Hallucinogen Addiction - Counselling and Treatment
Hallucinogens are drugs such as LSD, Magic Mushrooms and Mescalin. These substances cause visual and auditory hallucinations over a period of time known as a "trip". Hallucinogens are frequently used in combination with other recreational drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy and MDMA. LSD and hallucinogenic addiction is not as common as other drugs such as heroin or cocaine but can often lead to experimentation with these harder drugs.
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide also known as LSD or "acid" is a psychedelic drug which produces intense visual distortions and hallucinations, euphoria, lack of any sense of time or space and confusion. Sensory perception is increased and users report distorted functions of the senses, for example, people will “feel” music instead of hearing it (an effect called synthesia). LSD is available on small squares of blotting paper (known as a "trip"), in capsules (known as a "cap") or as a liquid, all of which are orally ingested, although some users favour putting a trip or drop of liquid in their eye for greater effect.
Magic Mushrooms
The term "magic mushrooms" refers to Psilocybin mushrooms. These mushrooms are dried and ingested orally, smoked in a joint or brewed as a hot drink. Effects include auditory and visual hallucinations, large pupils and euphoria. Many users feel an intense connection with nature and a significant spiritual experience.
Mescaline
Trimethoxyphenethylamine is a natural hallucinogen and is derived from various species of cactus such as the Peyote and called mescaline. It is available in capsules or as a piece of the dried cactus which is chewed on. Mescaline hallucinations differ in kind from those produced by LSD, focusing more on shapes, geometrical patterns and vivid colour. Synthesis is common side effect.
Hallucinogen addiction treatment will often require a stay in a rehabilitation centre offering drug addiction counselling such as Oasis Counselling Centre for drug addiction. Major psychological work is often required because of the permanent effect the drugs have on the brain. Personality changes are a side effect of chronic use. Hallucinogen addiction counselling accompanied by a 12 Step recovery programme and adoption of a healthy lifestyle is highly beneficial to an addict maintaining sobriety.
If you are struggling with drug addiction, contact us at Oasis Counselling Centre today for more information on how to find sobriety through our drug treatment facilities.
