Hallucinogen Use Disorder is a chronic illness marked by a psychological and physical dependence on hallucinogens. People who struggle with these drugs may use excessively and uncontrollably, typically continuing to use despite serious negative consequences. Hallucinogen use disorder typically causes severe physical and psychological problems, progressing to a point where the affected individual feels they can no longer function without hallucinogens.

Hallucinogens are a class of substances that cause hallucinations—profound distortions in an individual’s perceived reality. Hallucinogens can be found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) or can be man-made. They are commonly divided into two broad categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP). When under the influence of either type of drug, people often report rapid, intense emotional swings and seeing images, hearing sounds, and feeling sensations that seem real but are not³.

Four common symptoms mark the development of problematic hallucinogen use:

• Craving
• Loss of control
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal

Hallucinogens are the eighth most common substance of use in the United States — according to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 5.6 million Americans over the age of 12 struggled with hallucinogen use⁴.

Although current academic scholarship suggests that anyone can experience a substance use disorder, there are some primary factors that help increase our understanding of the cause of addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, both biological and environmental risk factors contribute to the development and progression of substance use disorders⁵.

Genetics: Current academic scholarship posits that genes can account for 40-60% of the risk for the development of addiction.

Environment: There are many contextual factors that can contribute to the development of addiction. For example, individuals can be at increased risk to develop problematic use patterns if friends and family are using these drugs, many of the activities you participate in involve using drugs, or if you started using at an early age. Additionally, our environment can include those rules, roles, and cultural narratives that are constructed within our lives.

If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, consider the following signs and reach out to a medical professional for further help.

Some questions to consider:

• Have you ever felt or been told that you should cut down on your use?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your use?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your use?

Common signs of problematic hallucinogen use:

• Frequent use — every day, or multiple times per day
• Using alone or at inappropriate times (e.g. in the morning or at work)
• Spending excessive monies to obtain cocaine
• Allowing their hallucinogen use to interfere with important things like work, school or family
• Experiencing significant mood swings
• Continuing to use despite negative consequences (e.g. losing a job or getting in legal trouble)

Whether you are worried about yourself or someone else, you should consult with a healthcare provider or contact our staff at Cumberland Heights. We can help identify next steps and guide you toward resources available to begin a path toward recovery.

Within psychology treatment contexts, “Evidenced Based” treatment refers to treatment that has been examined across several populations and has been intensely researched. There are many resources available to what guidelines need to be met to determine if a treatment is evidence-based^{6, 7}.

The following evidenced based practices are utilized across our health system.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Systems Theory (e.g. Family Therapy)
• Twelve-Step Facilitation
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Recovery from a substance use disorder can be defined as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential⁸. The recovery process takes time and often is not linear (i.e. sometimes an individual could experience a relapse or series of personal setbacks). However, we have found many of those in long-term recovery take an active role in support communities, follow continuing care recommendations and reach out for help.

Here at Cumberland Heights, our multidisciplinary team of behavioral health professionals are dedicated to supporting individuals and families find their path to recovery and live a life free from addiction.

Today in the U.S., approximately 22 million people live in recovery from substance use disorders⁹. Their stories continue to inspire our work, patients and communities. Recovery is possible.