Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder is a recurring distortion of a person’s visual perception. Typically, it presents itself as a lingering effect of hallucinogen abuse. Symptoms may continue for months or years.

Some relief from symptoms occurs with addiction treatment care. However, consuming hallucinogenic drugs is common with diagnosing this rare disorder.

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Causes of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder

Also referred to as HPPD, this condition causes a person to experience sensory disturbances. Often, what a person goes through tends to mimic symptoms of prior drug abuse. Specifically, a person with this condition uses hallucinogenic recreational drugs.

One common drug is lysergic acid diethylamide, also known as LSD. Other less common drugs include ecstasy, PCP, marijuana, and ketamine.

The biological cause of this disorder is not fully understood. However, it is widely believed that hallucinogens can inhibit areas of the brain that connects to perception. Visual distortions happen when a person is unable to filter unnecessary signals.

Symptoms of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder

How long the effects of this disorder last varies from one person to the next. One person may endure symptoms for months. Another person goes through the effects of symptoms for years.

Symptoms of this disorder include:

Hallucinations of trailing colors
Seeing objects with haloes
Experiencing static in vision
Perception of flickering light
Visuals of moving objects that leave trails behind them
Seeing flashes of color

In many cases, these symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to work. Additionally, they have problems interacting in social settings.

Before the diagnosis of HPPD occurs, other mental health conditions get ruled out. However, having a history of psychological issues or substance abuse is often part of a person’s experience. Still, a single exposure to triggering drugs may lead to this condition.

Prevention and Treatment of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder

Obviously, staying away from hallucinogenic drugs is the best way to avoid a distorted perception. A history of using drugs that cause hallucinations always precludes having this condition. However, taking these types of drugs does not guarantee the onset of this disorder.

While many users never display symptoms, those who do will need treatment to get better. Presently, no cure exists, but there are several therapeutic approaches to manage HPPD.

In some cases, medications such as clonidine or benzodiazepines can successfully treat this condition. Enrolling in a medication therapy management program ensures a safe recovery.

While medications are crucial to managing this disorder, a person will also need comprehensive therapy.

We Help You Discover a New Path

Random, mind-altering illusions of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder can create feelings of isolation. If this is your world today, let Bayview Recovery help you start living again.

Struggling with the long-term effects of hallucinogenic drug abuse is not something you should do alone. We offer programs and services to address all substance abuse problems. Our treatment programs prepare you for a full life after recovery.

In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy programs in WA, we offer comprehensive care. Our addiction therapy services recognize the importance of personalized treatment. We create a plan that includes therapeutic approaches such as:

Overcoming drug addiction and mind-altering substances is challenging. Bayview Recovery wants you to find a path to thriving without addiction. Call us at 855.478.3650 to begin your new life today.