If you've taken mind-altering or hallucinogenic drugs, you may be aware of changes in your visual perception.If you experience these changes frequently, you may have a mental illness called Hallucinogen-Persistent Perception Disorder.The condition is defined by the consciousness after effects that come from taking hallucinogenic drugs or other altering substances.You can learn to manage the symptoms of HPPD.
Step 1: There are symptoms of Hallucinogen-Persistent Perception Disorder.
The trademark symptom of HPPD is flashbacks.You may notice that you still have memories of drug use after a few days.After taking hallucinogenic drugs, you may experience changes in perception.If you have perception changes, you can see Geometric shapes in your peripheral vision along the sides or edges of sight.
Step 2: You can learn how HPPD affects your health.
Changes in perception can be frightening, but they aren't necessarily a sign of serious physical damage that is life threatening.Alterations in brain chemistry are related to how you see things.Since they're not associated with what's happening in the present moment, these alterations are distinctly different from hallucinations.It shouldn't be confused with reality.Brain damage from drug use isn't the cause of any serious health consequences of HPPD.Depression or anxiety associated with persistent flashbacks are the most common causes of health problems.
Step 3: Prepare to feel disconnected.
You might feel disconnected from your body.You may feel like you're watching yourself from a different perspective.There is a feeling that the world isn't a real place and that you're in a dreamy state.This can be frightening and last for an unknown period of time, like other HPPD symptoms.It is not a sign of serious physical damage that needs immediate treatment.
Step 4: Take the severity of your symptoms into account.
Sometimes people who use hallucinogenic drugs notice visual changes in the weeks after use, while other times they last for years.There is no clear way of knowing how long your visual problems will last.If HPPD is a serious health condition, you won't need to treat it.You may need to consider treatment for the symptoms if you have difficulty functioning, struggle to go to work or school, or can't interact with people.People who have been affected by perceptual disturbances for a long time can still live functioning lives.Some people have reported pleasurable alterations in perception, with no desire for them to go away.
Step 5: Know when to ask for help.
If you've used hallucinogenic drugs and are affected by perceptual disturbances to the point that you can't function in your daily life, you should get help.A mental health professional can discuss lifestyle changes with you.Even though there's no cure for HPPD, you might be prescribed medication if you see a medical doctor.There is no recognized treatment for the symptom of depersonalization.Psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and basic relaxation techniques can help reduce symptom severity.
Step 6: It's a good idea to consult with your doctor about your medication.
There is no known cure for HPPD, but there are drugs that can alleviate some of the problems.clonidine, perphenazine and clonazepam can be prescribed by your doctor.They can relax you or improve the symptoms.If you take them for a long period of time, they could have serious long-term side effects.Let your doctor know if you notice any harmful side effects from your medication.Remember that medication won't keep the perceptual alterations away permanently.
Step 7: Get therapy.
You may want to work with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, to learn how to cope.The symptoms of HPPD can cause anxiety or depression, and this can help you manage them.If you want help with the symptom of depersonalization, you can work with a therapist.Systematic desensitization is one of the relaxation techniques you might consider.These techniques can be used to deal with daily situations that can cause anxiety.Relaxing techniques can give you a sense of freedom in your daily life.Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a type of therapy.This is a problem based approach to changing your beliefs.Changing your thought processes can help you notice a better sense of well-being.Psychoanalysis.Understanding your unconscious desires is the focus of this.Psychoanalysis tries to make you more comfortable in expressing your desires aloud, first in the therapeutic context and then in your everyday life.
Step 8: Do not use any non-prescribed drugs.
Take into account the effects they could be having on your perception.Drug use will likely cause alterations in perception.It is important to consider this when taking drugs that are visually active.If you don't know how your body reacts to each substance, you may want to limit their use.
Step 9: It is possible to create a daily routine.
Try to simplify your daily routine by taking things one day at a time.Try to focus on the basics, like eating at a consistent schedule, exercising, or listening to music.It's easy to get distracted by your past experiences, even if it affects your physical health.You may be able to feel more grounded in your world if you go back to the basics.It doesn't have to be complicated.Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can give you stability and focus.
Step 10: A support network can be created.
People that support you should be around you a lot.It will be easier to deal with HPPD symptoms since these people can reinforce a sense of reality.If you don't know of friends or family that you can call upon, join a support group or online community where people with similar symptoms can share their stories with you.There are support groups that focus on managing anxiety or depression, which are associated with HPPD symptoms.