Hallucinogen Use Is At An All-Time High
A new report recently revealed that young adults, including generation Z and Millennials, have increased their drug use in the past two years. The pandemic may have contributed to this. However, as more types of drugs have become decriminalized, their use has risen. More people are using marijuana than ever before. And younger people are using the most psychedelic drugs ever, turning to mushrooms, Molly and other hallucinogens like PCP.
Why Are People Using Hallucinogens So Much?
More people turned to drugs like marijuana during the pandemic, when social isolation was rampant and the future looked bleak. Marijuana is easy to get and is legal in many states. Of course, there are illicit sources as well. Drug dealers turned to apps like Signal or Snapchat to peddle their wares. About 40% of young people surveyed in recent research said they had used marijuana in the past year.
Hallucinogens, while less available, have also been touted by tech gurus as a key to innovation. Some Silicon Valley execs say the drugs, taken in “micro-doses,” help them be more creative. Some therapists say that hallucinogens can help people cope with the symptoms of PTSD.
This increased interest, as well as increased decriminalization, has created an uptick in taking mushrooms as well as synthetic drugs like LSD or PCP.
Understanding Two Types Of Hallucinogens
There are two types of hallucinogens, classic hallucinogens, which include drugs like LSD or mescaline, which come from various kinds of desert cactuses in South America. People also may use a dissociative hallucinogen, such as Ketamine or PCP, the second type of hallucinogen. Dissociative hallucinogens make it so that a person may experience hallucinations or a “trip” but may have little control over themselves or their actions. Some people black out when on drugs, while others may lose consciousness and control of their bodily functions.
Many people who use hallucinogens experience temporary mental changes, such as changes in their way of thinking and beliefs or perceptions. They may even form temporary delusions. Some hallucinogens, specifically dissociative, may cause complete blackouts and be used as “date rape drugs.” All are dangerous when combined with other mood-altering drugs, which can cause dangerous behavior as a person loses an understanding of reality.
Dissociative drug users are more likely to experience physical dangers when overdosing. For example, PCP can cause seizures, coma, and death when a person uses it too much. Other drugs combined with drugs like Molly can cause dangerous effects, such as rapid heart rate or overheating, or slow breathing that can lead to an overdose death.
Longer-Term Problems Caused By Hallucinogenic Drug Use
For some unfortunate people, hallucinogenic drugs can trigger mental health issues. People who have used hallucinogens are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders like schizophrenia.
Hallucinogens are dangerous because they can cause physical changes, as well as mental changes, in long-term users. There aren’t many studies yet on taking hallucinogens over more extended periods. However, repeated use of hallucinogens can lead to psychosis and other mental health disorders.
Some other symptoms that people may experience from repeated hallucinogen use also may indicate mental health disorders. A mental health professional must diagnose a person, but symptoms may include:
- Visual disturbances/hallucinations
- Disorganized thinking
- Trouble with logic
- Changed speech patterns/problems with speech
- Mood changes
- Changes in consideration and decision making
- Weight loss
- Memory loss
- Depression, or suicidal thinking
- Anxiety
- Rapid mood changes
Using hallucinogens long-term can cause family problems, school issues, financial issues, and more. A person using drugs like this frequently may start to act erratically or seem “out of it.” They may have mental health changes or appear unhealthy.
Substance Use Disorder and Hallucinogens
Anyone who frequently uses hallucinogens is taking dangerous risks with their physical and mental health. There isn’t much research on the toll hallucinogens take on a person’s health, but for mental health, there is a danger of permanent psychosis.
Many people who misuse hallucinogens start by looking at their drug use as a spiritual journey. People who use drugs to relax or elevate their mood are at risk for a substance use disorder.
If you or somebody you love uses psychedelic drugs frequently, there’s a better path to finding yourself. Learn to live a life full of meaning, substance-free, and get back to what’s essential. We can help you restart your journey and regain your health. Call is at US or (949) 279-1376 or MX: (612) 153-5726 to get started.