Hallucinogen Drug Treatment in Connecticut

Psychedelic Magic Mushrooms on a lightbox with a pill bottle an eye loupe.

At Waterstone Addiction & Recovery, a leading outpatient addiction treatment practice in Connecticut, we diagnose and treat a wide range of substance use disorders, including hallucinogens.

Learn more about our hallucinogen treatments below, or schedule an appointment to begin your recovery journey and live better today.

What Are Hallucinogens?

Psychedelic and dissociative drugs can temporarily alter an individual’s mood, thoughts, and perception of reality. These substances can lead to a range of health effects and safety risks, with users often reporting intense emotional experiences, from feelings of joy and a sense of connection to fear, anxiety, and confusion. Additionally, users frequently experience vivid or distorted visual and sensory perceptions.

Many psychedelic drugs are derived from plants and fungi and have been used for centuries in traditional or religious ceremonies. Some psychedelic and dissociative substances are also synthetically produced in laboratories. People use these drugs for various reasons, including the desire for new, enjoyable experiences, healing, or spiritual exploration.

Are Hallucinogens Addictive?

Most individuals who use hallucinogens do so infrequently. However, repeated use of substances like LSD or ecstasy can lead to tolerance, meaning the drug’s effects become diminished or nonexistent. If the person takes a break from using the drug and then resumes, their sensitivity to it may return. While stopping hallucinogens typically doesn’t cause physical withdrawal symptoms, users can develop psychological dependence, where they feel a persistent need to continue using the drug.

What Are Some Common Hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens, often referred to as “psychedelic” drugs, encompass a wide variety of substances, each affecting perception, mood, and thought in different ways. These drugs can alter how people see, hear, taste, smell, or feel, and at high doses, they may cause hallucinations—where users experience things that aren’t actually present.

The hallucinogens commonly used in North America can be categorized into six main groups:

1. Indolealkylamines, which include LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide, a semi-synthetic drug originally derived from ergot fungus), LSA (d-lysergic amide, found in morning glory seeds), psilocybin and psilocin (from Psilocybe mushrooms), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine, found in the Virola tree bark and other sources).
2. Phenylethylamines, such as mescaline (found in peyote cactus), as well as designer drugs like MDA (methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDMA (ecstasy, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine), 2-CB (4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine), STP (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine), and TMA (trimethoxyamphetamine).
3. Arylcycloalkylamines, including PCP (phencyclidine) and ketamine.
4. Cannabinoids, particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active compound in marijuana, hash, and hash oil.
5. Anticholinergics, derived from the Solanaceae plant family, including deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and jimsonweed (Datura stramonium).
6. Diterpenes, such as salvinorin-A, found in the plant Salvia divinorum.

What Are The Dangers of Hallucinogens?

Most of these substances are illegal and unregulated, and may contain harmful toxins or fail to match the drug they are marketed as. For example, ecstasy is often not pure MDMA and may include other substances like methamphetamine. Likewise, drugs sold as mescaline are typically something entirely different.

Hallucinogens can significantly alter perception and behavior, often leading users to become disoriented, make poor decisions, and engage in risky behavior.Many hallucinogens have dangerous or harmful effects, such as jimsonweed or deadly nightshade. Additionally, hallucinogenic plants can be confused with other toxic or potentially lethal plants, like certain types of mushrooms.

In rare instances, hallucinogen use can lead to “flashbacks,” where individuals may experience a replay of their drug-induced state days, weeks, or even years after use. Additionally, some people may experience lingering feelings of depression or anxiety long after taking the drug.

How Are Hallucinogens Treated?

An outpatient hallucinogen addiction treatment program is designed for individuals who are struggling with addiction to hallucinogenic substances but do not require 24-hour residential care. This type of treatment allows clients to receive professional help while continuing to live at home and manage their daily responsibilities, such as work or school.

Outpatient programs typically begin with a thorough assessment to understand the individual’s substance use history, mental health status, and specific treatment needs. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan is created that may include a combination of therapy, support groups, and educational resources.

The core components of an outpatient hallucinogen addiction program often include:

1. Individual Counseling: One-on-one therapy sessions with licensed therapists help individuals address the underlying psychological issues that contribute to their hallucinogen use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with drug use.
2. Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and challenges with others who are going through similar struggles. This fosters a sense of community and encourages individuals to learn from each other’s recovery journeys.
3. Family Therapy: Family involvement can be crucial in the recovery process, as addiction often impacts not only the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy helps improve communication, rebuild trust, and educate family members about the dynamics of addiction.
4. Education and Support Groups: Clients may participate in educational workshops to better understand the effects of hallucinogens, the risks of relapse, and coping strategies for maintaining sobriety. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other 12-step programs may also be integrated into the treatment plan to provide ongoing peer support.
5. Relapse Prevention: A key element of outpatient treatment is teaching individuals how to manage cravings, avoid triggers, and cope with high-risk situations that may lead to relapse. This is often integrated into both therapy sessions and group discussions.

Outpatient treatment offers flexibility and can be highly effective for individuals who have a stable home environment, supportive relationships, and a strong desire to commit to recovery. It also provides a cost-effective alternative to inpatient care while still offering professional guidance and support.

Overall, an outpatient hallucinogen addiction treatment program helps individuals build the necessary skills for lasting recovery, promote personal growth, and provide tools to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Schedule A Hallucinogen Consultation

If you are suffering from hallucinogen addiction and are interested in learning more about getting it treated, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a caregiver who specializes in addiction medicine. Call 203-245-0412 today, or schedule an appointment using this form.