Exploring the Spectrum of Drugs that Cause Hallucinations
Hallucinations are sensory experiences that a person may think are real but are not actually there. Hallucinations are often auditory, like hearing voices, or visual, like seeing movement when there is none. Sometimes hallucinations can also be connected to taste, touch, and smell. Hallucinations can be the result of several different factors including sleep deprivation, mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, brain tumors, or substance abuse.
A List of Drugs that Cause Hallucinations
As providers of luxury substance abuse treatment, we know that drug-induced hallucinations are common. In some cases, it is a desired effect of using the substance, but in other cases, it may be an unforeseen side effect. Several different substances can cause hallucinations.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive drugs that are known for causing hallucinations as a primary effect. Hallucinogens include both natural and man-made substances. They can also be divided into classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Both typically result in changes in perception and hallucinations of some sort. Some common hallucinogens include:
- PCP
- LSD
- Ketamine
- Mescaline (Peyote)
- Shrooms
- DMT
Although these drugs are known for causing hallucinations in users, other hallucinogenic drugs are less well known because hallucinations may not be as common. Along with hallucinations, long-term abuse of these drugs may lead to serious problems. Users should enter a standard on luxury IOP to quit.
Other Drugs that Cause Hallucinations
Hallucinogens are typically what first comes to mind when talking about drugs that cause hallucinations, but the reality is that there are a variety of hallucinogenic drugs out there. Some users may experience hallucinations with drugs like:
- Meth
- Cocaine
- Opioids
- Alcohol
Everyone is different, so while many people may not encounter hallucinations from these substances, others could regularly experience them while taking these drugs. Some meth users will have a hallucination that bugs or meth mites are crawling on or under their skin and scratch excessively. There are reports of cocaine addicts experiencing various types of hallucinations while under the influence of the drug.1 While uncommon, hallucinations can sometimes be a side effect of opioid use, especially when used regularly for cancer or end-of-life care.2 There are also some accounts of alcohol-induced psychosis, including hallucinations in alcoholics. Research on why some people experience hallucinations with these substances while others don’t is not always clear. In many cases, hallucinations from substance abuse may be connected to an underlying mental illness. Because of the unexpected side effects of drugs and the fact that everyone is unique, drug abuse of any kind is dangerous. Some people may only experience mild problems while others may experience serious and sometimes life-threatening effects from drug abuse. As a luxury detox center in South Florida, we help people quit their addictions for good in the safety and comfort of our high-end facility. If you or someone you can about has started to experience psychotic symptoms from substance abuse, do not wait any longer to get help. For more information about our programs and facility at Seaside Palm Beach, call us now at 561-677-9374. Sources:
- AJP – Cocaine hallucinations
- IARS – Opioid-induced Hallucinations: A Review of the Literature, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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