Are you or a loved one addicted to hallucinogens? Many people think that hallucinogens are relatively safe, but they are wrong. Hallucinogens may not have so many obvious physical symptoms, but they are just as dangerous as any other drug.
Hallucinogens Inpatient
The term “hallucinogen” encompasses a broad category of drugs. All hallucinogens have one thing in common: they induce hallucinations. Some of the most common hallucinogens include:
- LSD
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- DMT
- PCP
- DXM
- Mescaline (Peyote)
- Ketamine
- Ayahuasca
- Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
- Peyote
- Salvia
All the above will cause intense sensory experiences that alter the user’s perception of reality. The detachment from reality can be so severe that inpatient treatment might be the only option for recovery.
What is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment is a form of intensive care that involves hospital admission. During inpatient treatment, the addict receives intense medical care and is under constant monitoring to prevent relapses.
This is the most focused type of treatment, which makes it ideal for long-term hallucinogen users. Inpatient rehabilitation typically lasts at least a full month. During that time, patients live in a sheltered hospital environment.
During inpatient treatment, patients receive medical care. This aims to eliminate any traces of hallucinogens from their body. They also receive intensive behavioral therapy and counseling to help them deal with the triggers that caused them to use hallucinogens in the first place.
Life in inpatient rehab follows a strict schedule without any free time. This helps patients break the vicious cycle of drug abuse while building discipline and the life skills they need to stay sober. The schedule aims to take the patients’ mind off their homes and the routines that lead to drug abuse.
After inpatient rehab is over, patients are well-equipped with the tools they need to remain sober.
Standard Length of Hallucinogens Inpatient Treatment
As we have seen above, inpatient treatment for hallucinogens typically lasts for a month, but it can last longer for difficult cases. Hallucinogen detoxification is relatively quick, lasting a couple weeks at most. However, the treatment aims to eliminate psychological addiction as well.
Since there are no government-approved medical treatments for hallucinogen addiction, inpatient treatment provides the best chance for a life free of hallucinogens.
Hallucinogens Outpatient
Hallucinogens cause a variety of short-term side-effects as soon as 20 minutes after use. The short-term effects include:
- Hallucinations
- Inability to sense time
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth dryness
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Synesthesia (mixed senses)
None of the above are particularly lethal in themselves, which make some people think that hallucinogens are safe. However, they have many severe long-term side-effects, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Speech problems
- Memory problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
In extreme cases, hallucinogens may cause amnesia or heart attacks. The depression wrought by hallucinogens can be so severe as to trigger suicidal thoughts.
What is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment aims to bridge the gap between traditional treatment options and intensive inpatient care. With outpatient programs, patients continue living at their homes while also receiving personalized treatment.
Outpatient treatment programs have the patient attend daytime therapies on a daily basis. This causes minimal disruption to the patient’s schedule while giving them the opportunity to get free of their hallucinogen addiction.
During outpatient treatment, patients will stay at home but visit the treatment center each day. This gives a sense of freedom, but may leave the patient vulnerable to temptation and social pressure.
Standard Length of Hallucinogens Outpatient Treatment
Typical outpatient programs last from one to three months. They are generally less intensive than inpatient treatment programs.
A typical outpatient program for hallucinogens rehab will demand at least two hours a day from the patient. During that time, the patient will visit the treatment center for a combination of behavioral therapy sessions, and medical examinations.
Hallucinogens Sober Living
Hallucinogen addiction is often more psychological than physical in nature. Some of the most popular hallucinogens may not cause a physical addiction, but the mental changes they cause are enough to get users addicted.
This means that while it is easy to get your body detoxed from hallucinogens, it is equally easy to relapse due to psychological triggers.
Most hallucinogens interfere with serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates numerous bodily functions, including:
- Mood
- Social behavior
- Sensory perception
- Sleep
- Memory
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Sexual behavior
Hallucinogen addicts are socially vulnerable. That is why sober living may be one of the best hallucinogen rehab options.
What is Hallucinogens Sober Living?
People recovering from hallucinogen addiction may opt to stay in sober living homes. There, they receive focused treatment in a safe place. Sober living houses create a strong sense of community and are less strict than inpatient treatment programs.
What to Expect
During sober living, you will have to undergo medical examinations and behavioral therapy. The most important aspect of sober living is that you will get to stay in a safe environment with other recovering addicts. Sharing your experience with other people in the same situation can be motivating and empowering.
Ongoing Recovery
The dangers of hallucinogens are less obvious than other drugs, but they are real and they are serious. Dealing with hallucinogen withdrawal can be a challenge for you or your loved one.
Thankfully, you are not alone. Here at Addiction Treatment Services, we help families to guide their loved ones to a drug-free life. Hallucinogen treatment and rehab is indeed possible, and we are here to show you how.
Deciding to make a change is the first and most difficult step. Since you are reading this, it means that you have already taken that first step. If you or a loved one suffer from hallucinogen addiction, please don’t hesitate to contact us about possible treatment options.
