Hallucinogenic drugs don’t often receive much attention when it comes to substance use disorders because they’re not particularly addicting. However, the use of hallucinogenic drugs is controversial when it comes to treating addiction and other mental health disorders. Many hallucinogenic substances, from LSD to psilocybin, magic mushrooms, are being clinically tested as alternatives to mental health treatment. MDMA, also known as ecstasy is in the approval process by the FDA to be available in prescription form and available through a doctor for treating depression. Ibogaine, a hallucinogenic substance from South America and Mexico is considered an alternative detox method for opioid addiction. There are many psychological benefits to the experience of a “trip” produced by hallucinogenic substances. People claim to have spiritual experiences which help them transcend their mental health disorders or attachment to addictive drugs. Psychoactive hallucinogenic drugs have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Primitive practices using Ayahuasca and Peyote, for example, are traditional to many indigenous cultures.
There may come a time when there is a standardized, clinical way to treat addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders with hallucinogenic drugs. Until then, it is important to understand the risks and myths of experimenting with drugs like LSD and others.
- Tripping on hallucinogens is nothing but a good time: Business Insider reports on the myths of psychedelic hallucinogenic drugs. LSD and other similar drugs are not always a good time. A “bad trip” can be damaging to one’s mental health and permanently impact important neural pathways. More importantly, though the trips can be transformative, they aren’t always fun.
- Tripping on hallucinogens destroys your brain: Serious trauma to the brain or severe drug abuse can cause considerable damage to the brain. Getting burned out on hallucinogens has its own set of side effects, but they aren’t severe. Overdose on drugs like MDMA and other drugs has lead to permanent disability, stroke, or even psychosis.
If you are experiencing a problem managing the amount of hallucinogens you use and how often you use them, LEAD Recovery Center has a way to help you discover a new way to live and manage your life. Our multiphase transitional program is designed to help you develop the skills you need to be completely immersed in life. For more information on our extended care programs, call 1-800-380-0012.
