Types of Dissociatives, Addiction & Treatment

Dissociative drugs are a class of psychoactive substances that can induce a sense of detachment from one's surroundings, body, and identity.

This category of psychoactive drugs can lead to powerful experiences of distorted perceptions and altered states of consciousness.

Evidence suggests that its use can lead to mental and long-term consequences due to substance abuse and addiction. 

It's crucial to know these drugs, the signs and symptoms of their addiction, and potential treatments available for managing their abuse to combat the effects.

What are Dissociative Drugs?

Dissociative drugs belong to a class of hallucinogens. These psychedelic drugs alter the user’s perceptions of reality. They can cause:

• Feelings of detachment or disconnection
• Disassociation from the user’s environment and self
• Separation anxiety
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Distorted perception
• Out-of-body experiences
• Speeding up or slowing down of time
• A sense of timelessness (rarely)

Common Dissociative Drugs and Their Street Names

Here’s a list of the five most common types of dissociative drugs, along with their street names:

1. Phencyclidine (PCP)

Doctors developed PCP in the 1950s as dissociative anesthetics. However, they discontinued using it due to its serious adverse effects on users. 

Today, it’s a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse, and consistent use may lead to psychological or physical dependence.

Phencyclidine’s street names include:

• Angel dust
• Love boat
• Rocket fuel
• Ozone
• Super weed
• Super grass
• Embalming fluid
• Crystal t
• Magic dust

2. Ketamine

Doctors and veterinarians use ketamine as dissociative anesthetics for inducing sedation and pain relief for surgical procedures.

However, due to its dissociative properties, people may use it illicitly. It’s also a Schedule III controlled substance, so it has a potential for abuse and may cause addiction. 

Ketamine’s street names include:

• K
• Special K
• Vitamin K
• Super acid
• Bump
• Cat Valium
• Green
• Purple
• Honey oil
• Jet

3. Dextromethorphan (DXM)

Dextromethorphan is a medication most often present in over-the-counter cold and cough medications. Therefore, anyone can purchase it without a prescription from a health professional in the United States.

This drug’s street names include:

• CCC (Triple C)
• Dex
• Robo
• Rojo
• Skittles
• Velvet
• Poor man’s PCP

4. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide has numerous medical uses in surgery and dentistry, especially as dissociative anesthetics. 

Under federal law, possession of nitrous oxide is legal. Regardless, many states have various laws regarding nitrous oxide possession, sale, and distribution. 

Its street names include:

• Whippits
• Nitro
• NOS
• Balloons
• Buzz Bombs
• Nangs
• Laughing gas
• Hippie crack
• Chargers
• N20
• Sweet air

5. Salvia Divinorum

Salvia divinorum is a leaf native to Central and South America. It has various legal statuses around the U.S. 

Currently, 29 American states consider it illegal drugs. Salvia divinorum’s street names include:

• Salvia
• Leaves of mary
• The shepherdess
• Maria pastora
• Sage of the seers
• Diviner’s mint
• Sally-D
• Magic Mint

Sponsored

Online Therapy Can Help

Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:

• Professional and effective
• Affordable and convenient
• Personalized and discreet
• Easy to start

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Short-Term Effects of Dissociative Drugs

Dissociative anesthetics produce many physical and mental effects. The type of drug, dosage, and user’s body size affect these effects’ intensity.

1. PCP

Users typically feel the short-term effects of PCP after 30 to 60 minutes if they ingest it orally. In contrast, the high lasts 5 to 10 minutes if smoked.

The immediate effects typically wear off after 4 to 6 hours. However, returning to a completely normal state may take up to 24 hours. 

As a dissociative anesthetic, its effects include:

• A numb, trance-like state
• Analgesia (pain relief)
• Body distortion
• Depersonalization
• Euphoria
• Hallucinations

Adverse Consequences and Risks of PCP

The most common and dangerous effects of PCP include:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Intense sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Raised blood pressure
• Slurred speech
• Sudden mood changes
• Unpredictable and often violent behavior

 At high doses, PCP can cause the following:

• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts
• Coma
• Death

2. Ketamine

Ketamine is manufactured in many forms, such as:

• Injectables
• Intranasal sprays
• Topical creams
• Sublingual tablets

Makers usually evaporate and turn it into a powder that users snort or press into pills for illicit use.

The typical short-term effects of ketamine include:

• Hyperesthesia (A heightened sense of touch)
• Auditory and visual distortions
• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Slurred speech
• Numbness

Adverse Consequences and Risks of Ketamine

The potential adverse effects of ketamine include panic, rage, and paranoia. 

Many people have also described their usage as a near-death experience. This sensation is called a “K-hole,” wherein people report the following effects:

• Profound dissociation from their body
• Altered perception of time and space
• Feelings of weightlessness
• Disconnection from reality, including hallucinations

3. DXM

Users typically ingest DXM orally in the form of cough syrup. Its typical short-term effects include:

• Auditory distortions
• Change in the perception of gravity
• Altered sensory perception 
• Altered perception of time and space
• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Out-of-body experiences
• Vivid imagination

Adverse Consequences and Risks of DXM

The potential adverse effects of DXM include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increase in blood pressure
• Nausea
• Numbness
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting

High doses of DXM may induce the following:

• Slowed breathing
• Seizures
• Temporary paralysis
• Central nervous system suppression
• Death

Cough medicines with DXM also contain several other active ingredients that can interact with other drugs and be very dangerous.

4. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a gas that people inhale. The following effects of this gas occur almost immediately after use but only last a short time.

• Euphoria
• Fits of laughter
• Hallucinations
• Relaxation
• Incomprehensible/incoherent speech

Adverse Consequences and Risks of Nitrous Oxide

Potential adverse effects of nitrous oxide include:

• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating or shivering
• Inability to think 
• Irrationality
• Paranoia
• Severe headaches
• Sleepiness 

5. Salvia Divinorum

Salvia divinorum is a leaf that users can chew, drink, or smoke. Its effects typically occur almost immediately after consumption and last less than 30 minutes. 

The typical short-term effects of salvia divinorum include:

• Intense hallucinations
• Intense laughter
• Visual distortions

Adverse Consequences and Risks of Salvia Divinorum

The potential adverse effects of salvia divinorum include:

• Anxiety
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Dysphoria
• Fear
• Acute distress or panic
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea

Sponsored

Get Professional Help

BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Long-Term Effects of Dissociative Drugs

Dissociatives have a much higher risk of adverse long-term side effects than other hallucinogens.

1. Phencyclidine (PCP)

Prolonged use of PCP can cause addiction. Users may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop using the drug.

Other long-term effects of PCP include:

• Depression
• Difficulty speaking
• Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) or flashbacks
• Cognitive impairments
• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Weight loss

PCP can also negatively affect the hormones necessary for healthy growth and development. Therefore, it may stunt learning abilities in young people.

2. Ketamine

Ketamine is an addictive drug and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. This effect is especially true for people who develop a dependency on the drug. 

The other long-term effects of ketamine include:

• Amnesia
• Fatal respiratory problems
• Delirium
• Depression
• Impaired motor functions

3. Dextromethorphan (DXM)

Prolonged use of DXM can lead to abuse and addiction and result in withdrawal symptoms if the user cannot continue using the drug. 

The other long-term effects of DXM include:

• Cerebral hemorrhages
• Permanent brain damage
• Stroke

4. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide isn’t always physically addictive but can be psychologically addictive. Due to its short duration, users may abuse it repetitively and frequently to experience the pleasurable sensations it causes.

Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide results in:

• Body spasms
• Brain and nerve damage
• Depression
• Incontinence
• Memory loss
• Potential congenital disabilities if used during pregnancy
• Psychosis

5. Salvia Divinorum

Salvia isn’t physically addictive. In addition, the long-term effects remain unknown. However, users have reported the following after the immediate effects wear off:

• Feelings of tiredness
• Memory loss
• Spatial and temporal distortion

Addiction Symptoms of Dissociative Drugs

PCP, ketamine, and DXM are addictive dissociative drugs. Repeated use and high doses may cause users to develop a psychological and physical dependence on them.

Addiction symptoms of dissociative drugs may include:

• Aggression
• Blurry or red eyes
• Compulsive drug use
• Decreased socialization
• Dropping hobbies or interests
• Drug-seeking behavior
• Financial problems
• Increased drug tolerance
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Paranoia

• Restlessness
• Secrecy and solitude

Legal Status of Dissociatives

Some dissociative drugs are acquired from an illicit drug market, while others still have legal medical uses. 

Throughout history, doctors have used them as anesthetics and in therapy for depression and other mental illnesses. Many use them today as over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Sponsored

Phone, Video, or Live-Chat Support

BetterHelp provides therapy in a way that works for YOU. Fill out the questionnaire, get matched, begin therapy.

Get Started

Answer a few questions to get started

Effects of Dissociative Drugs

Most dissociative drugs can have mixed effects, including depressant and stimulant qualities. There aren't many dissociative drugs exclusively depressants or stimulants; their effects often vary based on factors like dosage and individual reactions.

General depressant effects on the body include: 

• Amnesia (memory impairment)
• Analgesia (pain relief)
• Anesthesia (temporary loss of awareness)
• Ataxia (uncontrollable muscle movements)
• Body numbness
• Changes in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Cognitive impairment
• Confusion and disorientation (loss of coordination)
• Sedation
• Respiratory depression

Dissociative Abuse Treatment

Users may develop certain mental health issues after active drug use. If you or someone you know shows signs of dissociative drug abuse, they must receive and/or maintain ongoing treatment. 

These treatment options are available for those in need:

• Behavioral counseling
• Evaluation and treatment for mental health issues
• Long-term follow-ups
• Medications
• Medical devices or training to deal with withdrawal symptoms

Your treatment program should complement you and your needs. Follow-ups are crucial to the success of drug abuse treatments to prevent relapses.

Summary

Dissociative drugs are a class of substances that produce changes in consciousness, perception, and behavior. PCP, ketamine, DXM, nitrous oxide, and salvia divinorum are commonly abused dissociative drugs.

These drugs can induce euphoria, distortions, and hallucinogenic effects in the senses. They may also cause adverse short and long-term effects that progress to more severe conditions.

Addiction is a real risk for many dissociatives and can require specialized treatment. If you or someone you know shows signs of dissociative drug abuse, seek help immediately. Behavioral counseling, medication, and follow-ups are essential to recovery.

Sponsored

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started