Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

August 27th, 2024

Hallucinogen withdrawal and detox

Hallucinogens detox is like peeling grime off a beautiful piece of art, stripping it back to its original form and starting anew. It is the first step on the journey to recovery from hallucinogens addiction and can help clear the fog from your mind so you can see clearly again.

Hallucinogens detox can be a scary prospect but there is incredible professional help available. At Banbury Lodge, we provide life-changing hallucinogens detox programmes designed to support our clients through the detox process, address underlying issues and provide the tools needed to maintain long-term recovery.

Hallucinogen detox

What is hallucinogens detox?

Hallucinogens detox is a process that removes hallucinogenic drugs from the body to break physical dependence. Like all forms of drug detox, the process is best done at a professional centre like Banbury Lodge where medical professionals can monitor you and keep you safe. and improve physical and mental health. Leading to a state of physical and mental clarity.

Hallucinogens detox has numerous benefits, including:

Reduced cravings for hallucinogens
Clearer thinking and improved cognitive function
Increased energy levels
Enhanced immune system function
Improved mental health
Reduced physical symptoms
Restored physical health
Solid foundations for the next steps in recovery

Some common forms of hallucinogens detox include:

Cannabis detox – Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug in the UK. Despite a common misconception that it cannot cause dependence, detox is often required as part of the recovery process.
LSD detox – LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic with “trips” which can cause a huge range of negative health effects and risky behaviour. Detox can help to rid the body of LSD, break physical dependence and prevent ongoing residual effects known as “flashbacks”.
Ketamine detox – Ketamine is a prescription medication that is commonly abused for its euphoric and psychedelic effects. Dependence on ketamine can be incredibly hard to break with professional detox always advisable.

How does hallucinogens detox work?

When you use hallucinogens, the drugs affect the function of certain neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, perception and behaviour.

With repeated use, the brain adapts to the presence of hallucinogens and begins to rely on them to maintain normal functioning creating a physical dependence. If you then stop using the drug abruptly, you experience hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms due to the sudden chemical imbalance.

The process of hallucinogens detox aims to manage the associated withdrawal symptoms until the body and brain have begun to heal, restoring balance to the neurotransmitters and breaking the physical dependence.

What are common hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms?

Hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the type and quantity of hallucinogen used. However, some common hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms include:

Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Sweating
Tremors
Confusion
Hallucinations
Delusions
Paranoia
Nausea
Headaches
Muscle pain
Seizures

The withdrawal timeline for hallucinogens can also vary but symptoms usually start to appear within a few hours of the last use. Generally, the first few days of hallucinogens withdrawal are the most challenging, with symptoms peaking around the third or fourth day. After a week, most physical symptoms start to subside, although psychological symptoms can persist for weeks or months.

Hallucinogen detox - man feeling depressed

Can I withdraw from hallucinogens at home?

Withdrawal from hallucinogens at home can be dangerous, as severe withdrawal symptoms can occur which require medical attention.

Additionally, attempting to go “cold turkey” can also increase the risk of relapse which can lead to overdose as your tolerance to hallucinogens will have dropped during the period of abstinence.

These are both important reasons why you should always undergo hallucinogens detox at a professional clinic.

Hallucinogens detox at Banbury Lodge

At Banbury Lodge, we provide comprehensive hallucinogens detox to help you overcome your dependence safely and effectively. Our hallucinogens detox programmes are designed to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the right level of care and support to achieve your recovery goals.

Some of the benefits of our hallucinogens detox programmes include:

24/7 medical care: Our inpatient hallucinogens detox centre provides round-the-clock medical care to ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout the detox process and that any concerns or issues are addressed promptly.
Full medical assessment: Upon arrival, you will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment to determine your physical and mental health status. This assessment is used to develop your detox plan and to check whether you are likely to experience severe hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms.
Individualised detox plan: Our hallucinogens detox plans take into account factors such as the type of hallucinogenic substance, the duration and extent of use, medical history and mental health status.
Medically assisted detox: If you require additional support, we offer medically assisted detox to help you manage hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety throughout the process.
Hallucinogens rehab: Alongside hallucinogens detox, you will also take part in a range of evidence-based therapies and treatments to holistically address your condition.
A safe and supportive environment: Our team of experienced professionals is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment to help you feel comfortable and supported throughout the detox process.
Evidence-based approaches: Our team of experienced professionals is trained in the latest hallucinogens detox techniques and approaches, ensuring that individuals receive the best possible care.

All of this helps to provide the most effective hallucinogens detox possible while keeping you safe and supported during your time at Banbury Lodge and beyond.

Hallucinogen detox - medical care

Challenges to prepare for during hallucinogens detox

Detoxing from hallucinogens can be an emotional and personal challenge that comes with a range of obstacles to overcome. As you begin your hallucinogens detox journey, here are some challenges you may face:

Emotional turmoil

Detoxing from hallucinogens can trigger a range of emotional responses, including anxiety, depression and frustration. Coping with these emotions can be difficult, but remember that it’s normal to feel this way. Remember your reasons for undergoing hallucinogens detox and use them as daily motivation.

Cravings and temptations

During the hallucinogens detox process, you may experience intense cravings and temptation to use again. That is why detoxing in an inpatient centre like Banbury Lodge is so important because you won’t have access to hallucinogens.

Self-doubt

The hallucinogens detox process can be challenging and you may experience self-doubt and feel like you can’t go on. Having a support system in place of loved ones, detox staff and peers can help you work through these emotions and regain your confidence.

Fear of the unknown

Detoxing from hallucinogens can be a scary and overwhelming process so speak to your medical professionals about your worries so they can reassure you about the realities.

Overcoming shame and guilt

These are common feelings for people in recovery which can be difficult to overcome and can trigger negative thoughts and behaviours. The most important thing is to remember that there is no judgement in hallucinogens detox and everyone involved is working towards the same goal; helping you get better.

By understanding and preparing for these emotional and personal challenges, you can be better equipped to navigate the hallucinogens detox process. At Banbury Lodge, we provide ongoing emotional support and resources to help you overcome these challenges and achieve your recovery goals.

How to help your loved one through hallucinogens detox

The support of loved ones can make a huge difference in the chances of a successful hallucinogens detox. If your loved one is about to start hallucinogens detox, here are six easy ways you can help:

Offer emotional support and encouragement: Listen to your loved one without judgement and avoid making assumptions or criticisms. Be patient and understanding, and create a safe and supportive space for your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage healthy eating and regular exercise: This can help their body heal faster and reduce hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms so encourage them to make healthy food choices and engage in regular exercise.
Help them to find alternative activities to distract from drug use: Encourage them to read, journal, catch up on their favourite shows or anything else that will help occupy their mind during hallucinogens withdrawal.
Provide practical support: This can include helping with household tasks, childcare duties or providing transportation to appointments or meetings.
Avoid triggers or situations that may lead to hallucinogens use: This is so important for preventing relapse. Help your loved one identify potential triggers and work together to develop strategies to avoid them.
Encourage them to seek professional help: If they haven’t already, this is so important. You can show them this page, provide information about hallucinogens detox options and accompany them to visit the detox centre.

While these may seem like small things, they can be instrumental in helping your loved one break free from dependence on hallucinogens. The important thing is to remember that hallucinogens detox is a process so remain patient, take it one day at a time and help wherever you can.

How to start hallucinogens detox

If you or a loved one is struggling with hallucinogen dependency, it is essential to seek professional help to begin the detox process safely. At Banbury Lodge, we offer comprehensive hallucinogens detox programmes that provide 24/7 medical care, individualised detox plans and ongoing support to help individuals reset their lives. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.

Frequently asked questions

Is hallucinogens detox painful?

The hallucinogens detox process can be uncomfortable and some withdrawal symptoms may even be a little painful but a professional detox medical team will work with you to manage your symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible. At Banbury Lodge, we use evidence-based approaches to minimise the severity of hallucinogens withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe hallucinogens detox experience.

Can hallucinogens detox be fatal?

Hallucinogens detox can be a challenging process but it is not typically fatal. However, detoxing at home or without medical supervision can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. This is why it’s essential to undergo hallucinogens detox at a professional detox centre where you can receive 24/7 medical care and support to ensure your safety throughout the process.

Is hallucinogens detox a cure?

Hallucinogens detox is not a cure but it is an essential first step in the recovery process. Hallucinogens detox can help you overcome physical dependence on hallucinogens and give you the best possible platforms to go on and develop the skills and knowledge you need to maintain your sobriety long-term.