Hallucinogen Use in Young Adults: New Stats and Research

Hallucinogen use in young adults is at an all-time high. The number of people in this age group who use drugs such as PCP, peyote, and psilocybin has doubled over the past decade. As a result, young adult substance use and mental health disorders related to hallucinogens are also increasing.

Many young adults don’t realize that hallucinogens can be psychologically addictive and can also make anxiety and depression worse. These drugs can trigger suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts. Understanding more about hallucinogenic drugs, including the types, side effects, and mental health impact, can help young adults get the support they need. 

Key Takeaways

• Hallucinogens are a classification of drugs that alter the user’s perception of reality.
• Using hallucinogens is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Physical and mental side effects of hallucinogenic drugs can include dizziness, nausea, disturbing visions, mood changes, and extreme emotions.
• Hallucinogen use disorder is a substance use disorder that impacts daily functioning and requires treatment.

What Are Hallucinogenic Drugs?

Hallucinogenic drugs, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a category of drugs that alter the user’s perception of reality. A person’s sense of taste, smell, hearing, sight, or touch may be significantly distorted or changed while using hallucinogens. They may have visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations—seeing visions, hearing things, or feeling sensations that aren’t real.

Some hallucinogen drugs come from plants, while others are synthetic (man-made). There are two types of hallucinogen drugs: classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Both types can cause hallucinations, and dissociative drugs also create a feeling of being separated from one’s body.

Young Adult Hallucinogen Use and Mental Health Symptoms

Research shows that using hallucinogenic drugs is linked with a higher likelihood of mental health issues. In one study of college students, about half of those who used hallucinogens or had used them in the past reported having been treated for psychological/emotional problems. They were also nearly twice as likely to be taking prescription medication for mental health vs. their peers who did not use hallucinogens.

In addition, those who were using or had used hallucinogens had higher levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They were also more likely to have low self-esteem and problems with impulsivity. And they were more likely to engage in problematic alcohol use and illicit substance abuse.

Another study found that adolescents who used hallucinogens had a higher prevalence of feeling hopeless. And they were more than twice as likely as their peers to consider suicide (36 percent vs. 15 percent). Furthermore, they were nearly 10 times as likely to make a suicide attempt that required medical attention (12 percent vs. 1.5 percent).

Do hallucinogens cause these mental health issues? For some young adults, using hallucinogenic drugs may create changes in the brain that increase impulsivity and other problems. In other cases, young people may be using hallucinogens to self-medicate their existing mental health conditions. However, the research is clear: These drugs make teen and young adult anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and other symptoms worse.

Are Hallucinogenic Drugs Addictive?

Young adults who regularly use hallucinogenic drugs, whether for recreational or self-medicating purposes, may be at risk of developing hallucinogen use disorder. Hallucinogen use disorder is a type of substance use disorder, which can involve physical and/or psychological addiction to hallucinogens.

Although hallucinogen use disorder is not nearly as common as addiction to alcohol or prescription drugs, it has the same negative impacts as other substance abuse issues. A young adult’s physical and mental health may be impaired, as well as their work life, relationships, and personal life.

MDMA and dissociative hallucinogen drugs like PCP are more addictive on a neurobiological level, due to the changes the drugs create in the brain. Hence, young adults who have used these drugs for an extended period of time can experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop using. However, hallucinogen use disorder is more likely to be related to compulsive behaviors and psychological dependence rather than physical addiction.

In rare cases, young adults may experience hallucinogen persisting perception disorder after using hallucinogens. This occurs when someone experiences the persistent effects of hallucinogens long after the substance has physically left their system.

What Causes Hallucinogen Use Disorder?

Underlying mental health issues are often a direct cause of hallucinogen use disorder. Young adults trying to escape their problems or self-medicate are particularly prone to this disorder.

However, abusing hallucinogens typically increases mental health challenges in both the short term and long term. These challenges may include chronic paranoia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even suicide attempts.

Can Hallucinogenic Drugs Be Therapeutic?

Various types of hallucinogens have been found to have therapeutic benefits when used in a controlled and supervised manner. However, attempting to self-medicate using hallucinogens is risky and can increase the chances of hallucinogen use disorder or other complications.

Moreover, using hallucinogenic drugs can also increase the chances of experiencing mental health symptoms. Unsupervised hallucinogenic drug use can lead to adverse experiences, addiction, and, on rare occasions, overdose.

Side Effects of Young Adult Hallucinogen Use

Side effects of hallucinogen use vary widely from person to person and between each use. There are many factors that influence the effect a hallucinogen has on the body, and these factors can change. They include the type of drug, the strength of the dose, and individual characteristics of the person taking them. Such characteristics include age, sex, biology, history, personality, environment, mental health, and mood.

Treatment for Young Adult Substance Use Disorder at Newport Institute

Young adults who abuse hallucinogens need treatment that addresses the underlying causes of substance use disorder. At Newport Institute, we guide young adults to uncover and heal the depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns that may be driving their abuse of hallucinogens or other substances.

Every client at Newport Institute receives an in-depth assessment and evaluation to determine appropriate treatment and goals. Young adults’ expert care teams include doctors, psychiatrists, family therapists, individual therapists, life skills coaches, recovery counselors, and experiential therapists, who specialize in music, art, yoga, Adventure Therapy, and more.

During their time with us, young adults come to understand the causes and triggers of their hallucinogen use issues. And they learn healthy coping skills and emotional regulation techniques to navigate ongoing life stressors and prevent relapses.

Start the healing journey today. Contact us for a free mental health assessment.

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