Hallucinogen addiction is a serious issue. While these drugs are commonly associated with spiritual journeys and mind-expanding experiences, they can also lead to dangerous consequences, both mentally and physically. Many users believe that hallucinogens are not addictive, but repeated use can result in psychological dependence, emotional instability, and long-term cognitive issues. In this post, we’ll explore the dangers of hallucinogen addiction and how professional treatment from Dr Jolandi Meyer and The Way Recovery Centre can help individuals reclaim their lives.
What Are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens are a category of psychoactive substances that alter a person’s perception, thoughts, and feelings. These drugs can cause hallucinations—making users see, hear, or feel things that aren’t actually there. While some hallucinogens occur naturally in plants and fungi, others are synthetically produced in laboratories.
Hallucinogens are commonly divided into two main types:
Classic hallucinogens: Such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and mescaline (peyote and San Pedro cactus).
Dissociative drugs: Such as PCP (phencyclidine), ketamine, and dextromethorphan (DXM). These drugs distort perception and create a feeling of detachment from reality.
While some people experiment with these substances for recreational or spiritual experiences, frequent use can lead to hallucinogen addiction and long-term mental and physical health issues.
The Dangers of Hallucinogen Abuse
Many people believe that hallucinogens are harmless because they are not as physically addictive as substances like heroin or alcohol. However, hallucinogen abuse can have serious consequences, both in the short and long term.
Short-Term Effects of Hallucinogens
Distorted perception of reality
Unpredictable mood swings
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Dizziness and nausea
Panic attacks or paranoia
Risky behaviours due to impaired judgment
Because these drugs alter perception, users might misjudge distances, take dangerous risks, or experience terrifying hallucinations, which could lead to accidents, injuries, or even self-harm.
Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogen Addiction
Persistent psychosis: Some users develop ongoing visual disturbances, paranoia, and mood disorders.
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD): This condition causes flashbacks of previous hallucinations, often months or even years after the drug use.
Cognitive impairment: Memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and reduced problem-solving abilities.
Emotional instability: Chronic anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Social and professional consequences: Addiction can lead to broken relationships, job loss, and financial struggles.
Can You Become Addicted to Hallucinogens?
While hallucinogens do not typically cause physical dependence, frequent users may develop a psychological addiction. This means they crave the drug, feel unable to enjoy life without it, and continue using despite negative consequences.
Signs of Hallucinogen Addiction:
Repeated use despite knowing the risks
Needing larger doses to experience the same effects (tolerance)
Craving the drug and obsessing over the next use
Neglecting responsibilities or personal relationships
Experiencing anxiety, depression, or withdrawal-like symptoms when not using
If you or a loved one is experiencing these signs, it’s essential to seek professional help before addiction spirals out of control.
How Hallucinogen Addiction is Treated
Recovering from hallucinogen addiction requires specialised care and a structured treatment plan. At The Way Recovery Centre, Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team of addiction experts provide personalised treatment to help individuals break free from drug dependence.
Detox and Medical Supervision
While hallucinogens do not cause severe physical withdrawal symptoms like alcohol or heroin, stopping their use can lead to psychological distress. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances can make it difficult for users to quit on their own.
Under medical supervision, patients receive:
A safe environment to detox
Emotional and psychological support
Medication (if necessary) to manage symptoms
Therapy and Counselling
The core of hallucinogen addiction treatment is therapy. Dr Meyer and the team use evidence-based approaches to help individuals understand their addiction and develop healthier coping strategies.
Types of therapy offered at The Way Recovery Centre:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.
Trauma Therapy: Many people use hallucinogens to escape past trauma; therapy can address underlying issues.
Group Therapy: Support from others who have faced similar struggles can be incredibly powerful in recovery.
Holistic Therapies: Activities like yoga, meditation, and art therapy can help restore balance and inner peace.
Lifestyle Changes and Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t end after rehab. To prevent relapse, it’s crucial to build a supportive lifestyle. Dr Meyer and the team focus on:
Teaching stress management techniques
Encouraging healthy hobbies and routines
Providing relapse prevention strategies
Connecting patients with support groups and aftercare programs
For information on our 28-day in-patient programme with professional qualified medical detox from addiction and a platform of different approaches to addicts suffering from long-term gambling, alcohol and/or drug addiction, get in touch with Dr. Jolandi Meyer at The Way Recovery – Gambling, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facility in Pretoria. A six-week outpatient programme with individual counselling, group therapy, and family support is also available from The Way Recovery.
The Way Recovery Halfway House in Pretoria offers a reintegration, aftercare programme to aid the addict who has finished a detox programme in adjusting to society for the recovering addict who still struggles.
How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Hallucinogen Abuse
Watching someone battle addiction can be heartbreaking. However, there are ways to support them:
Educate yourself: Learn about hallucinogen addiction, its psychological effects, and treatment options. The more you understand, the better you can help.
Communicate with care: Avoid blame or criticism. Instead, express concern and listen without judgment. Many people struggling with addiction feel isolated, and knowing they have someone who genuinely cares can make a huge difference.
Encourage professional help: Suggest seeking treatment at The Way Recovery Centre, where experienced professionals, including Dr Jolandi Meyer, provide comprehensive care. Offer to help them research treatment options or even accompany them to their first appointment.
Set boundaries: While support is crucial, enabling addictive behaviour is not. Set clear and healthy boundaries, such as refusing to cover for their actions or provide money that may fund drug use.
Support their recovery: Recovery is a long process, and relapses can happen. Stay involved, celebrate their progress, and encourage them to stick to therapy, attend support groups, and adopt healthier coping mechanisms. Let them know you believe in their ability to recover.
Helping someone overcome hallucinogen addiction isn’t about forcing them to change—it’s about guiding them toward real, lasting recovery. If your loved one is struggling, your support can be a lifeline.
At The Way Recovery Centre, Dr. Jolandi Meyer and the team provide comprehensive, compassionate treatment for those battling hallucinogen addiction. With medical support, therapy, and structured rehabilitation, they address both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery.
If someone you care about is caught in the cycle of hallucinogen abuse, don’t wait—reach out today. The right help is here, and recovery is possible.
Common Ailments Treated by Dr. Jolandi Meyer
Dr. Jolandi Meyer’s expertise and comprehensive treatment options make her an exceptional General Practitioner for addressing all ailments. She provides personalised care, empowering patients to achieve optimal health. Her compassionate approach ensures patients receive the highest quality treatment. Her practice is located in Garsfontein, Pretoria on the same premises as The Way Recovery Centre.
With her support and guidance, patients can embark on a journey towards improved well-being and a healthier, happier life.