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Hallucinogenic Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment Programs

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Instructor Ashley Dugger

Ashley has a JD degree and is an attorney. She has extensive experience as a prosecutor and legal writer, and she has taught and written various law courses.
Hallucinogenic drugs distort a user's perception of reality and exist in natural and synthetic forms, creating concerns for potential abuse. Learn about different methods to prevent hallucinogen abuse, and explore treatment options that help users recover.

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Hallucinogen Abuse

In March of 2015, a teenager was shot and killed by police who believed his erratic, irrational behavior was endangering those around him. The teenager was reportedly jumping in front of cars, acting aggressively and frightening onlookers. Later, reports revealed he was 'tweaking out' on hallucinogenic mushrooms.

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  • 0:01 Hallucinogen Abuse
  • 1:50 Hallucinogen Use Prevention
  • 4:00 Hallucinogen Use Treatment
  • 6:50 Lesson Summary
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Hallucinogen Use Prevention

The use of hallucinogenic drugs, particularly LSD, became popular in the U.S. in the 1960s. Psychedelic drugs played an important role in the 1960s counterculture. This was a cultural era marked by widespread anti-authoritarian behavior and largely spawned by anti-Vietnam war sentiments and the civil rights movement. Many of those who embraced the counterculture of participating in hallucinogenic drugs were known as hippies, who were primarily older teens and young adults with adventurous spirits.

Hallucinogenic drug use next peaked in the 1990s with the use of ecstasy and similar drugs. Again, use was most prevalent among thrill-seeking teens and young adults. This time, the drugs were much more highly regulated and health experts were better equipped to address prevention and treatment.

Sometimes users fail to recognize the dangers of hallucinogenic drugs. One reason may be that, unlike many other drugs, hallucinogenic drugs are not considered to be physically addictive.

However, users can develop a hazardous psychological dependence on hallucinogens. This refers to a perceived need for the drug based on a strong compulsion or urge to use the drug. The body does not depend on the hallucinogen, but the mind does. Signs of this type of addiction can include:

  • Consistent signs that the user is high, such as dilated pupils and incoherent speech
  • Anxiety or paranoia
  • Euphoria or misplaced emotions
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Aggression and violent behavior

Because hallucinogens aren't considered physically addicting, certain treatment options, like detoxification programs, often aren't prescribed. Most hallucinogen treatment programs are conducted on an outpatient basis. This means the user does not spend the night at the treatment facility. However, some treatment programs are still lengthy and intense.

Let's review. Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations, or intense distortions in the user's perceptions of reality. They can be natural or synthetic and include hallucinogenic mushrooms, LSD, PCP, peyote, ecstasy and ketamine.

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