Dissociative drugs, such as PCP (Phencyclidine), DXM (Dextromethorphan), Ketamine and LSD, are a class of hallucinogenic drugs that alter user’s perceptions of sight and sound. They also produce feelings of detachment or dissociation from one’s environment or self. Some types of dissociative drugs can be found in over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, others are prescribed to sedate patients who are experiencing severe pain or to sustain general anesthesia during surgery and still others are found as street drugs.
Side Effects Of Dissociative Drugs
Dissociative drugs block signals to the conscious mind and produce hallucinations and even dream-like trances. Side effects of taking drugs in this classification include:
- Memory loss
- Feelings of panic or aggression
- Changes in blood pressure, respiration, or heart rate
- Sleeplessness
- Tremors
- Appetite loss
Treating Dissociative Drug Addiction
Like with other types of drugs, users can develop a tolerance to dissociative drugs that can lead to cravings and addiction. Over time, there is also a risk of acquiring a condition called hallucinogen-induced persisting perceptual disorder (HPPD) that is a result of the negative impact of flashbacks caused by the drug. If not treated, an addiction to dissociative drugs can be fatal. In many individuals, long-term side effects can last long after they stop using a dissociative drug. These include speech difficulties, memory loss, depression, and social withdrawal. For some, these side effects will last for a year or even longer. But there is hope… Holistic and personalized, ongoing addiction treatment is focused first on overcoming the initial symptoms of withdrawal such as drug cravings, headaches, heart palpitations, and profuse sweating. Once the initial detox has been completed, the focus shifts to ongoing care, encouragement and relapse prevention tools to live healthy and drug-free.
Personalized Addiction Treatment
At Summit Estate, we offer both an inpatient program as well as an outpatient rehab in Saratoga to provide our clients with the right level of care. We assess each individual, taking into account their background and specific addiction, as well as their mental and emotional needs. With this background information, we are able to create a personalized treatment program that can includes group, individual, family, or couples therapy, as well as holistic therapies and more to offer the best chance of long-term recovery. Are you or a loved one struggling with an addiction to a dissociative drug or any other substance?
We Encourage You To Begin Your Recovery Journey By Calling Us Now!
