Key Takeaways

• Psychedelic drugs like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT can cause lasting mental health problems.

• Long-term effects may include anxiety, depression, psychosis, or visual flashbacks.

• Not every trip is a good one—“bad trips” can leave emotional scars that don’t fade easily.

• Virtue Recovery Center offers mental health and substance abuse treatment for those struggling after psychedelic use.

 

Introduction

Psychedelic drugs are becoming more talked about today. Some people are curious about using them. Others say they’ve helped them feel more connected or healed.

But there’s another side to psychedelics—one that’s not always talked about.

Drugs like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT may seem harmless, but they can lead to serious mental health issues when abused. While some research is exploring their potential in therapy, many people take them without guidance, and that’s when things can go wrong.

This article will help you understand the long-term risks of using psychedelics and what to do if you or someone you love is struggling with the effects.

What Are Psychedelic Drugs? A Quick Overview

Psychedelics are drugs that change how you see the world. They affect your brain by targeting serotonin receptors, which control mood, emotions, and perception.

Common psychedelic drugs include:

• LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)

• Psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”)

• DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)

• Mescaline (from the peyote cactus)

These substances can cause hallucinations, meaning you see, hear, or feel things that aren’t real. Some users describe deep spiritual or emotional experiences. But for others, the experience can be scary or even traumatic.

Common Short-Term Effects of Psychedelic Use

The short-term effects of psychedelics vary from person to person. Some people feel happy or creative. Others feel panicked, confused, or trapped.

Short-term effects may include:

• Bright colors or moving visuals

• Intense emotions—joy, fear, sadness

• Disconnection from reality

• Fast heart rate, sweating, or nausea

• “Bad trips” filled with fear, confusion, or scary thoughts

Even when the drug wears off, some of the emotional effects can stick around.

Long-Term Mental Health Risks of Psychedelic Drug Abuse

While one-time use may not affect everyone the same way, frequent or high-dose use can lead to serious mental health challenges. These effects can last for weeks, months, or even longer.

Some long-term risks include:

• Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD):
  Ongoing visual disturbances like seeing halos, trails, or flashing lights—long after the drug is gone.

• Psychosis:
  A loss of touch with reality, including paranoia, strange thoughts, or hearing voices. Psychedelics may trigger this in people who are already vulnerable.

• Depression and Anxiety:
  Some people feel sad, confused, or anxious after using psychedelics. These feelings can last a long time, especially after a “bad trip.”

• Emotional Blunting:
  Users may feel numb, disconnected, or emotionally flat weeks after the experience.

• Trouble Focusing or Thinking Clearly:
  Some people report brain fog or memory problems long after their trip ends.

Who Is Most at Risk for Long-Term Effects?

Psychedelic drug abuse doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some people are more likely to experience lasting effects, especially if they:

• Use high doses or take psychedelics often

• Start using at a young age while the brain is still growing

• Have a family history of mental health issues

• Mix psychedelics with other substances like alcohol or stimulants

• Take the drugs in unsafe or stressful environments

Sometimes, just one bad experience can lead to lasting mental health problems, especially without support.

The Myth of “Safe” Psychedelic Use

There’s a popular idea that because psychedelics come from nature (like mushrooms or plants), they must be safe. But that’s not always true.

Even natural substances like psilocybin or ayahuasca can lead to intense and scary experiences—especially when taken without proper preparation or guidance.

Psychedelics are powerful psychoactive drugs. They affect the brain deeply and can leave emotional damage behind. Some people never fully recover from a bad trip.

Therapeutic Use vs. Recreational Abuse: Know the Difference

It’s important to understand the difference between controlled psychedelic therapy and recreational drug use.

• In clinical settings, trained therapists use psychedelics in small doses and controlled environments.

• The goal is healing—and it’s done with supervision, support, and follow-up care.

• Recreational use, on the other hand, often involves high doses, unsafe settings, and no support. This can lead to panic, trauma, or lasting harm.

Even though some psychedelic research shows promise, it doesn’t mean casual or unsupervised use is safe.

When Psychedelic Use Becomes Substance Abuse

Not everyone who uses psychedelics becomes addicted—but they can still become dependent emotionally or mentally.

Signs that psychedelic use may have become a problem include:

• Constantly thinking about or planning the next trip

• Using to escape from problems or emotions

• Needing higher doses to feel the same effects

• Feeling disconnected or emotionally numb when not using

• Ignoring school, work, or family because of drug use

This is when it’s time to get help.

Treatment Options for Psychedelic Abuse and Mental Health Recovery

If you or someone you love is suffering after using psychedelics, help is available.

At Virtue Recovery Center, we treat both the mental health effects and the substance use issues tied to psychedelic abuse.

Our treatment program includes:

• Medical and psychological evaluations to assess your symptoms

• Residential treatment with 24/7 support

• Therapy and counseling to work through trauma, fear, or confusion

• Dual diagnosis care for those facing both drug use and mental health conditions

• Holistic therapies like meditation, yoga, and art to help rebuild emotional balance

We understand how scary and confusing this experience can be. But you don’t have to go through it alone.

Conclusion: You’re Not Alone—Help Is Available

Psychedelics can change your thoughts, feelings, and view of the world. Sometimes that change is helpful. But other times, it can leave you feeling lost, anxious, or scared.

If you’re facing flashbacks, fear, sadness, or confusion after long-term use of a psychedelic drug, it’s not “just in your head.” These are real symptoms that deserve real support.

You can feel better—and we can help.

Call Virtue Recovery Center at 866-461-3339 to start your journey toward addiction recovery. We’re here to support you—every step of the way.

FAQs About The Effects of Hallucinogen and Psychedelic Drug Use

What are the long-term effects of LSD use?

Long-term use of LSD can lead to various adverse effects, including persistent changes in mood and perception. Some users may experience flashbacks or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which involves re-experiencing hallucinations long after the drug’s effects have worn off.

Can the use of psychedelic mushrooms lead to negative psychological effects?

Yes, the use of psychedelic mushrooms can lead to negative psychological effects, especially in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. Adverse reactions may include anxiety, paranoia, and psychotic episodes, particularly during challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin.

What are the potential risks associated with the use of psychedelics like DMT?

The potential risks associated with the use of DMT include acute psychological distress and adverse events such as confusion and anxiety during the psychedelic experience. Long-term use of DMT is not well-studied, but repeated use may lead to adverse psychological effects.

How do psychological effects of psychedelics differ from other drugs?

Psychological effects of psychedelics can be unique compared to other drugs. While many substances produce physical withdrawal symptoms, classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin primarily induce profound changes in perception and thinking, which can lead to transformative experiences or adverse reactions in some users.

What findings have national surveys on drug use revealed about psychedelic users?

National surveys on drug use have shown that while a minority of the population uses psychedelic substances like LSD and psilocybin, users often report both positive and negative subjective effects. The long-term use of these drugs may be associated with both beneficial insights and adverse effects on mental health.

Are there any studies on the long-term use of psychedelic drugs?

Yes, there have been studies examining the long-term use of psychedelic drugs. Research indicates that while some individuals may experience positive lasting changes in their mental health, others may face adverse effects, including increased anxiety and challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin.

What are some short-term side effects of using psilocybin mushrooms?

Short-term side effects of using psilocybin mushrooms can include nausea, vomiting, and intense visual and auditory hallucinations. These effects may vary significantly among individuals and can lead to adverse reactions, particularly in unfamiliar or non-supportive environments.

What is the significance of case reports in understanding the risks of hallucinogenic drugs?

Case reports are significant as they provide real-world examples of the adverse effects and reactions to psychedelic drugs. They help researchers and healthcare professionals understand both the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of these substances, contributing to a more comprehensive view of their impact on drug use and health.

How can the experience after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms impact mental health?

The experience after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms can greatly impact mental health, with some individuals reporting profound insights and a sense of well-being, while others may encounter challenging experiences that lead to prolonged anxiety or depression. Understanding these subjective effects is crucial for evaluating the long-term implications of psilocybin use.

What are the adverse effects of psychedelics that users should be aware of?

Users should be aware that the adverse effects of psychedelics can include anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, particularly in those with a history of mental health issues. Additionally, some users may experience lasting changes in mood and perception that can persist long after the drug has been metabolized.

Resources

https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/lsd

https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/lsd/

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000795.htm