What Is the Relationship Between Psychedelic Drugs and Schizophrenia?
While psychedelics and dissociative drugs affect the brain differently, both are often called “hallucinogens ”. Though more studies are needed to understand exactly how the substances work, recent research suggests a connection between psychedelic drugs and schizophrenia.
Ongoing NIDA-funder studies seek to discern how the mechanisms affect the brain’s prefrontal cortex to alter mood, perception, and cognition.
If you use hallucinogens, you may be at risk of developing some unwanted side effects. Here are some things you need to know.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) defines schizophrenia as:
“A serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and their family and friends.”
When a person suffers from schizophrenia, they struggle to participate in daily routines and activities. The condition essentially affects how a person thinks and feels, and how they behave.
Signs of schizophrenia vary, but the most common symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech patterns that seem illogical or incoherent. Other symptoms may include social withdrawal, memory problems, poor decision-making skills, and lack of motivation. The symptoms are referred to as drug-induced psychosis and they may decline or improve throughout a person’s lifetime.
Psychedelic drugs contribute to schizophrenia by disrupting communication among different regions in the brain. Typically, 25% of people who suffer substance-induced psychosis have a follow-up diagnosis of schizophrenia. The risk of developing schizophrenia is higher with cannabis, hallucinogens, and amphetamines.
All drugs affect the brain differently. However, those that primarily affect the 5-Ht2A receptors in the brain are more likely to cause schizophrenia.
Psychedelic drugs affect all of a person’s senses, distorting their sense of time and emotions. Since ancient times, psychedelics have been used for their spiritual or mystical associations. Generally, people don’t use the drugs regularly but occasionally enjoy the euphoric effects and sense of well-being the drug promotes. However, some people experience a “bad trip” that may include disturbing hallucinations, panic attacks, or suicide attempts.
The most popular psychedelic drugs include:
It is not uncommon for psychedelic drugs to include fentanyl, which can lead to overdoses.
Dissociative drugs block receptors in the brain that transport the neurotransmitter, glutamate. The effect leaves a person feeling a sense of disconnection with their body and physical environment. They are a class of psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs that cause changes in emotions, thoughts, and consciousness.
The most popular dissociative drugs include:
These drugs may be in powder, pill, liquid, gas, or plant form. People ingest them either by snorting, inhaling, injecting, or taking them orally.
Research shows that some people may develop a tolerance to psychedelic drugs. This means they need more of the drug to achieve the desired effects. Furthermore, studies suggest that dissociative drugs can produce withdrawal symptoms. However, the DSM-5 includes reference to PCP use disorder and other hallucinogen use disorder, however, it does not include diagnoses of substance use disorder for other psychedelic or dissociative drugs.
Currently, the NIDA is conducting studies on tolerance, withdrawal, and SUD symptoms related to these drugs.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that about 7.4 million people reported using hallucinogens in the past 12 months.
Although psychedelics are not considered addictive, some people have difficulty stopping or controlling their use. This is especially true if the drug is used in combination with alcohol or other substances.
Furthermore, it can be difficult to stop using drugs when mental health disorders, depression, or low self-esteem are involved. For these reasons, long-term recovery is best achieved with professional treatment.
At Design for Change Recovery, we seek to treat the whole person by addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of substance use disorders. Our programs include different levels of care to ensure a fully personalized treatment plan with evidence-based treatment options such as:
Learn more about our JCAHO-accredited, full continuum of care by contacting our Lancaster, CA facility today by phone, email, or online. One of our treatment advisors will verify your insurance, and assist you in any way.
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