Hallucinogenic Drugsand Dual Recovery

How do hallucinogenic drugs like Marijuana, Ecstasy, and Acid

affect mental health?

What comes to mind when you

hear about “Hallucinogens

?”

Hallucinogenic drugs…

Alter perception of reality Cause hallucinations Alter the senses (touch, taste,

smell, sound, sight)

Hallucinogenic Substances (synthetic and organic)

Marijuana: THC (Cannabinoid)

“Ecstasy:” MDMA (Hallucinogen)

LSD: “Acid” (Hallucinogen)

Mescaline: of Peyote Cactus (Hallucinogen)

“Magic Mushrooms:” Psilocybin (Hallucinogen)

PCP: “Angel dust” (Phencyclidine)

Marijuana (Cannabis) Obtained from hemp plant, active ingredient is THCMost widely used illicit psychoactive drug in US 32% people ever used (1996 survey)

Intoxication: minutes to 3-4hrs

Effects of MarijuanaHealth Bronchitis, emphysema,

and lung cancer (more carcinogens that tobacco)

Immunosuppressant Impotence and

infertility

Effects of Marijuana

Health Increased heart rate and blood

pressure Impaired coordination and movement Increased appetite Weight gain; overeating and reduced

physical activity

Effects of Marijuana

Feelings “High,” euphoria (during

intoxication) Anxiety; mild to Panic

Attacks Irritable or anxious mood

(during withdrawal)

Effects of Marijuana

Thinking Hallucinations; auditory, visual,

tactile Difficulty concentrating Paranoid ideation; suspiciousness to

delusional beliefs

Effects of Marijuana

Behavior Poor grooming and routine Decreased responsiveness

to others Disorganization Social withdrawal,

isolation Apathy, lack of motivation

Influence of Marijuana on Depression

Depression Social withdrawal Isolation Positive peer

support

Influence of Marijuana on Bipolar Disorder

Mood swings Irritability Sleeplessness

Influence of Marijuana on Schizophrenia

Hallucinations Delusions Paranoia, suspiciousness Apathy, amotivation Isolation, social

withdrawal

“Ecstasy” (MDMA)

10% people ever used (1996 survey)

Intoxication: minutes to a few hours or days Banned in 1985 Derivative of anesthetic

LSD (“Acid”) Most powerful hallucinogen Soaked into paper, tablet, crystalline, or tablet 10% people ever used (1996 survey)

Intoxication: minutes to a few hours or days

Mescaline (from Peyote Cactus)

Derived from plants or other sources in natureSmoked or eaten10% people ever used (1996 survey)

Intoxication: minutes to a few hours or days

“Magic Mushrooms” (Psilocybin)

Derived from plants or other sources in nature10% people ever used (1996 survey)

Intoxication: minutes to a few hours or days

Effects of HallucinogensHealth Elevated body temperature Increased heart rate and blood pressure Appetite loss Memory loss Headaches Nausea Sweating Sleeplessness

Effects of Hallucinogens

Feelings Amplification of senses (smell, touch,

taste, sound, sight) Merging of senses Anxiety, panic (“bad trips”), flashbacks

cause intense fear over loss of control

Effects of Hallucinogens

Thinking Alteration of thinking and

self-awareness Anxiety and panic (“bad

trips”), flashbacks Confusion Suspicion

Effects of Hallucinogens

Behavior Lack of insight and judgment; jumping out

of the window out of the belief that one could “fly”

Aggression and violence

Influence of Hallucinogens on Depression

Anxiety Fatigue Isolation and

social withdrawal Depression

Influence of Hallucinogens on Bipolar Disorder

Sleeplessness Routine, schedule Mood swings Restlessness

Influence of Hallucinogens on Schizophrenia

Hallucinations Paranoia Delusions Isolation and social

withdrawal

Dual Recovery from Hallucinogenic Drugs

Dual Recovery Implications

(from Stress-Vulnerability Model*)

1. Take psychiatric meds as prescribed

2. Avoid substance use3. Increase coping skills4. Increase social support5. Engage in meaningful activities

* Mueser, K. et al (2003). Integrated Treatment for Dual Disorders: A guide to effective practice. The Guilford Press: New York

1. Take psychiatric medications as prescribed

Effective at decreasing severity of symptoms

Effective at preventing symptom relapse Avoid self-medicating with substances Communicate concerns with medications

and side effects with treatment team

2. Avoid substance use

Triggers relapse of mental health symptoms

Decreases beneficial effects of medications

Requires higher doses of psychiatric medications

3. Increase coping skills“strategies used to minimize effects of stress”

Relaxation Positive self-talk Problem-solving Exercising Artistic expression Talking out feelings with supports

4. Increase social support“the help and caring people feel they can

count on from other people”

Family members Friends Treatment team members Recovery supports (groups,

meetings) Clergy member

5. Engage in meaningful activities“tasks that provide a strong sense of purpose

and gratification to a person”

Helps structure time Provides something to look forward to Examples include; work, going to

school, doing volunteer work, being a regular participant at a support group

Thank you for coming!