Hallucinogens addiction

Danny Smith

Written by:

Danny Smith

Last Updated:

March 27th, 2025

Hallucinogens have been used for centuries for everything from recreation to spiritual ceremonies. Despite their ancient roots and the mystique surrounding their use, however, hallucinogen use can lead to a number of severe consequences for health and well-being. While not as frequently discussed as other substance dependencies, hallucinogen addiction can devastate the lives of both those affected and their loved ones. The symptoms and risks of hallucinogen addiction can vary widely among different substances, but hallucinogenic users must be aware of the dangers and how to seek help if they need it.

What is a hallucinogen?

Hallucinogens are a diverse class of drugs that alter a person’s perception of reality, thoughts and feelings. They work by disrupting the communication between neurotransmitter systems across the brain and spinal cord, causing people to see, hear and feel sensations that seem real but are not.

There are several types of hallucinogens, broadly categorised into two main groups:

1. Classic hallucinogens

These include substances such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and mescaline (derived from the peyote cactus). Classic hallucinogens primarily cause profound changes in thought, mood and perception.

2. Dissociative drugs

These include substances like ketamine, PCP (phencyclidine) and dextromethorphan (DXM), which produce feelings of detachment from a person’s environment and themselves.

What are the effects of hallucinogens?

The effects of hallucinogens can vary dramatically and are influenced by a wide range of factors, including the specific substance used, the dose, the individual’s psychological makeup and the context in which the drug is consumed. Effects can be both psychological and physical and often blur the lines between the user’s perception of reality and drug-induced hallucinations or alterations in perception.

Psychological effects

  • Altered perception of time and space: Users may experience time moving very slowly or rapidly, while spatial awareness may also be distorted.
  • Visual hallucinations: These commonly include vivid images and colours, geometric patterns and distorted visions of people and objects.
  • Enhanced emotional states: Emotions can be amplified, which can lead to intense euphoria, the sense of a profound spiritual experience, but also anxiety, paranoia and panic.
  • Altered thought processes: Thought patterns can also become disjointed, leading to a disrupted sense of identity or a sense of detachment from the external world.

Physical effects

  • Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite: Common with the use of some hallucinogens, especially those which are ingested.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure: These can be particularly pronounced with substances like LSD.
  • Coordination problems: Users may experience clumsiness or a lack of coordination.

The intensity and nature of these effects can lead to unpredictable behaviour, making hallucinogen use potentially dangerous, especially in uncontrolled environments. The risk of accidents increases, and in some cases, individuals may experience severe, distressing psychological reactions known as “bad trips,” causing panic, potentially life-threatening behaviours and lasting negative impacts on mental health.