Peyote is a hallucinogenic drug that people use recreationally. Hallucinogens are assumed to be non-addictive. For that reason, most people do not believe there is any harm in using them.

This drug can have serious side effects and can negatively impact a person’s entire life. Here, we will discuss the short and long-term effects of mescaline. We will also review the available treatment options for recovery.

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What is Mescaline (Peyote)?

Mescaline is often called peyote. It is a drug that comes from several types of cacti. This includes the San Pedro cactus and the Peruvian torch cactus. It is found in different types of beans as well, and it can also be produced in a lab.

Peyote has effects that are similar to other types of hallucinogenic drugs. Examples include psilocybin and LSD.

This drug comes from the part of the cactus that grows above the ground, called the crown. The drug is found in disc-shaped buttons that are cut and dried. Once dried, users chew the buttons or brew them into a tea after soaking them in water. Some people will grind them into powder and make capsules. The powder may be added to tobacco or marijuana and smoked too.

It takes about 5 grams of peyote to reach hallucinogenic effects. This recreational drug is often used during psychedelic therapy or meditation sessions. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it is illegal. Native Americans often use it during religious ceremonies. It is legal for that type of use only.

Why do People Abuse Peyote?

Mescaline has been used during religious ceremonies to enhance spiritual experiences. But some use it solely to get high and go on a psychedelic trip.

A peyote trip can be good or bad. There is no real way of knowing what to expect with each use. The drug’s effects may be different each time it is used. Personal factors play a role, as well as the type of cactus the drug came from.

The History of Peyote

Peyote use dates back at least 5,700 years to Native Americans who lived in Mexico at the time. South America is also known for its use of mescaline. During the Spanish conquest, people in the Aztec empire and northern Mexico used it. Historically, religious persecution limited its use.

By the year 1880, this drug began to make its way further north into the United States. Our country incorporated its use in 1920 for the Native American Church. It has now spread all over the country and has made it as far north as Saskatchewan, Canada.

This drug can also be made synthetically as well. It was identified in 1897 by Arthur Heffter, a German chemist. It was not until 1918 that Ernst Späth synthesized it.

Mescaline’s Medicinal Value

Today, mescaline does not have any medicinal value, which is why it is a Schedule I drug. There has been some research in this area, though, and the findings are quite interesting. Some experts believe that peyote could treat alcohol addiction and depression. More research needs to be done in this area, but the drug’s scheduling can make that very difficult.

Many peyote users claim the drug has medicinal value, regardless of experts’ opinions. People report experiencing spiritual enlightenment while high on the drug. They claim it has helped with both their mental and physical health.

 

Common Mescaline Side Effects

People who abuse mescaline may have some unpleasant side effects, such as:

  • Symptoms of anxiety
  • A rapid heartbeat
  • Hallucinations
  • Tremors
  • Psychosis
  • Agitation
  • Tachycardia
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches

Short-Term Effects

Most people use peyote without giving much thought to the drug’s effects. After one use, people experience its short-term effects, which include:

  • Problems with coordination
  • Excessive sweating
  • An increased body temperature
  • An increased heart rate
  • Feeling flushed
  • Having hallucinations
  • Seeing brighter colors and sharper sounds
  • Changes in time perception.
  • Nausea with or without vomiting

Long-Term Effects

Using mescaline for a long time will result in drug tolerance. That means that more of the drug is needed to experience the same effects. It can happen in only a few days if the person uses it repeatedly. There are experts that state that those users may also become tolerant to other drugs as well.

No Native Americans have reported long-term cognitive deficits with regular peyote use. But that does not mean this drug is safe. Some users have developed hallucinogen persisting perception disorder or HPPD. This condition causes users to have flashbacks of their psychedelic trips. Flashbacks are unsettling and uncontrollable.

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Is Peyote Physically Addictive?

Peyote is not known to be physically addictive. But for some users, it becomes psychologically addictive. This means that they believe they need the drug to function. But even most regular users do not take it every day, as they might with other drugs.

Psychological addiction can produce physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. That is why getting treatment is so critical.

Signs of Use

A person who is abusing mescaline will exhibit some outward signs of use. They may include:

  • Having hallucinations
  • Lacking an appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Flushed skin
  • Changes in their mood
  • Problems sleeping
  • Painful headaches
  • An increase in energy levels
  • Problems with coordination

Signs of Addiction

It is important to know how to identify the signs of addiction to peyote. They include:

  • No longer participating in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.
  • Denying that they have a problem with the drug.
  • Ensuring that they always have a supply of the drug on hand, and possibly keeping stashes.
  • Using the drug excessively.
  • Having the desire to stop using, but finding that they are unable to.
  • Using the drug only in secret or with others who also use it.
  • Going through withdrawal once the drug is out of their system.
  • Becoming disheveled or haggard in appearance.
  • Experiencing health issues as a result of their drug use, yet, they continue to abuse it.
 

Mescaline Addiction Recovery and Treatment Options

It is possible to recover from mescaline addiction with the right treatment. So many people relapse, and getting support can help them avoid that. Even those who successfully stop using peyote often switch to using another drug.

Peyote Withdrawal Symptoms

Peyote withdrawal symptoms may be very difficult to manage. The drug works by stimulating excessive amounts of dopamine and serotonin. Both are neurotransmitters. Their job is to regulate emotions and aid in relaxation.

Dysphoria can result once peyote is stopped. The individual may begin feeling depressed, anxious, and restless. Paranoia, psychosis, and hallucination flashbacks are also typical of withdrawal.

It may not be necessary for everyone to go through drug detox when getting off peyote. But those who do need to detox can get help. Medical and holistic treatments can reduce the severity of symptoms.

Drug Rehab

Drug rehab is a vital part of the mescaline addiction recovery process. Therapy is needed to help people understand what caused them to get addicted to this drug. Once they know, they can take the appropriate steps to get help.

People often abuse peyote as a way to self-medicate their mental health issues. The drug can help them feel better short term. These individuals have co-occurring disorders, and it is important to treat them. Otherwise, a relapse is likely.

Getting help for co-occurring disorders is called dual diagnosis treatment. It is a method of treating substance abuse and mental health at the same time. By addressing the individual’s mental health, it reduces the risk of relapsing.

Our alcohol recovery program allows you to keep work and family commitments while focusing on your sobriety.

Modern Recovery’s Services for Mescaline Addiction Treatment

At Modern Recovery, we often work with people who are addicted to mescaline. We understand how hallucinogenic drugs affect the mind and body. Personalized treatment is the best way to address each client’s unique issues.

We carefully assess each client’s needs before starting treatment. Drug detox may be recommended, depending on the presence of withdrawal symptoms. It may be necessary if the person is using other drugs as well. We do not offer detox services in-house, but we do provide referrals for programs we know and trust.

After going through the detoxification process, clients return to us for further treatment.

Drug rehab addresses the psychological aspect of mescaline addiction recovery. We offer an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that many of our clients have found helpful. It provides them with greater flexibility than other forms of treatment.

During IOP participation, clients attend evening appointments 3-5 times per week. Their daytime hours are left free for work, school, or family time.

Sober living services are also available for those who need them. It is common for people to travel to other states to get help for addiction. Arizona has become a popular rehab destination. Clients can stay in our recovery housing facility while they get the treatment they need. This service is also available to locals who may live in places that make recovering a challenge.

 

Learn More About Peyote Addiction and Recovery

Mescaline appears to be relatively harmless at first glance. Users think of it as fun and enjoyable. But it can be addictive. Recovering can be difficult, but it is possible with the right support.

If you have been abusing peyote, you may not have been aware of how dangerous it is. There has never been a better time to stop than right now.

Do you have questions about your treatment options or mescaline addiction? We are here to help you. Please contact us.

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