Hallucinogen Detox

Hallucinogens are a broad family of drugs that include naturally derived substances like psilocin and DMT, and semi-synthetic and synthetic chemicals like Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). People under the influence of hallucinogens can quickly go between feeling calm and euphoric to becoming extremely agitated, anxious, or aggressive. 

While hallucinogens typically leave the body quickly, that does not mean detox is easy or safe to attempt alone. Many people believe they can detox on their own, but withdrawal can be intense, disorienting, and even dangerous. Pride Detox can medically supervise this process so that you are not only physically safe but emotionally supported.

What Withdrawal Symptoms Can I Expect During Hallucinogen Detox

Getting off a hallucinogen can be an uncomfortable experience, especially psychologically and emotionally. If you have used LSD, psilocybin, Phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP), ketamine, or MDMA regularly, your body and mind may react once you stop. 

You might feel unusually anxious, unsettled, or deeply depressed. These shifts can happen suddenly and may feel out of proportion to what is going on around you. For some people, this emotional turbulence is accompanied by strong irritability or mood swings that are hard to control. You could also find yourself awake at odd hours or experiencing vivid, sometimes disturbing dreams. Fatigue may also creep in as your sleep schedule becomes disrupted. 

Flashbacks are another possibility. You might experience sudden visual disturbances or altered perceptions, even days or weeks after your last use. This condition is called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) and can be disorienting and distressing. Not everyone experiences it, but when it occurs, it can feel like the drug never fully leaves your system. Confusion, problems concentrating, and emotional flatness may follow and make it hard to engage with everyday life.

Some people also report cravings. Although these cravings are not for the substance itself in a traditional sense, for the feelings of escape, creativity, or connection they once associated with using. This kind of longing can make the early stages of detox tough and increase the likelihood of relapse if not professionally supervised.

How Can I Tell if I Need Hallucinogen Detox?

If you are wondering whether you need a hallucinogen detox, chances are you do. However, most people caught in the throes of addiction may think they have things under control since these drugs rarely cause physical dependence. But addiction can be sneaky, too–– shifting your habits, thoughts, and relationships without you figuring out that something is off. 

There are early warning signs that your relationship with these substances might be moving into dangerous territory. To gently reflect on where you stand, you might ask yourself a few honest questions:

• Am I using hallucinogens more often or in larger doses than I planned to?
• Have I tried to stop or cut back but could not?
• Is a lot of my time taken up with using or recovering from the effects?
• Have I faced emotional, social, or professional difficulties because of drugs but keep using them anyway?
• Do I turn to hallucinogens to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult feelings?
• Have I withdrawn from people or activities I used to enjoy to focus on getting, using and recuperating from hallucinogens?

If you’re nodding ‘yes’ to one or more of these, it could be a sign that hallucinogen detox and treatment might help. Pride Detox offers safety, healing, and protection of your mental health before things spiral further. We know how much hallucinogens have affected the LGBTQ+ community, and we give you space to connect with others who have faced this substance use disorder.

Why is Medically Supervised Hallucinogen Detox Important?

While most hallucinogens do not cause physical dependence in the way drugs like heroin or alcohol can, going cold turkey is unsafe because withdrawal can be unpredictable. During the first few days of detox, your team will regularly assess you to ensure that your vitals are stable and any discomfort is managed. 

Pride Detox offers a conducive environment where culturally competent staff can monitor your mental state, offer emotional support, and intervene if serious symptoms like suicidal thoughts or hallucinations occur. Our LGBTQ-affirming hallucinogen detox reduces the risk of relapse, which is often high in the early stages of withdrawal due to discomfort or fear. With us, you also gain access to therapists who can begin working with you right away in our residential rehabilitation program to explore the reasons behind your substance use.

Have a Safe and Successful Hallucinogen Detox with Pride Detox

Hallucinogen withdrawal can be mentally and emotionally overwhelming, which is why our detox is here to support you through this phase. If you have started noticing signs and symptoms of hallucinogen use, then 24/7 professional supervision and a calm and structured space free from outside triggers can help you break free. Choose Pride Detox to start healing in a safe, LGBTQ-affirming, and empowering environment. Call us now at 1-866-465-6889 to learn more.