Alcohol Addiction
a person wonders is alcohol a hallucinogen
By BrightView
Author Dan Bielecki, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS
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Dan Bielecki, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS

Dan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with supervision designation (LPCC-S) and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor... read more

Published: April 22, 2022
Updated: October 23, 2023

Many drugs can cause a person to experience hallucinations, which are the illusion or heightened sense of sights, sounds, or smells that are not, in fact, real. Hallucinations are a common consequence of hallucinogenic drugs commonly known as LSD, acid, and DMT. While each of these is human-made, other natural hallucinogens have been used for centuries by those looking to experience these hallucinations, such as mushrooms and peyote. While alcohol is not classified as a hallucinogen, it still changes the way that the brain functions. It modifies how sensations are experienced and impact a person’s reflexes, motor function, and memory. If you are concerned about hallucinations that you or a loved one is experiencing, reach out to an addiction specialist to learn more about how a counseling and addiction recovery program may be the right choice.

At BrightView, our alcohol addiction treatment program uses a holistic approach to treat the mental and physical effects of alcohol use. For more information about how we can help you or someone you care about with alcohol addiction treatment, give BrightView a call today at 888.501.9865 or contact us online.

How Alcohol Can Affect Brain Functioning

Although alcohol alone does not cause hallucinations, the combination of alcohol and hallucinogenic drugs can force the body to intensify the side effects of each. Hallucinogens tend to heighten or exacerbate the mood that a person may already be experiencing. For example, if a person is anxious, drugs may push them further into paranoia and to detach from reality. A person already drunk on alcohol may experience lower inhibitions, engage in risky behavior, and be inclined to take more drugs to enhance the experience. When alcohol and hallucinogenic drugs are taken simultaneously, the side effects can be not only detrimental to a person’s health but may lead to dangerous circumstances, including:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Reduced inhibitions leading to risky behavior or self-harm
  • Feelings of invincibility
  • Psychosis

Most people build a tolerance to hallucinogens, like alcohol, forcing them to take larger doses to achieve the same result. Both alcohol and the use of hallucinogens can lead to dependence and addiction. Users will experience withdrawal symptoms of both when they stop using, including cravings, depression, and psychosis.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

As addiction is a mental health disorder or disease, it does not have a cure but can be treated through an evidence-based addiction treatment program. The evidence supports that everyone can live a life free of drugs and alcohol with proper treatment and guidance and has developed programs to meet all of its patients’ needs. An alcohol addiction treatment program may consist of medication, counseling, and therapy, all of which are available at any of our outpatient treatment facilities. Find out how you can recover from alcohol and drug addiction by calling 888.501.9865.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment at BrightView

Outpatient treatment programs are geared toward assisting those who suffer from addiction without uprooting their lives. With more than 22 outpatient facilities throughout Ohio, BrightView has the addiction treatment programs to meet your needs. Our addiction specialists take a supportive approach in which each patient is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The main foundations of our outpatient addiction treatment program are structure and education. Addiction disrupts every aspect of a person’s life, so a structured schedule is crucial for our patients to regain control of their lives. Also, our BrightView team believes that one of the most powerful tools in recovery is knowledge, so we teach our patients essential skills to maintain their recovery for many years to come. After completion, you will be reassessed for our aftercare treatment plan because our BrightView team is with you for every step in your recovery journey.

In our outpatient drug rehab program, you are expected to attend:

  • One medical visit per month – thirty minutes
  • One support group counseling session per week – three hours
  • One individual counseling session per month – sixty minutes
  • One or less than one case management session per month – thirty to sixty minutes

Alcohol addiction doesn’t discriminate, and it affects people from all walks of life. However, most people need the assistance and guidance of addiction specialists to overcome their alcohol use. Find out more about how we can help you by contacting BrightView today.

Learn More Today About Outpatient Treatment in Ohio at BrightView

There are many misconceptions about addiction, most of which prevent users from seeking treatment or admitting that they need help. At BrightView, we understand the complexities of addiction and provide the information and resources for patients to make informed decisions about the outpatient treatment program best for them. If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it is time to gain control of the disease and begin the road to recovery. Find out how the addiction specialists can help you identify the root cause of addiction, understand its impact on your life, and learn about the available treatment options. Give us a call at 888.501.9865 or schedule an appointment using our online form.