Salvia: Extent of use, effects, and risks

That means possible side effects and risks that could be detrimental to your health may not be understood yet. It’s thought that this ingredient attaches to the nerve cells in your body to create a variety of hallucinogenic effects. If someone you know is using salvia, it’s important to approach them with compassion and understanding. Encouraging them to seek professional help, such as addiction therapy or counseling, can be a key step in the recovery process. Although Salvia divinorum is not currently regulated under Maine’s Controlled Substances Act, there have been discussions in the state legislature about its legal status. In past sessions, bills were introduced to classify Salvia as a Schedule I substance, alongside drugs like heroin and LSD.

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Overall, the risk of addiction to salvia is significantly lower compared to more commonly abused substances. Salvia has been known to produce intense and short-lived psychological effects that can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Salvia divinorum’s effects are driven by its active compound, Salvinorin A, which interacts uniquely with the brain. Unlike typical hallucinogens such as LSD or psilocybin that affect serotonin receptors, Salvinorin A binds to kappa opioid receptors. This interaction leads to altered perceptions, dissociation, and intense sensory experiences.

Can salvia cause long-term psychological issues?

While these conditions can be treated, some damage will remain permanent. Because of this, you should seek help for substance abuse if you continually misuse a drug like salvia. Because of the way the active ingredient affects the brain, some scientists believe salvia could have implications for developing a therapy, for example, for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

• During detoxification, the body works to metabolize and eliminate the toxins accumulated from prolonged substance abuse.
• Salvia is an herb that grows like a shrub from about 1.5 to five feet tall.
• A research study using rats suggested salvia abuse may lead to memory issues, difficulties with learning new information, and other cognitive problems.
• Fresh leaves aren’t considered very potent when chewed, but some people may experience a mild effect.
• Rehabs.in exists to help people from all over India find relief and treatment for their addictions.
• Due to the popularity and prevalence of this drug, it is important to be aware of salvia’s effects.

Salvia’s active ingredient is salvinorin A, a kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist. Salvia, or Salvia divinorum, is an herbal mint plant and a naturally occurring hallucinogen that is native to Mexico. Alamo Behavioral Health Addiction Treatment Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective residential salvia risks treatment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.

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Wu et al. (2011) highlighted the link between salvia use and underlying mental health challenges, which make withdrawal more difficult. The effects of Salvia Divinorum addiction include hallucinations, altered perceptions, and dissociation. Individuals with a history of salvia use, frequently report anxiety or depression, which complicates their overall mental health. The signs and symptoms of Salvia Divinorum addiction include uncontrollable cravings, neglect of responsibilities, and repeated use despite negative outcomes. Many individuals also combine salvia with other drugs, which increases the risk of harm and indicates a pattern of hallucinogen addiction. Wu et al. (2011) in Use of Salvia divinorum in a Nationally Representative Sample noted that salvia users engage in behaviors like stealing or selling drugs.

• The plant can be chewed or drank in tea or extracted as the native Mexicans do for their cultural or religious ceremonies.
• Salvia is considered a Schedule I controlled substance in many states, meaning it has a high potential abuse and no legitimate medical purpose, although it’s legal in some jurisdictions.
• With proper care, Salvia divinorum plants can grow up to one meter high and require regular pruning to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth.
• Overall, the risk of addiction to salvia is significantly lower compared to more commonly abused substances.
• The most common (and desired) effect from salvia is hallucination – both visual and auditory.

Role of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Support

If you or someone you care about is struggling with salvia use, it’s essential to seek professional support. At 12 South Recovery, we specialize in addressing substance use disorders, including those involving hallucinogenic drugs. Our team offers personalized treatment plans that focus on mental health, behavioral therapy, and long-term recovery.

However, understand that medical professionals are respectful with the privacy of every patient. Moreover, if any of the dangerous effects listed above are observed in a patient using Salvinorin, contact immediate medical help in order to avoid unwanted health events. Moreover, both Salvia and weed are fast-acting substances but the former has a short duration of action while the latter has a long duration of action. When these two substances are taken together, the effects of Salvinorin can be increased and may also cause increased weed addiction. Some users of Salvinorin may be unaware about the interaction of Salvia and alcohol.

FAQs on Salvia Use and Treatment

Yes, Salvia (Salvia divinorum) can cause psychiatric symptoms, particularly during intense experiences. Users may experience hallucinations, disorientation, anxiety, and confusion. In some cases, these effects can trigger or exacerbate underlying mental health issues, leading to brief episodes of psychosis or heightened anxiety. Individuals with a history of mental illness should approach salvia with caution due to these potential risks.