The hallucinogen family includes many different drugs. Although classical hallucinogens do not lead to withdrawal symptoms, dissociative hallucinogens can.
Hallucinogen use has a rich history across the world, and many people have used these substances to achieve mystical experiences. Recreational use of hallucinogens is popular in the United States, and researchers are looking to discover how these psychedelic compounds work and how they may be used in medicine.
The family of drugs known as hallucinogens is large, and these substances work in unique ways and produce a variety of side effects. Broadly speaking, there are two categories of hallucinogens:
Although some people consider MDMA to be a hallucinogen, it is not. Hallucinogens are drugs that are taken specifically for their hallucinogenic properties. MDMA is known as an “empathogen” that increases sensory perception, empathy, and social connection. It is not always linked to hallucinations, but it may cause them as a secondary effect.
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The mental effects of hallucinogens are frequently positive, but negative effects are not uncommon. Frequently reported side effects of classical and dissociative hallucinogens include:
In addition, dissociative hallucinogens can cause someone to experience detachment or dissociation from reality.
Hallucinogen Withdrawal Symptoms
The difference between detox and withdrawal is important to understand in the context of hallucinogens:
- Detox refers to the metabolic process of eliminating a drug from the body. Detox may or may not be associated with symptoms of withdrawal.
- Withdrawal is the result of chemical dependence. Dependence describes a physical need for the presence of a drug, which makes people continue to use the drug over time. For drugs that are associated with dependence and addiction, withdrawal symptoms generally begin during the detox period.
Both classical and dissociative hallucinogens are associated with a detox period after someone takes them. Someone who is “coming down” off of a hallucinogenic drug may experience discomfort, fatigue or restlessness in the hours following the “trip.” These are not symptoms of withdrawal and typically do not require professional supervision or assistance.
People who use classical hallucinogens do not experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drugs. Dissociative hallucinogens, however, may be associated with withdrawal symptoms.
In particular, phencyclidine (PCP) is associated with withdrawal symptoms. Other dissociative hallucinogens may also have withdrawal symptoms, including:
The so-called “acid flashback” is related to hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). HPPD is a rare and poorly understood consequence of hallucinogen use, and its symptoms include perceptual disturbances that are similar to a hallucinogenic trip. This is not believed to be caused by hallucinogen use in itself. Rather, evidence suggests that HPPD is related to the presence of pre-existing mental health conditions.
How Long Do Hallucinogens Stay in Your System?
The amount of time that a drug is detectable in your system depends on the drug’s half-life. A half-life is the amount of time required for the body to metabolize half of the drug. For example, if there are 10 units of a drug in a person’s system, the first half-life will metabolize 5 units. The second half-life will metabolize half of the 5 remaining units, leaving 2.5 units in the system. This continues until all of the drug is gone.
Generally, a drug will be completely metabolized within 5 half-lives. For a drug with a half-life of 1 day, it may be detectable in the system for 5 days after it was last used.
Most countries do not allow research on the effects of classical hallucinogens in humans. As a result, half-lives are often determined using animal studies, many of which are decades old. Precise half-lives for many hallucinogenic substances in humans remain unclear.
Typical half-lives and windows of detection for common hallucinogens are as follows:
- LSD: 3 hours (detectable for approximately 15 hours)
- Mescaline: 6 hours (detectable for approximately 30 hours)
- Ayahuasca: 1 hour (detectable for approximately 5 hours)
- PCP: 3 days (detectable for approximately 15 days)
- Ketamine: 45 minutes (detectable for approximately 3.75 hours)
- Dextromethorphan (DXM): 3 to 6 hours (detectable for approximately 15 to 30 hours)
As drugs are metabolized, they are broken into byproducts that often have different half-lives. If a drug test looks for a metabolic byproduct rather than the drug itself, the window of detection may be very different.
Hallucinogen Withdrawal Timeline
Classical hallucinogens are not associated with withdrawal symptoms. Someone may feel fatigued or restless in the hours following the “trip,” but these are not withdrawal symptoms. Many people who take classical hallucinogens report long-lasting positive effects after their hallucinogenic experience.
Different types of dissociative hallucinogens will have slightly different withdrawal timelines. In general, the signs and symptoms of withdrawal will resolve within a few days after the last use. In extreme cases, symptoms like depression and loss of pleasure may persist for 7 to 10 days.
Factors Affecting Hallucinogen Withdrawal
The withdrawal timeline for dissociative hallucinogens depends on a number of factors, including:
Hallucinogen Detox
People with a dependence on dissociative hallucinogens may face an uncomfortable detox period that can last for hours or even days. There are several rehab options that can accommodate people who are experiencing different degrees of withdrawal:
Finding a Detox Center
There are many detox centers, but they are not all alike. When you are evaluating rehab programs, look for the following:
