It’s important to note that salvia may be illegal at a State or local level, but salvia is still not illegal federally. Although eventually, this plant was made illegal in some areas, it still has a presence today in modern society as a psychoactive substance used primarily by teens and young adults wanting to get high. This plant can cause severe side effects and reactions that are physically and psychologically dangerous to use. Yes, there are rehabilitation and sober living homes that address salvia abuse.
- Scientific research on Salvia is ongoing, and its effects can vary greatly among users.
- In fact, because salvinorin A actually suppresses dopamine activity in the brain, it may even have anti-addictive effects, which is why it’s been researched for its ability to treat cocaine addiction.
- No drug paraphernalia will be left around when someone eats salvia leaves or brews them into tea.
- Salvia divinorum is a plant that originates from the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico.
- It is important to understand the potential dangers of using this drug and seek treatment if you need it.
- Our licensed medical reviewers, specializing in mental health and addiction medicine, are devoted to assisting readers and potential clients in making informed decisions about their treatment.
It’s also not controlled under Congress’s Controlled Substances Act. That means individual state laws apply to salvia but no federal ones. Dried leaves aren’t considered potent, so salvia usually isn’t added to rolled cigarettes or joints. In a survey, 18.5% of people who had used Salvia said their life would be better off if Salvia didn’t exist.
Acute Toxicity by Salvia Officinalis:
Researchers believe salvia’s active ingredient, salvorinin-A, may activate kappa opioid receptors. However, the psychological effects of salvia can be highly unpredictable and vary greatly from one person to another. While salvia has a long history of use in traditional settings, it has gained popularity in the United States and other countries as a recreational drug. Salvia is typically smoked or chewed, though it can also be brewed into a tea.
If you or someone in your life struggles with salvia abuse or another type of substance use disorder (SUD), effective treatment is available at First Step Behavioral Health. While many people do not consider salvia to be dangerous, using it can cause unwanted complications and risks. If you use salvia and want to stop, the support of a comprehensive treatment program can help. Addiction experts do not classify salvia as an addictive substance.
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After smoking or ingesting salvia, the effects are usually felt within two minutes and last for 20 minutes or less. But reports indicate that the effects of salvia, however short-lived, can be intense and even frightening. Salvia’s active ingredient, salvinorin A, is considered one of the most potent naturally occurring psychoactive drugs. The effects of this drug include hallucinations, dizziness, visual disturbances, and more. The primary reason for this inconsistency in regulation is the lack of clear scientific consensus on the plant’s potential dangers and effects.
What Causes Salvia’s Effects?
Several species are used for cooking, including varietals of mint and sage, while many other versions of salvia are planted as ornamental flowering bushes. One variety, however, causes psychedelic effects, including hallucinations, and may lead to addiction. While salvia is not typically considered physically addictive, its powerful effects can lead to psychological dependence in some individuals.
Once the individual begins to react in a disturbing manner, they can begin to act erratically and take actions such as putting themselves in danger of harming themselves. These psychotic episodes can last for several hours after ingesting or using salvia. It is believed that using this drug may also increase the odds of the individual developing a seizure disorder permanently.
How does salvia affect your brain and body?
- Combining these substances can amplify their effects on the central nervous system, leading to unexpected and intensified reactions.
- People abuse drugs and other addictive substances for many reasons.
- 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.
When taken, Salvia’s main part, called salvinorin A, changes how our brain sees things. People with an anxiety disorder may be more prone to panic attacks, paranoia, and anxiety while using salvia. However, anyone who uses it is at risk of experiencing these effects. Here is an overview of the potential long-term risks of using salvia.
They can help answer any questions you have regarding how to pay for addiction treatment, drug and alcohol rehab coverage, and what you can expect upon your arrival. Many hallucinogens, from shrooms to LSD, are not believed to be addictive, although some people develop compulsive behaviors around consuming these drugs. Taking salvia may instead be a symptom of a larger polydrug abuse problem. People who abuse marijuana are the group most likely to also abuse salvia. Since it is not fully known if a person can develop salvia addiction, it is also not known if this particular substance causes any withdrawal symptoms.
For comparison, this was similar to amphetamine, where 17.7% of users said their life would be better off if amphetamine didn’t exist. Join 40,000+ People Who Receive Our Newsletter Get valuable resources on addiction, recovery, wellness, and our treatments delivered directly to your inbox. This media attention put salvia in the UK and the US social spotlight. It quickly became known as a party drug, was seen in locations across both countries, and was primarily used by teens and young adults. Identifying salvia is easy because of its unique characteristics.
What Are the Side Effects of Salvia Abuse?
Some studies suggest that, over time, salvia use may contribute to a condition called can salvia kill you dysphoria that is characterized by feelings of depression, discontent, and restlessness. Anyone currently using salvia or has a loved one who does should reach out to Zinnia Health to get the professional attention and support they need to overcome their addiction. Salvia can put lives in danger and requires caring and compassionate assistance to ensure each person gets the personalized attention they need to recover and restore their lives.
Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance companies to provide coverage for addiction treatments in Texas. This means that insurance plans sold through the ACA marketplace must cover addiction treatment services, including detoxification, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and aftercare programs. However, the specific details of coverage may vary depending on the insurance plan and the individual’s specific situation. Additionally, some insurance plans may require prior authorization or limit the amount of treatment covered.
To learn more about salvia abuse, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline. This 24/7 hotline provides information about a variety of drugs, including salvia. Salvia abuse can cause distressing physical and psychological side effects. According to a 2018 study published in the journal Open Access Emergency Medicine, Salvinorin A has a potency similar to that of LSD.