An Overview
Hallucinogen abuse treatment at Compassion Recovery Centers
A study published in Addiction analyzed data from 2018 to 2021 and found that past-year use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) among young adults (ages 19–30) remained relatively stable, increasing from 3.7% in 2018 to 4.2% in 2021.
In contrast, use of non-LSD hallucinogens (such as psilocybin and PCP) nearly doubled during the same period, rising from 3.4% to 6.6%. The study also noted that males, white individuals, and those with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to use non-LSD hallucinogens.
Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that in 2023, 9% of adults aged 19–30 and 4% of adults aged 35–50 reported past-year hallucinogen use. This marked a continued upward trend over the past five years.
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often leading to vivid sensory experiences such as visual and auditory hallucinations. These drugs can create an altered state of reality, but they also come with significant risks, including the potential for addiction, mental health issues, and physical harm.
Common hallucinogens include substances like LSD (acid), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline, DMT, and PCP. While some individuals may initially use these substances recreationally, repeated use can lead to dependence, dangerous behavior, and a range of psychological issues, including hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where users continue to experience hallucinations long after the drug has worn off.
At Compassion Recovery Centers, we understand the unique challenges that come with hallucinogen abuse. Our comprehensive, compassionate treatment approach is designed to help individuals break free from addiction, heal emotionally, and restore balance to their lives.
Comprehensive Care
Our approach to treating hallucinogen abuse
Hallucinogen addiction and abuse are often accompanied by mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our treatment approach is holistic, addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of addiction to help individuals regain control of their lives. At Compassion Recovery Centers, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
Although hallucinogens are not typically physically addictive in the same way as substances like alcohol or opioids, they can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and lead to dangerous behaviors. Detoxification may be necessary to help individuals rid their bodies of any remaining substances and ensure they are physically stabilized.
Our medical detox program provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to begin their recovery process. Our team of medical professionals offers ongoing supervision and care to ensure comfort and safety during the early stages of recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone of treatment for hallucinogen abuse. It focuses on helping individuals recognize and change harmful thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses that contribute to their substance use. CBT also helps address any underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, which may have led to the use of hallucinogens in the first place.
In CBT, clients will:
- Identify triggers that lead to the use of hallucinogens.
- Develop healthier coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.
- Learn how to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts related to their substance use and overall mental health.
CBT is particularly effective in treating hallucinogen abuse because it helps individuals develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving, reducing the likelihood of relapse.
In addition to CBT, individual therapy allows clients to explore the root causes of their addiction in a private, supportive environment. Whether it’s trauma, a history of mental health issues, or a desire to escape difficult emotions, individual therapy helps clients address these factors in depth and create personalized strategies for overcoming addiction.
Group therapy provides a communal setting where individuals can share their experiences, offer support to one another, and learn from others who are going through similar struggles. Group therapy fosters a sense of connection and accountability, which is critical for lasting recovery.
The combination of individual and group therapy ensures that clients have both personal guidance and the camaraderie of others to support them on their recovery journey.
Many individuals who abuse hallucinogens have underlying trauma or mental health disorders that contribute to their substance use. Trauma-informed care is an essential part of our treatment program, ensuring that clients feel safe, respected, and empowered throughout their recovery process.
Our trauma-informed approach includes:
- Addressing the impact of past trauma, whether emotional, physical, or psychological.
- Helping clients develop coping mechanisms for dealing with trauma-related emotions or flashbacks.
- Providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment where healing can begin.
By recognizing the deep connection between trauma and substance use, our team can help clients work through their emotional challenges and create a foundation for lasting recovery.
Addiction is not just a physical issue but also an emotional and psychological one. At Compassion Recovery Centers, we offer a range of holistic therapies to help individuals heal on a deeper level. These therapies are designed to restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit, promoting overall well-being and supporting long-term recovery.
Holistic therapies may include:
- Yoga and Meditation: Techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase mindfulness.
- Art Therapy: A creative outlet for expressing emotions and processing difficult experiences related to addiction.
- Exercise and Nutrition Counseling: Helping clients regain physical health and energy by creating healthy habits and routines.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): A therapy that teaches clients how to stay grounded and calm in the face of stress, reducing the urge to use substances as a coping mechanism.
By incorporating holistic therapies into our treatment plans, we give clients a well-rounded approach to healing that goes beyond just managing substance use.
Recovery from hallucinogen abuse is an ongoing process, and the risk of relapse is always present. That’s why we provide relapse prevention programs to help clients stay on track after they complete treatment. These programs teach individuals how to handle triggers, cravings, and stressful situations without resorting to substance use.
Our relapse prevention services include:
- Developing coping strategies to manage high-risk situations.
- Ongoing therapy and support to address any emotional or psychological challenges that may arise.
- Sober living environments and community resources that offer continued support after treatment.
Aftercare is crucial in ensuring that clients maintain sobriety and continue to develop the skills they need to live a healthy, substance-free life.
A free, thorough assessment is provided for each prospective client
Introduce yourself
With you every step
Why choose Compassion Recovery Centers for hallucinogen abuse treatment?
Comprehensive, personalized care
Our treatment programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each person. We offer a blend of medical supervision, evidence-based therapies, and holistic support to ensure that clients have the resources they need for long-term recovery.
Experienced and compassionate team
Our multidisciplinary team consists of experienced therapists, medical professionals, and addiction specialists who are dedicated to providing compassionate, non-judgmental care. We take the time to understand each client's unique challenges and provide personalized solutions for overcoming addiction.
Safe, supportive environment
Located in Southern California, our treatment center provides a serene and healing environment where individuals can focus on their recovery. Our center offers a safe, supportive space that fosters emotional and physical healing, setting the stage for successful recovery.
Our Program Defined
We believe recovery is always possible
We strive to offer the best treatment experience and believe that through our proven program, that we can help you not only overcome mental illness, but achieve a fulfilling life full of gratitude and compassion beyond what seems possible at the beginning of your path to recovery.
Recovery Awaits
Take the first step toward recovery
If you or someone you love is struggling with hallucinogen abuse, Compassion Recovery Centers is here to help. Our Hallucinogen Abuse Treatment Program combines evidence-based therapies, trauma-informed care, and holistic support to help individuals break free from addiction and reclaim their lives.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and take the first step toward a brighter future.
Compassion Recovery Centers
Restoring Hope. Transforming Lives.
