Salvia Abuse: Effects, Dangers & Addiction

It is currently unclear whether a person can overdose on salvia; however, the hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects may trigger psychosis, which could lead to emergency hospitalization. This mental break from reality may be temporary and resolve with appropriate medical treatment, or it could trigger a mental illness like schizophrenia, leading to long-term healthcare needs. It’s the short duration of the herb’s effects that may be what makes it more attractive to users than other hallucinogens, like LSD.

The hallucinatory effects of salvia are said to be highly dose dependent, with larger doses causing significant hallucinations. Research suggests that doses as small as 4.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight as well as relatively large doses of 8 milligrams both result in hallucinogenic experiences. Salvia divinorum, or salvia for short, is an herb in the mint family often used for its hallucinogenic effects. While salvia is not considered physically addictive, it can lead to psychological dependence, where individuals may continue using the drug in search of its effects.

How does salvia affect your brain and body?

This means that someone may begin using salvia regularly in order to relive the intense experiences, even if it causes distress or disrupts daily life. The pursuit of altered states of consciousness can lead to compulsive use, making it harder to stop. The most notable side effects when misusing Salvia include visual distortions, physical disorientation, and feelings of depersonalization. Reducing or stopping the consumption of Salvia can often alleviate these symptoms. In extreme or prolonged use cases, individuals might experience more severe psychological impacts, including intense paranoia, anxiety, or memory issues. It’s crucial to approach Salvia cautiously, recognizing its potent effects and understanding that the full range of long-term consequences is still being researched.

While there are hallucinogens that exist that are addictive, it is not fully known if salvia in particular can become addictive in the same capacity. However, that does not mean that an addiction to it cannot develop. But it was also used medicinally for the management of issues like headaches, diarrhea, upset stomach, rheumatism and anemia. These potential benefits of salvia have not been tested on humans yet, so there’s no clear answer about its effects and proper dosage.

Salvia: What are the effects?

• At Alamo Behavioral Health our mission is to offer readers the most precise and up-to-date information on addiction and behavioral health as possible.
• While there aren’t many research studies on the long-term effects of Salvia abuse, it is known that prolonged Salvia use can affect learning and memory.
• Salvia’s effects come on rapidly and wear off fast as well, lasting only about 30 minutes.
• It has been used by indigenous peoples in Mexico for centuries as part of shamanic rituals, where it was believed to facilitate communication with spirits.

A research study using rats suggested salvia abuse may lead to memory issues, difficulties with learning new information, and other cognitive problems. While more research is needed to determine if this is a risk for humans, some experts believe it is likely. This page will explain what salvia is, the potential risks, and how to get help if you’re concerned about drug or alcohol use.

How Long Does LSD (Acid) Stay in Your System?

Contact our intake team to explore our programs or schedule an appointment. Because salvia isn’t controlled by the Controlled Substances Act, individual states have to decide whether or not salvia use is allowed. While some states have outlawed selling, buying or possessing salvia, it’s still considered a legal drug in many areas of the U.S.

• Yes, there are rehabilitation and sober living homes that address salvia abuse.
• People with existing anxiety may be more prone to anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks while using salvia.
• For the study, a sample of college students were randomly drawn from a large public university in the southwestern U.S. and invited to participate in an online survey.
• Research suggests that doses as small as 4.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight as well as relatively large doses of 8 milligrams both result in hallucinogenic experiences.
• However, even these tests can often only detect salvia abuse shortly after consumption.
• It’s said to increase feelings of relaxation and self awareness, and may work as a potential natural remedy for depression.

They may use this plant independently or as part of a ritual or ceremony. Users may also ingest it by smoking salvia extract in a bong or pipe or using it in a vaporizer pen. It may also be purchased as seeds, dried or fresh leaves, whole plants, plant cuttings, or a liquid extract. Salvia leaves may be chewed or brewed in tea, and dried material is commonly smoked through a bong or in cigarette form. If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating side effects of misuse and addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . Our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Mississippi offers various levels of care, as well as guidance from our rehab admissions navigators.

Addiction Potential

It is the initial step in overcoming addiction and paving the way for a healthier, substance-free life. During detoxification, the body works to metabolize and eliminate the toxins accumulated from prolonged substance abuse. Because salvia is legal for sale in some areas, people may assume it is safe. However, people may develop signs of addiction to salvia or develop other complications. It is important to understand the potential dangers of using this drug and seek treatment if you need it.

Therefore, it’s important to understand your insurance coverage before beginning treatment. Rehab insurance is a type of health insurance that covers the cost of addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, counseling sessions, and medication-assisted treatment. Most insurance providers offer some form of rehab insurance, either as part of their standard coverage or as an add-on policy. People who exhibit symptoms of salvia addiction can benefit from the structure and support of a comprehensive treatment plan. Getting the right support can help people safely stop using salvia and move forward into a healthier future.

Scientists still wonder if this plant is in its original form or if it was combined with another plant or varieties of plants to create a hybrid species. In applications where it is smoked to produce a hallucinogenic effect, the leaves rather than the flowers are dried and ground. When they are dry, the leaves turn nearly black in color rather than their original shade of dark green. There are many versions of this woody, flowering plant globally, but perhaps the rarest is indigenous to Mexico. Salvia divinorum is the psychoactive variety that was categorized by Carl Epling and Carlos Jativa in 1962.

Acute Toxicity by Salvia Officinalis:

Instead, salvia is only legal to use in less than half of the states. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Currently, salvia isn’t approved for any medical use in the United States.

Salvia is typically consumed either as dried leaves or as a liquid extract. When smoked, akin to marijuana, users often utilize pipes to inhale the dried leaves. This method results in a swift onset of effects, peaking within 2 minutes and generally subsiding around 30 minutes post-consumption. Another reason salvia abuse is often difficult to detect is that the effects are so short-lived. Most people remain high on salvia for only a few minutes, which can make it difficult to catch someone in the act of getting high on salvia. While there aren’t many research studies on the long-term effects of Salvia abuse, it is known that prolonged Salvia use can affect learning and memory.

Nonetheless, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) labels Salvia as a “drug of concern” because of its can salvia kill you possible misuse. More recently, people have been known to chew its fresh, smoke-dried leaves or consume Salvia as an extract. The onset, duration, and intensity of its effects can vary depending on the method of consumption. Reach out to us today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs in San Antonio or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.