Nowadays, the number of unknown drugs being used from young teens to older adults seem to be increasing at a dramatic rate. Today Can-Am Interventions would like to bring awareness and discuss a drug that isn’t a new drug at all, but one that has flown under the radar for many years, Salvia. Salvia is a psychedelic drug that affects the senses, altering a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions. Psychedelic drugs, such as Salvia, will cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. Salvia, which looks like a herb similar to mint with green and purplish leaves, is a herb from the mint family that will cause brief, intense psychedelic experiences. Salvinorin A, is the active ingredient in Salvia, which has a long history of use dating back hundreds of years.
How is salvia used?
The fresh leaves are held under the tongue (also called sublingual absorption) and the dried leaves are smoked in a pipe or mixed with tobacco and smoked as a cigarette. Salvia is also used as a tincture or tea in some countries.
Effects of salvia
Psychedelics affect everyone differently, based on:
- Size, weight and health
- Tolerance based on how much it is used
- Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
- The amount taken
- The strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)
- Environment (where the drug is taken).
Effects of salvia may include:
- Anxiety
- Amnesia
- Short but intense hallucinations
- Loss of energy (higher doses can cause sedation)
- Physical numbness
- Confusion
- Delusion
- Feelings of impending doom
- Uncontrolled body movements
- Changes in visual perception
- Detachment between the body and mind
- Restlessness
- Increased body temperature
- Time distortion.
According to anecdotal user reports, when smoked the effects of salvia begin in 15 to 60 seconds and last for about 15 to 90 minutes. When placed under the tongue, the effects begin in around 10 to 20 minutes and last for about 30 to 90 minutes.
Impact of mood and environment
Drugs that affect a person’s mental state (psychoactive drugs) can also have varied effects depending on a person’s mood (Set) or the environment they are in (Setting):
Set is a person’s state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what’s going to happen. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using salvia may result in an unpleasant experience (bad trip).
Setting is the environment in which someone consumes a psychedelic drug – whether it’s known and familiar, who they’re with, if they’re indoors or outdoors, the type of music and light.
Salvia and mental health
People with a family history of mental illness are more likely to experience anxiety or paranoia after using salvia. This is in line with what the evidence tells us about people with mental illness and psychedelic use.
Bad trips
Some people may have negative experiences taking psychedelics, or experiences they find challenging. This can include:
- frightening or confronting hallucinations
- intense anxiety or confusion
- fear and paranoia.
Help?
Salvia, and other types of Psychedelics, can have detrimental consequences on the mind and body, with long-term exposure proving to have permanent effects. Many will down-play the severity of these kind of drugs, but the danger is very real. Can-Am Interventions has worked with many people who have used these types of drugs at all levels. We understand the cautions and consequences, and understand the best methods of treatment to help with recovery with the highest of potential. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, or have any concerns related to these types of issues, please reach out to us today. We are here to help you.
For More Information:
E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com W: www.canaminterventions.com
1-800-638-1812 Toll Free Internationally Cell: 415-827-3725 Text Office: 415-578-2875 Office
Written by Rob Baird