Hallucinogens or Humans—Which Control?

Help is available for individuals who recognize that hallucinogen use has become a personal problem. Rehabilitation programs deal with dependence on a wide range of dangerous substances, from alcohol to cocaine and heroine.

For users of hallucinogens, many of the assistance agencies and projects are not medical programs but are self-help groups. Most abusers do not require medical or clinical treatment; they need psychological support from other people who understand their problem—people who, like them, have firmly decided to break the habit.

The recovery process is a personal challenge. The individual must decide that a substance-free life is preferable to a substance-dependent life and must be willing to change accordingly. Is the person ready to get on with life without the crutch of MDMA or marijuana? Can other interests—hobbies, new friendships, studies, preparation for a future career—now take priority over the urge to escape from it all or to feel high? Until they can, recovery prospects are dismal. The dependent person must identify other ways to meet the “needs” that the hallucinogen fulfilled.

Most recovery programs require total abstinence from the substance. Gradual weaning rarely works.