Is Salvia “Sage” An Addictive Drug?

Its intense psychedelic effects make it appealing to both adolescents and young adults, and many of them use the drug as an alternative to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a classical hallucinogen. There are around 960 species of plants in the mint family, genus Salvia. These herbaceous and woody plants can be found all over the world, but they are the most diverse in Central America and around spouses of alcoholics support groups the Mediterranean.

However, animal studies suggest the drug may impair memory and learning, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Some people who used the drug reported feeling physically tired, mentally austin harrouff wikipedia exhausted and heavy-headed after the initial effects faded, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. In this article, we find out what salvia is, how it works, and explain the effects and risks of taking it as a recreational drug. 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 .

People usually experience the most intense effects within 2 minutes after smoking. Yes, salvia is legal, however not throughout the entire country. Instead, salvia is only legal to use in less than half of the states. Currently, salvia isn’t approved for any medical use in the United States. It’s also not controlled under Congress’s Controlled Substances Act.

1. Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization.
2. These reports are currently anecdotal, and no one has yet been hospitalized for problems related to accidental or intentional injury while intoxicated on salvia or for seizures caused by the hallucinogen.
3. People are unlikely to become dependent on salvia, but repeated use of the drug can be problematic.

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. When taken recreationally, a component of salvia called Salvinorin A activates kappa-opioid receptors. These receptors are also activated when opioids are taken and are responsible for dissociative effects with both substances. Salvia use can result in hallucinations, visual disturbances and dizziness. People who use salvia report a high feeling similar to other hallucinogens, like mescaline or LSD.

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You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from Addictionresource. When salvia is smoked, the effects occur almost instantly and peak within one minute. 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.

Salvia: What are the effects?

Also, there is a special salvia drug test to detect whether they have taken it or not. In this case, it is important that the individual seeks professional medical help. Cases of Salvia abuse and dependency should never be taken lightly and must be treated in a rehabilitation facility if needed.

Salvia Addiction, Dependency, And Abuse

Salvia can also impair judgment and alter cognitive functions, making driving unsafe and altering your ability to make safe decisions. Widespread salvia use is relatively new, and, as a result, there is limited information on the duration of its high, which can be variable. How long james anderson author a salvia high affects you depends on how it is ingested and at what dose. For example, smoking salvia typically lasts 15–20 minutes, while placing drops under the tongue can last for up to two hours. In rare cases, some may endure psychotic side effects and have trouble adjusting to reality.

Salvia and Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Also, it has a low addiction potential, people can easily obtain it, and they do not consider it highly toxic. 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. Salvia has no approved medical uses in the United States, and it is not regulated by the Controlled Substances Act. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration has considered classifying salvia as a Schedule I drug alongside marijuana, LSD and heroin. When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment.