Mescaline
Mescaline and peyote are hallucinogenic drugs commonly called psychedelics. Peyote is a small cactus typically found in desert areas. Mescaline is the hallucinogenic chemical found in peyote.
Peyote and mescaline are Schedule I drugs according to the DEA. This means it has been determined these chemicals have no medical value, have the potential for abuse, and can have harmful effects when used.
Common street names for the drug are:
- Buttons
- Cactus
- Mesc
- Peyoto
- Mescal
- Topi
- Moon
In 1970 the United States passed a law making peyote and mescaline use illegal and categorized it as a Schedule l hallucinogenic.
History of Mescaline and Trends
The peyote cactus has small buttons on the top. These buttons are removed, as this is where the mescaline lies. The buttons are then dried or can be used fresh as well. Commonly, the buttons are chewed. Another common method is to soak the buttons in water to draw out the mescaline. The water is then consumed to obtain the hallucinogenic effects. Dried buttons are ground into powder and then placed in capsules to swallow.
Peyote has a long history with North American Indian tribes. They use it in religious ceremonies, a tradition that can be traced back almost 6,000 years. Due to religious freedom issues, some states allow the use of mescaline in Native American ceremonies.
A form of synthetic mescaline was developed in 1919 where the chemical arrangement of the organic structure of the drug was duplicated. This is taken in capsule form. This is an especially dangerous form of the drug, as a user does not really know what is in the powder of the capsule and can ingest other harmful substances. Severe illness or death can result.
Mescaline Effects
This drug can have profound effects on an individual and can be dangerous in some situations. Some common effects include:
- Severe hallucinations
- Illusions
- Altered perception of time
- Altered perception of space
- Altered perception of self
- Euphoria
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Increased body temperature
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Numbness
Long term effects with repeated use include:
- Brain damage
- Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) commonly known as flashbacks
Since the potency of any one dose is unknown, a user can easily overdose and have a “bad trip” and experience the following:
- Fear of losing sanity
- Fear of the unknown
- High anxiety
- Fear of death
- Fear of loss of control
Mescaline Abuse & Addiction
While not being as addictive as other drugs such as heroin or cocaine, a dependence on mescaline could occur. Also, as a user builds up a tolerance for the drug by repeated use, the dosages are increased for the desired effect, which could lead to permanent brain damage, higher risk of injury and long-term HPPD.
Mescaline Withdrawal, Symptoms & Treatment
In some instances, mescaline users have psychotic breaks or mental breakdowns from the use of the drug. Some mental and/or emotional disturbances are so severe, mental health professionals are required to assist in keeping the client safe. As the drug leaves the system, long-term monitoring in a drug treatment facility may be needed to ensure flashbacks and mental/emotional disturbances are controlled.
Qualified professionals are recommended to assist in psychological and physical treatment as well as provide a safe environment. Mescaline is a dangerous drug and admission to a treatment center is a good way to keep a person safe as well as monitor their mental, emotional and physical well-being. Cognitive behavior therapy, other behavioral therapies and counseling will help a person overcome the need for the drug and stay clean and sober. Call us at 877-855-3470 for more information on how we can help using qualified people and safe treatments.