Miracle Rehabilitation Centre

Hallucinogen Use Disorder
(LSD, Magic Mushrooms, Psychedelics) & Hallucinogen-Induced Psychotic Symptoms

What it is: Hallucinogens are substances that alter perception, mood, and thinking. Common examples include LSD (acid), magic mushrooms, and other psychedelic drugs. People may use them to experience hallucinations, altered reality, or intense emotions, often out of curiosity or for recreational purposes. Frequent or heavy use can lead to dependence, emotional instability, and unusual or unsafe behaviours.

How it looks and how it is used:

  • LSD: small paper squares or liquid drops; usually placed on the tongue.
  • Magic mushrooms: dried or fresh fungi; eaten raw, cooked, or made into tea.
  • Other psychedelics: tablets, capsules, or powders; consumed orally.

How it affects the brain: Hallucinogens interact with brain chemicals, especially serotonin, causing altered perceptions of reality, time, and emotions. While sometimes used for exploration or recreation, repeated use can cause confusion, mood swings, anxiety, or unusual thinking, especially in those with pre-existing vulnerabilities. Heavy use can lead to hallucinogen-induced psychotic symptoms, where a person may see, hear, or believe things that are not real, act unpredictably, or become fearful.

What families may notice:

  • Acting unusually or seeming disconnected from reality
  • Seeing, hearing, or believing things differently than others (psychotic symptoms)
  • Sudden mood swings, irritability, or fearfulness
  • Withdrawal from normal routines, responsibilities, or social life
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering events

Withdrawal symptoms: Hallucinogens do not typically cause strong physical withdrawal like opioids or alcohol, but stopping can lead to anxiety, irritability, mood swings, sleep problems, and cravings. Those with hallucinogen-induced psychotic symptoms may continue experiencing confusion, unusual thoughts, or fear, which needs professional care.

Why relapse happens: Relapse may occur due to stress, curiosity, peer influence, emotional discomfort, or desire to recreate the “high” or altered experiences.

Bio-Psycho-Social Approach to Recovery

  • Biological (Body): Support for sleep, appetite, and physical well-being, and monitoring for unusual or psychotic symptoms.
  • Psychological (Mind): Therapy to manage anxiety, emotional instability, and unusual thoughts, while developing healthy coping strategies.
  • Social (Life & Relationships): Family education, avoiding triggers, building safe routines, social support, and reintegration into normal life.

At Miracle Rehabilitation Centre, hallucinogen use—including hallucinogen induced psychotic effects—is treated holistically, helping individuals stabilize emotionally, think clearly, and rebuild safe, balanced daily lives.