hallucinogen abuse, you must first know the effects of hallucinogens on the body. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, physical effects of hallucinogen abuse include:

• Nausea
• Increased heart rate and body temperature
• Dehydration
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of muscle control

These physical effects can be life-threatening and leave many hallucinogen abusers in a state of helplessness that often leads to sexual assault or accidental injury. Treatment stops hallucinogen abuse and reduces the risk of these occurrences.

Psychological Effects

Anxiety and depression are potential psychological effects of hallucinogens.

Even more dangerous than the physical effects of hallucinogen abuse are the psychological effects. Some of these include:

• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Psychosis
• Confused perceptions
• Depression
• Paranoia

These effects are all very dangerous, especially since there is a significant risk of them becoming permanent or developing into a related mental illness. Additionally, there is a strong risk of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder. According to the National Library of Medicine, this disorder results in flashbacks for years after you stop using the hallucinogen. To increase the likelihood of coping with any of the negative effects, call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) for treatment options today.

Treatment Options

There is still depressingly little known about the mechanisms in the brain and body related to addiction to hallucinogens. The only certainties are that there are no medications for treating this disease and no treatment can guarantee that you will not face any of the long term consequences to hallucinogen abuse. This does not mean, however, that there are no treatment options or hope. Treatment options most successful in ending hallucinogen abuse and teaching skills to cope with long term consequences include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Mutual support groups like Narcotics Anonymous
• contingency management, which provides tangible incentives for sobriety
• Individual or group counseling

All of these options meet the needs of people suffering from hallucinogen abuse, as well as providing treatment for the very likely development of psychological disorders when obtained from a professional addiction treatment center

How Treatment Helps

While it’s true that there is no cure for any addiction, there are ways that treatment helps you cope with the consequences of hallucinogen abuse and overcome addiction. The skills and information taught in professional treatment centers are specifically designed to allow you to maintain control of yourself, even in the face of temptation.

It also gives you the tools necessary to recognize and cope with long-term side effects such as flashbacks and persisting psychosis. However, in order to take advantage of these coping mechanisms, you must get treatment.

Call us at 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) today and allow our counselors to assist you in finding the hallucinogen treatment option that is best for you.