Native to Oaxaca, Mexico and commonly found in other parts of South and Central America, salvia, or salvia divinorum, which means “sage of the diviners,” is an herb considered to be part of the mint family. The main ingredient in Salvia, salvinorin A, activates the opioid receptors in the brain and can have powerful hallucinogenic effects, despite the fact that it is not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act.
Some of the common effects of salvia use include:
- Hallucinations of vivid colors, shapes, or bright lights
- Out of body experiences
- Body distortion or uncontrolled body movement
- Irrepressible laughter
- Excessive sweating
- The experience of overlapping realities
The effects of salvia are often compared to those of ketamine, PCP, or psilocyban mushrooms. Because it can be legally sold in the United States, salvia is often abused for its hallucinogenic effects, which can start and last anywhere from thirty seconds to thirty minutes, depending on the method of use, the most common of which are chewing and smoking.
Salvia use can be extremely damaging to one’s health both in the short-term and in the long-term, and high doses of salvia may even cause brain damage. If you are growing concerned that you or a loved one may be abusing salvia, you should see the advice of a certified addiction specialist as soon as possible.
The Asana Recovery Center offers a comprehensive supervised detoxification and residential treatment program in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. Call us today at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our facilities and find out whether our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program may be right for you.
