Salvia Divinorum A Potentially Harmful Drug

Salvia Divinorum is not a new hallucinogen, but is one that is gaining steadily in popularity among young people in the United States.

Some possible reasons for this resurgence in popularity are:

• Salvia Divinorum is legal in many states.

• Salvia Divinorum grows naturally and has psychedelic properties.

• Salvia Divinorum has a relatively short "high" and few noticeable long-term "hangover" effects.

• Salvia Divinorum hasn't been thoroughly demonized and researched by the medical/addiction industry.

Here at our drug treatment center in California, we are already alarmed at the growing popularity of this hallucinogenic drug. Our experience is that the users (especially young people) of drugs like this may feel that the drug isn't as harmful as traditional street drugs like crack, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine. However, users of Salvia Divinorum run the risk of exacerbating underlying behavioral or social issues that could cause them to increase their use of other drugs or alcohol. Drugs like Salvia Divinorum can also be a gateway to harder drugs.

Why We Feel Salvia Divinorum Is Unsafe

Here at our drug rehab centers, we have seen enough damage by this class of drugs in our 23 years to urge people of all ages to steer clear of Salvia Divinorum.

One of our many concerns is that Salvia Divinorum is a psychoactive and dissociative drug with hallucinogenic properties that could endanger the mental well-being of the user. We fear that users may develop psychosis or exacerbate another behavioral or mood disorder by smoking or ingesting Salvia Divinorum. We've treated so many clients in our dual diagnosis treatment program that we know that drugs like this can contribute to depression, anxiety, or even psychotic behaviors. Users who are experimenting with Salvia risk causing harm to themselves or others if they use the substance in excess or operate a vehicle under the influence of Salvia.

And for the user who tries to claim that Salvia is a "natural, organic, harmless" product, we would be quick to point out that:

a) Many people are using a concentrated extract of Salvia Divinorum and have no idea how much they are taking,

and

b) There are thousands of poisonous substances that grow "organically and naturally" on this earth. Ingesting these substances can kill you, so taking a dose of Salvia Divinorum can also have damaging effects to you physically and/or psychologically.

Salvia Divinorum's Growth in Popularity

Salvia is a sage plant that is getting more and more coverage on the Internet, in youtube.com videos, and in the media.

Salvia, like many hallucinogens (such as mushrooms, peyote, and LSD), will probably be championed by many for being a "natural" high and for having mind-expanding properties. Salvia is also known as "diviner's sage," "maria pastora," and "sage of the seers."

Salvia Divinorum is typically smoked or taken by chewing the leaves. It can also be taken by drinking the extracted juices. Salvia contains a chemical substance called salvinorin A, which is a potent activator of kappa opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors differ from those activated by the more commonly known opioids, such as heroin and morphine.

What to Do if Someone Is on Salvia Divinorum

The psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects of Salvia typically don't last longer than a half hour, but if someone is experiencing panic or has a negative physical reaction to Salvia Divinorum, call 911 or visit an emergency room immediately. Keep the person calm and prevent them from leaving, operating an automobile, or participating in any other potentially dangerous activity. If someone you know or care about has been abusing Salvia along with other drugs, feel free to contact our team of rehab admissions experts who can give advice about how to approach your loved one, or read our page about what to say to a loved one who is abusing drugs.

Salvia Divinorum's Legal Status

Delaware, Louisiana, and Missouri have taken action against Salvia, and other states including Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas are in the process of making the drug illegal.

The U.S. Controlled Substances Act will likely classify Salvia Divinorum as a class 1 drug, making it illegal to possess. And of course, at that time, distributing Salvia or possessing Salvia with intent to sell will carry a heavy penalty.