Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

When you think of drug addiction, you probably imagine cocaine, heroin, or marijuana. Those are definitely the most common addictive substances out there.

However, there are other substances that aren’t as well-known but can still prompt addiction, chief among which are hallucinogens. Not understanding the addictive risks of these drugs makes it easier to fall victim to their euphoric effect.

In fact, a 2022 study shows that hallucinogens affect more than 3 million Americans older than 26 and more than 5.5 young adults (older than 18).

That’s where we come in. At Garden State Treatment Center, we offer the best hallucinogen addiction treatment in New Jersey. So don’t hesitate to contact us.

What are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are a group of substances that alter one’s perception of reality. They affect your awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

In some cases, the mind-altering effects of these drugs can go as far as making it hard to differentiate between reality and hallucinations. Hallucinogens are either chemically synthesized or derived from plant extracts or fungi.

Common hallucinogens include:

• Psilocybin (magic mushrooms/shrooms)
• Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
• Peyote (Mescaline)
• Ketamine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
• Salvia

How Do Hallucinogens Work?

Hallucinogenic drugs don’t work in one defined way. Classic variants focus on stimulating certain serotonin receptors in your brain, which disrupts your perception of reality and cognitive abilities.

Dissociative drugs, however, can change the chemical balance in your brain, which prompts you to dissociate from your surroundings.

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

There isn’t a definitive answer to that question, as the research on hallucinogens is indecisive. However, it seems like the addictiveness of these psychedelic drugs depends on their type.

In other words, certain hallucinogens are more addictive than others. That said, getting addicted to these drugs isn’t any different from other addictive substances.

It all starts with recreational usage. Then, with prolonged, consistent use of hallucinogens, your tolerance builds up, and you develop physical cravings.

It’s worth noting that some people can take hallucinogens occasionally without developing an addiction or facing any trouble with their social life.

What are the Side Effects of Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogenic effects (bad trips) differ from one person to another, as they depend on the intensity and duration of your usage. That said, the common side effects include:

• Panic attacks
• Fear
• Psychosis
• Flashbacks (long-term effect)
• Sleep problems
• High blood pressure and body temperature
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Suicidal ideation
• Mood swings
• Amnesia/memory loss

What Are the Most Addictive Hallucinogens?

As previously established, some hallucinogens are more addictive than others. So, here’s a list of the most common addictive variants.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

PCP (angel dust) might be the most common type of hallucinogens on the market. Unfortunately, long-term usage of that drug prompts physical and psychological addiction.

The more you take it, the more tolerance you build and the more cravings you’ll experience. Some hallucinogen users get to the point where they can’t function on a daily basis without it.

In that case, quitting can be challenging because PCP’s withdrawal symptoms can be gruesome.

Ketamine

Doctors usually use ketamine as an anesthetic, but in some cases, psychologists prescribe it to treat depression and suicidal thoughts. However, with a short-lasting euphoric effect, users find it difficult to quit that drug.

People who have taken high doses of ketamine reported that they had a near-death experience, facing seizures, difficulty breathing, coma, and an out-of-body sensation.

LSD

LSD isn’t as addictive as the previous two variants, but your body can still build tolerance to it. That can get you to increase the dose to experience the same high.

Besides, LSD can prompt users to see or hear things that aren’t necessarily there. Some people can get attached to that feeling. So, they abuse that drug to relive that alternative reality.

What are the Symptoms of Hallucinogen Addiction?

If you’re taking hallucinogens to treat certain mental health conditions, it can be challenging to identify when you’ve reached the point of addiction. However, there are a few physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that point to substance abuse disorder.

Behavioral symptoms include:

• Losing interest in your favorite activities
• Experiencing a decline in performance at work/school
• Facing financial issues due to spending money on drugs
• Spending time with people who enable drug abuse

Psychological symptoms include:

• Schizophrenia
• Constant agitation
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Amnesia
• Delusions
• Lack of focus
• Dissociative behavior
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia

Physical symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Vomiting
• Numbness in hands and legs
• Vision problems
• Muscle spasms
• Perspiration
• Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD)

Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with hallucinogen use disorder and want to start treatment, finding a specialized program can be challenging. However, a regular addiction treatment program can be just as effective. Here are the available options:

1. Detoxification Program

Detoxification is usually the first step in most addiction treatment programs. It’s where patients get the hallucinogenic drugs out of their systems.

That process usually takes place under the supervision of professional healthcare providers to manage the physically challenging withdrawal symptoms. These doctors can provide prescribed medications to alleviate the irritability and pain patients feel during that phase.

Unfortunately, the FDA hasn’t approved any medications for treating hallucinogen use disorder. So, doctors might have to resort to regular drugs/opioids.

Of course, the duration and intensity of this phase differ from one patient to another.

2. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Unlike the classic inpatient program, PHP allows you to go home at the end of the day.  Our partial hospitalization program offers a variety of modern treatments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy technique that’s been rising in popularity as an effective addiction treatment.

It involves inserting thin needles in specific parts of the body to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters. This helps alleviate the anxiety, pain, and discomfort associated with withdrawal and improves your mood.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is another treatment that helps patients cope with the overwhelming pressure of withdrawal. Our professional masseuses use different techniques to relieve tension, reduce physical pain, and calm your mind.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective therapeutic treatments for substance use disorder. It starts by helping patients understand the thoughts and emotions that led to hallucinogen abuse.

Then, it teaches them to develop healthy coping mechanisms to overcome these cognitive patterns in the future.

3.   Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs are suitable for patients with mild dependency. Like PHP, you usually bounce between the treatment center and your home. Its duration depends on the intensity of your addiction. Our IOP includes the following treatments.

Group Therapy

Group therapy gives you the chance to communicate with people going through the same journey as you. That collective experience will show you that you’re not alone and offer you the necessary support to continue with the treatment.

Trauma Therapy

Trauma is one of the leading causes of addiction. People start abusing drugs to cope with the overwhelming psychological and emotional pressure of current/past traumatic events. We offer trauma therapy to help patients overcome the thoughts that led to their addictive behavior.

4. Outpatient Program (OP)

Outpatient programs are for people who want to go through addiction treatment while keeping up with other responsibilities, like work or school. Although patients spend less time in that program than in IOP, they get access to a variety of treatments.

12-Step Program

In our 12-step program, our counselors will help you take accountability for your actions, reflect on your behavior, and admit that your addiction has hurt other people.

Collaborative Therapy

You can choose to do your therapy sessions with your parents, family members, or significant other. Going to therapy with your loved ones helps them understand your struggles and how to create a stress-free environment.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, hallucinogen addiction treatment is more accessible than ever. With our qualified staff and modern therapeutic techniques, we’ll make sure the treatment process is as seamless and comfortable as it can get.

So, if you or your loved ones are struggling with drug use disorder, contact us today!