Mixing Alcohol And Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens, like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, are a group of drugs that alter perceptions of the environment, thoughts, and feelings. Taking hallucinogens can result in visual hallucinations and feeling disconnected from the body. 

Drinking alcohol while taking hallucinogens can be dangerous because the effects of both substances can be unpredictable. Mixing them can worsen side effects and increase the risk of alcohol poisoning or drug overdose. 

Effects Of Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a class of psychedelic drugs that include classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. These drugs commonly cause hallucinations and, in the case of dissociative drugs, can also cause you to feel detached from reality. 

Hallucinogenic drugs include:

• LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide)
• psilocybin (mushrooms)
• peyote
• DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
• PCP (phencyclidine)
• ketamine

The effects of each drug vary but can occur within a few minutes and last several hours. The altered sense of perception and hallucinations that commonly occur are referred to as a “trip.” Some people have frightening experiences while taking hallucinogens, known as a “bad trip.”

Classic hallucinogens can cause the following side effects:

• increased heart rate
• nausea
• intense feelings
• altered sense of time

Dissociative drugs can cause the following side effects:

• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• high body temperature
• numbness
• memory impairment
• inability to move
• disorientation
• seizures
• difficulty breathing

Effects Of Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant drug that, in moderation, can make you feel more relaxed and lower inhibitions. However, alcohol abuse can lead to more severe side effects that interfere with judgment, coordination, and memory. 

Short-term effects of alcohol include:

• slurred speech
• impaired coordination
• drowsiness
• blackouts (memory loss)
• slowed reaction time
• mood swings

Someone may drink alcohol while taking hallucinogens to lower the adverse effects associated with the drug. However, when mixed with other drugs or in excessive amounts, alcohol can cause severe or life-threatening side effects. 

Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol & Hallucinogens

The effects of hallucinogens, even when taken alone, may not be consistent. It’s difficult to know how your body will react and if you will experience severe side effects. A combination of alcohol and hallucinogens can cause dangerous drug interactions.

Adverse Effects

As the effects of hallucinogens wear off, you may experience the uncomfortable effects associated with a comedown. A comedown can cause a wide range of feelings, such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue. 

Some people may drink alcohol to ease the effects of a comedown. However, drinking alcohol when hallucinogens are still in your system can worsen these symptoms. 

Mixing drugs also increases the risk of severe side effects, including nausea and vomiting. 

Long-Term Effects

Alcohol can worsen symptoms of mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. In addition, long-term drug use can impair thinking, memory, and speech. Over time, hallucinogens may also increase paranoia, anxiety, and depression. 

Long-term alcohol use can also negatively impact physical health. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of liver damage, high blood pressure, heart problems, and several types of cancer. 

Alcohol Poisoning

Hallucinogens can interfere with your ability to appropriately gauge the effects of alcohol intoxication. 

According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, the majority of people who mixed alcohol with hallucinogens reported blocked or reduced effects of alcohol. This can cause you to unintentionally drink too much alcohol, which increases the risk of alcohol poisoning. 

Alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening and may cause the following symptoms:

• confusion
• sedation
• nausea/vomiting
• seizures
• difficulty breathing
• bluish skin tone
• loss of consciousness

Overdose

Overdose can occur with hallucinogens, especially dissociative drugs if you take too much or mix them with other substances. 

Dissociative drugs, like PCP, should never be combined with central nervous system depressant drugs, including alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, because of the increased risk of respiratory depression. 

If you recognize signs of respiratory depression, like slowed breathing, heart rate, or loss of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately. 

Addiction

Long-term substance abuse increases the risk of developing a drug or alcohol addiction. Addiction also referred to as a substance use disorder (SUD), is characterized by a loss of control over drug or alcohol use. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the dissociative drug PCP has been associated with a high risk of addiction. If you suddenly stop using PCP, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, headaches, and sweating. 

Alcohol use can also lead to dependence and addiction, which is likely to result in withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and may cause seizures, tremors, and hallucinations. 

Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Drug addiction treatment centers offer a wide range of services, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs. These programs are beneficial for helping you learn to cope with cravings and manage life without the use of substances. 

Most treatment centers integrate a variety of therapeutic groups and activities, which may include behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, individual counseling, and meditation. 

If you or a loved one would like to know more about treatment options, please call our helpline today.

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