WHAT IS SALVIA?

Salvia is a plant native to South and Central America used by the Mazatec Indians in traditional ceremonies. Its active ingredient—salvia divinorum—is among the most potent psychoactive drugs that occur naturally. The substance triggers dizziness, confusion, intense visions, and a sense of disconnection from reality. While the effects of this drug are usually short-lived, they can be dangerous and disturbing. Many people, especially teens and young adults, try salvia without realizing the risks involved. 

This page outlines what is salvia, why it should be avoided, and how to get effective treatment for substance misuse. 

Understanding the Dangers of Salvia

Salvia might not be as well-known as other drugs of abuse, but it carries serious risks. The primary danger is how quickly and intensely it affects the brain. People who use salvia can experience powerful hallucinations that make it hard to tell what’s real. This confusion may lead to accidents, injuries, or risky behaviors. 

Another danger of this drug is that salvia’s effects are wildly unpredictable. Everyone reacts differently, and the same person might not have the same experience each time they use the drug. Some people might laugh uncontrollably while under its influence, while others might feel panic or deep fear. This makes salvia hard to use safely. It’s also difficult for people to tell how strong the salvia is, potentially triggering stronger effects than expected. 

Beyond this, although salvia has no approved medical uses in the United States, it’s not a controlled substance either. Many states outlaw salvia, but there are no federal laws in place. Legal substances are not always safe, though, especially when misused. Salvia’s intense effects and easy availability make it particularly dangerous for young people who may not know what they’re getting into. 

Effects of Salvia

Salvia’s effects can be powerful and happen rapidly, sometimes within seconds. The effects don’t last long, though—usually just 15 to 30 minutes—and can be overpowering. The effects vary depending on how the drug is used and how much is taken. Salvia can be smoked, chewed, or vaporized.

When someone uses salvia, their thoughts and senses change. Some of the most common effects include: 

• Seeing bright lights, strange shapes, or vivid colors.

• Feeling like time is moving faster or slower.

• Losing control over movements and body coordination.

• Feeling detached from reality, like being in a dream.

• Experiencing strong emotions, from laughter and joy to fear and panic. 

While some find these experiences exciting, others find the effects confusing and frightening. Salvia can cause people to feel trapped in a different reality or to lose track of what’s happening around them. This can provoke panic, anxiety, or dangerous situations. 

Salvia Psychological Effects

The psychological effects of salvia are the most extreme part of the experience. When someone uses the drug, it changes the way their brain processes reality. This can trigger hallucinations—seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there. Someone might imagine that they are flying, shrinking, or melting into their surroundings. 

Some people describe feeling like they are in two places at once, experiencing two realities at once. This can be remarkably confusing and make it hard for them to differentiate between reality and imagination. Other common psychological effects associated with salvia include:  

• Fear and panic: The strange and intense effects can cause people using the drug to panic. They may feel trapped or scared because they can’t control what’s happening.

• Uncontrollable laughter: Some people taking salvia laugh for no reason and can’t stop. This can be disturbing, especially if the person doesn’t understand why they are laughing.

• Paranoia: Individuals using the drug might feel like something or someone is out to get them, provoking panic, anxiety, and fear.

• Detachment: Some who use salvia report feeling disconnected from their body or surroundings, like floating or watching themselves from a distance. 

These effects can be frightening and bewildering, often persisting after the drug’s effects wear off. 

Salvia Physical Effects

Salvia can affect the body as well as the mind. Physical effects caused by salvia can happen quickly, and they can be difficult to manage while the person is experiencing confusion or hallucinations. Common physical effects include: 

• Dizziness: People using salvia may feel lightheaded or lose their balance, sometimes falling or stumbling.

• Slurred speech: Salvia can make it difficult for someone to speak. Words may come out slow and jumbled, complicating communication.

• Loss of coordination: Simple movements like walking or picking up objects become hard to control. This may lead to accidents and injuries.

• Nausea: Some individuals feel sick after using salvia, especially if they take high doses of the drug.

• Heart rate changes: Salvia can make the heart beat faster or irregularly. This can be dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions. 

Since these physical effects can manifest alongside hallucinations, the person using salvia might not realize they are in danger, adding to the overall risk profile of this substance. 

Can Salvia Cause Addiction

Salvia is not known to cause addiction in the same way as drugs like opioids or stimulants. When someone uses a drug like heroin or methamphetamine, their body develops a physical dependence on the substance, meaning they experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Salvia doesn’t create that kind of physical need, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to use. 

The drug can easily cause psychological dependence. This means some people may feel a powerful urge to use salvia repeatedly to experience its effects. They may begin to rely on the substance to escape their problems, alter their mood and consciousness, or feel different. When someone believes that they need a drug to deal with life, it can be damaging to their mental health and overall well-being. 

Chronic use of salvia may bring about long-term problems, such as: 

• Memory problems: Studies show that salvia can affect memory and learning. People who use the drug frequently might have trouble remembering things or focusing on tasks.

• Mental health issues: Using salvia regularly can prompt feelings of confusion, anxiety, or depression. People may also have difficulty dealing with their emotions.

• Risky behaviors: The confusion and hallucinations triggered by salvia can increase the likelihood of someone making dangerous decisions, potentially leading to accidents and injuries. 

If you or someone you care about uses salvia often and can’t seem to stop, help is available. While the drug might not cause physical addiction, it can create harmful habits that are hard to break without professional intervention. 

Anchored Recovery’s Drug Rehab Orange County

At Anchored Recovery, we treat all substance abuse issues in an outpatient setting at our Orange County drug rehab. This enables you to continue at home, work, or school while getting effective addiction treatment at our elegant beachside facility. For those who require more structure and support, we also offer more intensive outpatient programs. 

When you begin your recovery at ARC, you can access a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. We provide you with the tools and skills to stay sober long-term. You will benefit from a caring treatment team and supportive peers, helping you feel less isolated as you address substance use issues in a serene setting. 

If you’re ready to make meaningful changes, call Anchored Recovery today at (844) 429-5554.