One of the most common myths regarding drug use is that traditional hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms are not addictive. Most people are much more aware of the addictive effects of opiates like heroin, cocaine, Oxycontin and morphine because severe addiction occurs rapidly. The easy availability of addictive drugs like opiates and benzodiazepines also makes cases of addiction more prevalent, whereas hallucinogens are not as readily available – or as high in demand. Nevertheless, any substance that alters perception will cause physical dependence and addiction if used long enough. This includes all types of hallucinogens.
True hallucinogens work by disrupting the production and utilization of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical substance that regulates critical functions like sleep, mood, sex drive and ability to manage stress. Drugs in this class cause substantial, sometimes transient hallucinations that are more difficult to distinguish from reality than illusions caused by other types of drugs. However, other types of drugs also cause hallucinations, but are not considered true hallucinogens. These include Dextromethorphan, PCP and Ketamine. Instead of disrupting serotonin production, these drugs block the production of a necessary learning and cognitive neurotransmitter called glutamate.
Repeated use of hallucinogens leads to the development of tolerance. As the body becomes accustomed to the drug it will require more and more of the substance in order to achieve the desired effect. Therefore, regular users will usually increase their drug intake. Over time this leads to physical dependence, where the body cannot function normally without the drug. As changes take place in the central nervous system in order to mitigate the effects of the hallucinogens, this physical dependence becomes stronger.
Once physical dependence has set in, full blown addiction is generally imminent. This is because each time a person uses hallucinogens the pleasure and reward center in the brain is triggered and a contextual association is created. This results in the production and release of dopamine and the construction of a neurological pathway in the brain to service this "pleasurable" experience. These neurological pathways become permanent over time, causing cravings for the drug even long after a person has stopped using.
This addiction process is the same for any type of drug including alcohol. Therefore, a person can easily become addicted to hallucinogens, opiates, or any other type of drug. If there is a release of dopamine involved and the results are perceived as pleasurable, addiction is a very real threat. Furthermore, once addiction has set in, it is a progressive, lifelong illness for which there is no known cure – only treatment. Occurrences of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and other associative disorders can cause intense urges to use again, even years after a person has taken a drug or had a drink. This is why interventions, detox, inpatient, outpatient and day/night programs are so vital to the public health of our communities – addiction can happen to anyone.
If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction to hallucinogens, serious consequences can result if you don't get help now. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get sober.
Call us right now for information on one of the country's best and most successful inpatient treatment centers.
To get a free, confidential consultation by phone or via chat, pleaase visit our website any time of day or night:
Jim is a professional writer, editor, interventionist and addiction specialist