Created on: Tuesday, 13 August 2019 Modified on: Sunday, 18 August 2019

Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Services for Psychedelic Drugs Addiction in the United States

Hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs make up a large group of different substances. These types of drugs alter a person’s awareness and their surroundings. Hallucinogens will also change your thoughts and feelings, and your sensory perceptions. There are common types of psychedelic drugs, such as classic hallucinogens, and dissociative drugs. Classic hallucinogens include LSD, and dissociative drugs include PCP. However, both classifications of drugs cause hallucinations, such as an image that seems real, along with a feeling of being out of control and disconnected from your body. There are many hallucinogens that are naturally occurring coming from plants and fungus. There are many types of psychedelic drugs, some more abused than others. Some of these substances are found throughout the United States and are abused by addicts and recreational drug users.

LSD is one of the more recognizable hallucinogens, along with being one of the more powerful psychedelics. LSD is made from lysergic acid that is found in fungi, such as what would be produced on rye or other grains. Peyote is a small cactus where mescaline is the primary chemical, and the drug occurs naturally, but can also be synthesized. DMT is a chemical found in some plants growing in the Amazon. The drug can also be made in a lab and ends up looking like a white crystalline powder that can be smoked. PCP is a widely-recognized drug and was originally used as an anesthetic for surgery. PCP is sold illegally as a liquid, white crystal powder, and as a tablet. Ketamine is a popular club drug and is known as a date rape drug. The drug can be snorted or mixed into drinks and the effects are similar to what alcohol produces. Salvia is a common hallucinogen found in Mexico from a plant that is found in the mint family. Finally, dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, which is found in over the counter drugs and prescription cough suppressants.

Psychedelic drugs affect the mind and body in many different ways. The drugs disrupt communication between the brain the chemical systems in the body. These various drugs also interfere with naturally occurring hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. This results in the user experiencing various moods, sensory perception, sleep, hunger, increased body temperature, and an increased heart rate. Dissociative hallucinogenic drugs affect your reaction to pain and interfere with the way you respond to your environment. You experience a wide array of emotion, and the drugs affect your memory and ability to learn. Despite a decrease in popularity throughout the country, there are still parts of the US where heavy use is found. Most drug treatment programs in the country can effectively treat someone who is abusing these drugs. The drug user must go through detox first before they attend inpatient or outpatient treatment. Detox is not an easy process to go through, and it is different for each person who experiences it. The rehabilitation process will address the underlying issues connected to addiction.