Salvia Addiction: Effects, Signs, and Rehab Treatment
Salvia divinorum, commonly known as salvia, is an herb of the mint family sometimes used recreationally for its hallucinogenic effects.1 Salvia is commonly included in discussions about a broader hallucinogen grouping of drugs. However, because of some distinctions in its mechanism of action and effects profile, it is also classified as a dissociative drug.3
The answer to whether or not salvia is physically harmful remains unclear, however using this drug can result in unpredictable and subjectively overwhelming short-term alterations in consciousness. Its potential for dependence and other long-term effects are unknown at this time.4
What Is Salvia?
Salvia is an herb in the mint family known for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.1,3 The primary psychoactive component of salvia, salvinorin A, is a kappa opioid receptor agonist capable of eliciting powerful alterations in visual perception, thinking, mood, and behavior.1,5
Native to the Sierra Mazateca region in southern Mexico, salvia was traditionally used by the Mazatec people for spiritual practices because of the healing properties and prophetic visions it is believed to induce.6
Salvia is not currently a controlled substance and is not regulated by U.S. federal law.2 Numerous states and other countries have, however, passed laws to regulate its use.6 Neither salvia nor its active ingredient salvinorin A have approved medical use in the United States.2
Individuals who use salvia tend to consume this substance by eating the plant’s fresh or dried leaves, extracting its juices and drinking it, or by inhaling it via smoke or vaporization.2
Side Effects of Salvia
Though subjective experiences can vary, short-term effects of salvia include brief yet intense hallucinations, feelings of detachment from the physical body; and other changes in perception, sensation, and mood.5 Associated short-term effects may also include worry and panic, dizziness and loss of coordination, and decreased ability to react to people and surroundings.6,7 Though the experience is relatively short-lasting, these profoundly impairing effects have raised concerns about the serious dangers of driving when under the influence of salvia.1
When salvia is smoked, the effects begin very quickly and last for approximately half an hour. When the drug is ingested by chewing the leaves, it can take 5 to 10 minutes for it to take effect.2
As with other dissociative drugs, the subjective effects depend on how much salvia one consumes, with higher doses generally increasing its effects.3 Higher doses of dissociative drugs can lead to increasingly intense hallucinations and cognitive changes, as well as heightened levels of physical and psychological distress.3
Short-term dangers of salvia use include the possibility of harm to oneself and others due to people experiencing a general detachment from reality and a decreased ability to interact with physical surroundings–including other people.7
Other short-term dangers of dissociative drugs like salvia include acute distress due to variably severe and unpredictable effects. This includes panic that can arise from the powerful hallucinations and detachment from reality.3
Long-Term Effects of Salvia
Any definitive long-term effects specific to salvia remain largely unknown.5 Although research is lacking regarding the long-term use of dissociative drugs, their use over prolonged periods of time still holds the potential to result in a substance use disorder.3
Is Salvia Addictive?
It is currently unknown whether salvia can be addictive in a way similar to other substances more commonly associated with addiction development, such as alcohol, heroin, or prescription painkillers.5 Despite this, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) cites salvia as a “drug of concern” due to its availability and potential for abuse.2
Despite having unknown addiction liability, the problematic use of any hallucinogenic or dissociative drugs may be associated with a condition diagnosed as a hallucinogen-related substance use disorder.8 Some of the signs of such a substance use disorder include:8
- Using the substance for longer than or in greater amounts than had been intended.
- Wanting to decrease or stop use of the substance but failing to do so.
- Craving the drug.
- Failing to fulfill obligations due to your use of the substance.
- Experiencing problems with interpersonal relationships because of the substance.
- Continuing to use the substance in physically hazardous situations such as driving a car.
- Continuing to use the drug even when it has resulted in physical, mental, or emotional problems.
Salvia and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Despite needing further research to explore whether salvia is an addictive drug, substance use disorders involving hallucinogenic and/or dissociative drugs are treatable.5 While there are currently no medications specifically approved to manage these types of substance use disorders, a range of behavioral therapies may be applied to help someone recover.5
There are an array of treatment options available for people suffering from substance use issues, including for people who struggle with the misuse of dissociative drugs.
Some of these options include drug rehabilitation centers that can be attended as an inpatient resident or on an outpatient or partial hospitalization basis. To learn more about which treatment option may be the best for your situation and particular pattern of substance misuse issues, reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) to connect with an admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and assist you in getting the help you need.
