Psychedelic drugs have grown in popularity over the past few years. Since they are hallucinogens, these street drugs (such as LSD or ecstasy) can create vivid, unreal images in a person’s mind as well as produce sounds and sensations that are not real. The effects of hallucinogens will vary from person to person and are highly unpredictable. While one time a person can have an enjoyable experience, another time they can partake in nightmarish behavior or even become psychotic. The effects of these drugs can last anywhere from a few short hours up to 12 hours and in some cases can be life-threatening. If you suspect a loved one of hallucinogen abuse, you will want to get them medical attention immediately to prevent long-term emotional and physical effects.
Psychedelic Drug Addiction
Hallucinogens, though unpredictable, are widely used by individuals. Individuals who use these drugs typically do so in a group setting, which means that the peer-pressure factor is also to blame for excessive use and abuse. Even though hallucinogens are not considered addictive, users will have to use higher doses in order to overcome a tolerance their body builds up to the drug.
Psychedelic Drug Abuse
Over time, your loved one may begin to abuse hallucinogens or start using excessive doses in order to feel the effects of the drug. Upon initial use, a user will have dilated pupils, sensations, feelings, and a rapid loss of time. As their body builds up a tolerance, they will start to suffer from severe hallucinations, mental disorders, drug-induced psychosis, and even hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. While some of these effects can dissipate in several hours, some become long-term conditions.
Psychedelic Drug Intervention
Since psychedelics and hallucinogens are not addictive, confronting your loved one can still be a challenge. Instead of breaking a psychological and emotional dependency, you will be comforting your loved ones about the social groups they keep and helping them realize the destructiveness of those groups and behaviors. An intervention can help those in denial and that refuse to quit. By providing your loved one with social alternatives and support, they will not fear the emotional isolation associated with dismissing friendships and acquaintances that are associated with their drug use and old lifestyle.
Psychedelic Drug Treatment
Though there is no need for medical treatment for a hallucinogen drug user and addiction, medical treatment is necessary for the long-term effects of abusing hallucinogen drugs. Sometimes individuals will have to undergo severe psychotherapy to overcome hallucinations and help determine what is real and not real due to long-term psychosis. Those who do not develop medical conditions from long-term abuse will still have to cope with the emotions associated with dismissing friends and groups and taking on a new lifestyle. For some people this is easy, but your loved one may find it difficult to cope in a lifestyle outside of what they used to know. Therefore, your individual may benefit from therapy and even group therapy sessions to help them overcome the anxiety and depression associated with it.
If you suspect your loved one of hallucinogen use, remember that they still need help just like other drug abusers. Contact the professionals at LifeLine Intervention today by calling {insert number here} to get the special guidance and steps needed to perform a successful hallucinogen intervention for your loved one.
