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The Effects Of Hallucinogens On The Brain

Written by admin on August 5, 2022. Posted in Addiction, Holistic Therapy, Recovery.

Recreational drug users may be taking dangerous substances without thinking about the negative effects of hallucinogens on the brain. While hoping for a pleasant “trip,” many people receive the exact opposite. When a person consumes hallucinogens, they impact both the neural circuitry and serotonin production of the brain. Serotonin controls perceptions, moods, and thinking processes, as well as stress and panic responses. According to SAMHSA’s 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, among people aged 12 or older, 0.1% have experienced a recent hallucinogen use disorder. For these reasons, arming oneself with knowledge about hallucinogens and their dangers could mean the difference between recovery and tragedy.

What Are Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that interact with the chemicals and neurotransmitters within the brain that control mood and thinking processes. Because of this, the effects of hallucinogens on the brain are significant and unpredictable. Users report either pleasurable or unpleasurable experiences or “trips,” that can last up to twelve hours. As a result, users lose the ability to recognize reality. This, combining with an inability to think or communicate logically makes for a very dangerous scenario. Experiences with these drugs are individual and differ with the type of drug and the personal traits of the user.

Hallucinogenic drugs include two types of drugs – classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs:

LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide – classic): LSD is a powerful mind-altering chemical. LSD is derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Effects include hallucinations, mood fluctuations, visual distortions, and other sensory distortions.
Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine – classic): Also known as “shrooms,” this drug presents itself in edible and drinkable forms. Mushrooms originate in tropical or subtropical regions of South America, Mexico and the US. The effects are similar to those produced by LSD.
Peyote (mescaline – classic): A small cactus containing mescaline is soaked in liquid to make a drink. Mescaline is often made in a laboratory. The effects are an altered state of consciousness that involves hallucinations.
DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine – classic): Growing naturally in Amazonian plants and also produced in labs, the effects are consistent with hallucinations, an altered sense of time and depersonalization. In addition to DMT, Ayahuasca also called “hoasca,” “aya,” and “yage” is made from plants containing DMT.
251-NBOMe (classic): A synthetic drug with effects like LSD and MDMA, is much more potent.
THC (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol – classic): THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana, causes paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations.
Ketamine (dissociative): Taken in the form of powder, a pill, or injectable liquid, Ketamine causes visual disturbances and disorientation. Ketamine, known as the date-rape drug can be unknowingly added to drinks.
PCP (Phencyclidine – dissociative): This drug is either snorted, smoked, swallowed, or injected into the veins. Effects include an out of body experience.
Dextromethorphan (DXM – dissociative): This cough suppressant can manifest in a range of negative psychological and physical effects.

Effects Of Hallucinogens On The Brain

Short term effects of hallucinogens on the brain includes the temporary drug induced psychosis the user experiences after ingesting the drug. There is no way to control the outcome of the user’s experience with the drugs. Each use can be different and unpredictable. With diminished ability to recognize reality and an inability to think or communicate rationally, the short and long term effects can produce a number of symptoms indicative of psychosis. Long term effects can occur for an unknown period of time. Just one experience with the drug is enough to produce these terrifying effects.

Short Term Effects of Hallucinogens on the Brain Include:

Hallucinations
Emotional or mood shifts
Nightmares and paranoia
Delusions, panic reactions or impulsiveness
Visual disturbances and spiritual experiences
Altered states of awareness and perception
Anxiety and nervousness

Long Term Effects of Hallucinogens on the Brain Include:

Increased tolerance of the drug
Extreme withdrawal symptoms including cravings, headaches, sweating, depression, anxiety and irritability
Flashbacks or persistent psychosis manifesting in paranoia, visual disturbances, confusion, unstable mood swings
HPPD: Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder which can occur after just one exposure to the drugs

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

The effects of hallucinogens on the brain can include addiction. Building a tolerance to hallucinogens will produce physical and mental withdrawal symptoms if usage is not increased and continual. While drug seeking behaviors are not supported, tolerance is just as dangerous. LSD and psilocybin point to this reaction. Additionally, other hallucinogens have unknown addictive potentials. PCP has proven to be addictive with withdrawal symptoms manifesting as cravings, headaches, and sweating.

Benefits Of Professional Treatment For Drug Addiction

The benefits of professional addiction treatment for drug addiction are shown by the success rates of those who have a solid treatment plan. Professional medical and mental health providers work together to make assessments, help clients detox from drugs and alcohol, and design treatment plans that include different types of therapy. Struggling users must learn how to live their lives in a sober and healthy fashion. Lifestyle training that includes learning the importance of taking care of diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep habits and self esteem is vital. The brain can rebound from the effects of hallucinogens on the brain with professional addiction treatment.

Find Relief From Hallucinogens in Georgia

If you have concerns about the effects of hallucinogens on the brain and are living in Georgia, Retreat of Atlanta offers treatment that could benefit you greatly. Our professional staff is ready and able to address your concerns, answer your questions and initiate treatment options quickly and responsibly. Stop living in fear of the effects of hallucinogens. Contact us today to begin your recovery!

The Benefits Of Holistic Therapy In Addiction Recovery

Written by admin on July 22, 2022. Posted in Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Holistic Therapy, Recovery.

Over the last decade, addiction recovery holistic therapy has become more common in the US. Holistic therapy focuses on many parts of a person, rather than only a single part of their life. By looking at a person as a whole, holistic therapy allows those seeking treatment to feel more complete and ready to take on life’s challenges. With holistic therapy, one gives themselves another treatment tool to combat their addiction.

What is Addiction Recovery Holistic Therapy?

Addiction recovery holistic therapy focuses on the overall wellness of a person during the recovery process. Holistic therapies heal the mind and body by focusing on more than just the single addiction factors. Emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health practices are all vital in holistic treatment. Only when all four areas are attended to can a person expect to feel complete throughout the recovery process. There are many key aspects that most holistic therapy programs adhere to.

Examples of these treatments for holistic therapy include the following:

Acupuncture treatment
Nutritional therapies
Massage
Meditation or yoga
Biofeedback
Herbal medicines
Equestrian therapies

Benefits of Addiction Recovery Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy in addiction recovery can have a host of positive benefits that can make one’s recovery journey easier. By focusing on a person as a whole, addiction recovery holistic therapy leaves a person feeling more complete and well-rounded after treatment.

While many therapeutic practices focus strictly on addiction, holistic therapy helps get to the root cause of the addiction itself. Thus, holistic therapy gives a client the chance to course correct many parts of their lives that may not be going well. By addressing these unique areas, one can better seal off avenues where addiction could return to one’s life later on down the road. Healing completely and finding the root causes of addiction can help give a person a better chance at a successful and long-lasting recovery. They also learn positive habits that last a lifetime.

Individualized Treatment

One of addiction recovery holistic therapy’s main benefits is individualized treatment. While some treatment programs focus on a more group-centered type of setting, holistic therapy focuses on a person’s unique needs. This allows one to really step back and analyze their own life, their decisions, and how they want to change for the better.

Peer Support

Having a group of people who can relate to one’s struggle and understand just what someone is going through can be very helpful. Holistic therapy provides peer support to help build a sense of community and belonging. Peer support is a great tool in recovery, as well as a source of positivity and motivation.

Relapse Prevention

Addiction recovery holistic therapy can help a person to maintain their sobriety after detox and prevent future relapse. By focusing on all areas of a person’s life, holistic therapy seeks to plug any holes that could, later on, trigger a relapse.

Improved Health (Mental and Physical)

As a whole, holistic therapy is often praised as offering many positive benefits. Generally making the recovery process easier, it is no surprise that more people continue to turn to the holistic approach. Mental and physical health can both see great benefits from holistic therapy, as the mind and body thrive in harmony.

Addresses Underlying Mental Health Issues

Holistic therapy in addiction recovery focuses on treating the causes of addiction. Therefore, it can help a person get to the bottom of what drives their addiction. Often, this can help people come face to face with mental health disorders that may not have gotten the care needed through other therapies. This is just another reason why holistic therapy can be so helpful in ways that traditional therapy cannot be.

Addiction Recovery Holistic Therapy is Not For Everyone

While helpful, holistic therapy may not be for everyone. Some people need more intense or focused care and would benefit more from programs directed specifically at certain disorders. Discussing options for treatment with your doctor is the best way to develop a safe and effective treatment plan to put you on the right track to success. By exploring your treatment options, you give yourself the best chance of a successful and lasting recovery.

Find the Help You Need in Atlanta, GA

Here at Retreat of Atlanta, we are waiting with open arms to help you every step of the way during your recovery journey. Located in Eatonton, Georgia, we provide a tranquil environment conducive to healing and free of the stressors that can trigger a relapse. Allow our highly skilled and caring team of professionals to give you the tools needed for lasting recovery and a lifetime of happiness. There has never been a better time to reclaim your freedom and your life. Contact our admissions page today and take the first steps in your recovery journey.