Mescaline Use Disorder: Risks, Symptoms, and Effects

Mescaline (Peyote) Use Disorder is defined as the persistent and problematic use of mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in the Peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii) and other cacti species such as San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) and the Peruvian torch (Echinopsis peruviana). Mescaline has been used in indigenous religious and spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years, most notably by Native American tribes in the southwestern US and Mexico. In modern times, however, its use has expanded into recreational and experimental contexts, raising concerns about its potential for abuse and the development of use disorders.

Pharmacology of Mescaline

To understand Mescaline Use Disorder, it is necessary to investigate the pharmacological properties of mescaline and how it interacts with the brain. Mescaline is a phenethylamine, a type of compound that includes amphetamines and other psychedelics such as MDMA. However, mescaline’s effects are more psychedelic than stimulant.

1. The Mechanism of Action

• Serotonin Receptor Agonism: Mescaline acts as an agonist of serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. This receptor plays a significant role in regulating mood, cognition, and perception. When mescaline binds to these receptors, it triggers a series of neurochemical events that lead to the altered states of consciousness and perception associated with psychedelic experiences.
• Impact on Other Neurotransmitters: In addition to its primary action on serotonin receptors, mescaline affects other neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These interactions contribute to the drug’s euphoric and stimulating effects, making it particularly appealing to users looking for both psychological and sensory benefits.

1. Psychedelic effects

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Mescaline is known to cause vivid visual hallucinations, such as bright colors, intricate patterns, and distorted shapes. These visual phenomena are frequently accompanied by auditory hallucinations, which include hearing voices or sounds that are not present in the environment.
• Altered Perception of Time and Space: Users frequently report a distorted sense of time, in which minutes feel like hours, as well as a changed perception of space, in which objects appear to warp or shift in size and distance. These effects can be disorienting, causing anxiety or paranoia in some individuals.
• Emotional and Cognitive Effects: Mescaline can cause a wide range of emotions, from euphoria and a sense of oneness with the universe to fear and existential dread. Cognitively, users may experience intense introspection, altered thought patterns, and heightened awareness or insight. However, these effects may overwhelm some users, causing confusion or distress.

The Historical and Cultural Background of Mescaline Use

Mescaline has long been used in religious and spiritual practices, particularly by indigenous cultures in North and Central America. Understanding this context is critical for appreciating both the historical significance of mescaline and the contemporary issues surrounding its use.

1. Traditional use in Native American cultures

• Peyote Ceremonies: For centuries, Native Americans have used the peyote cactus, which contains mescaline, in spiritual ceremonies. These ceremonies, which are frequently held within the Native American Church, involve the consumption of Peyote in a ritualistic setting to promote spiritual healing, communication with the divine, and communal bonding. The use of Peyote in these contexts is legal for members of the Native American Church in the United States, as protected by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
• Cultural Significance: Peyote is revered in many Native American tribes as a sacred medicine, a divine gift that provides guidance, healing, and a deeper connection to nature and the spiritual world. The rituals surrounding Peyote use are deeply ingrained in these communities’ cultural and spiritual identities, and the experience is frequently described as profound and transformative.

1. Modern Recreation and Experimental Use

• Expansion Beyond Indigenous Use: During the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, mescaline use spread beyond indigenous communities, particularly among people interested in exploring altered states of consciousness, spirituality, and personal development. This shift was influenced by 1960s counterculture movements that saw psychedelic substances as tools for expanding consciousness and challenging conventional social norms.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: The recreational use of mescaline raises serious legal and ethical concerns, particularly about cultural appropriation of indigenous practices. While mescaline is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, which means it is illegal to possess, distribute, or use outside of specific religious contexts, it is still used in a variety of subcultures. This illegal use frequently ignores the sacred significance of mescaline in Native American cultures, which can contribute to the commodification and misrepresentation of indigenous spiritual practices.

Prevalence and Patterns of Mescaline Use

Mescaline use is uncommon compared to other psychedelics such as LSD or psilocybin, but it is still prevalent in certain subcultures and geographic regions. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of mescaline use can help identify the populations most likely to develop Mescaline Use Disorder.

1. Demographics for Mescaline Users

• Age and Gender: Mescaline is most commonly used by young adults, especially those in their twenties and thirties. Men are more likely than women to use mescaline, which mirrors broader trends in psychedelic use. The gender gap is less pronounced in spiritual or religious settings where mescaline is used ceremonially.
• Socioeconomic Status: Mescaline use is frequently associated with people from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, who have the financial resources and social freedom to experiment with psychedelic drugs. It is also common among people who are interested in spirituality, psychology, or countercultural movements that encourage the exploration of consciousness.
• Cultural and Subcultural Factors: Mescaline use is common in certain subcultures, particularly those associated with spirituality, new age beliefs, and alternative lifestyles. It is also found among psychonauts, or people who use psychedelics to achieve altered states of consciousness, and in communities that practice shamanism or rituals.

1. Patterns for Use

• Recreational Use: Mescaline is used recreationally for its psychedelic effects, most commonly in social settings such as festivals, retreats, or gatherings where altered states of consciousness are valued. Mescaline is typically ingested by consuming dried Peyote buttons or brewed preparations. Mescaline’s effects can last for several hours, so users frequently seek out environments that are safe and conducive to the experience.
• Spiritual and Therapeutic Use: In addition to recreational use, mescaline has spiritual and therapeutic applications. Some people seek out mescaline because they believe it can help with personal growth, spiritual awakening, or trauma recovery. In these settings, mescaline is frequently used ceremonially, with a shaman or facilitator guiding the experience and integrating the insights.
• Polysubstance Use: Mescaline is occasionally used in conjunction with other substances, such as cannabis, MDMA, or psychedelics. Polysubstance use can amplify the effects of mescaline and raise the risk of adverse reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.

Risk Factors for Developing Mescaline Use Disorder

While mescaline is not traditionally regarded as addictive as opioids or stimulants, it has the potential to lead to problematic use, particularly in individuals with certain risk factors.

1. Psychological vulnerabilities

• Mental Health Disorders: People who have pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, may be more likely to develop problematic mescaline use. The intense and disorienting experiences caused by mescaline can aggravate underlying psychological conditions, leading to increased use as a form of self-medication or escape.
• Addictive Personality Traits: People who exhibit addictive characteristics such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and difficulty managing emotions may be more likely to use mescaline repeatedly. Mescaline’s intense euphoria and altered states of consciousness can be especially appealing to people who are prone to substance abuse.

1. Social and environmental factors

• Peer Influence: Social circles and peer groups can have a significant impact on the start and continuation of mescaline use. Individuals who live in communities that normalize or encourage psychedelic use may feel compelled to experiment with mescaline, which can lead to repeated use and dependence.
• Availability and Accessibility: The availability of mescaline, whether through personal connections, online sources, or events such as festivals and retreats, increases the likelihood of use. Easy access to the substance may result in more frequent use and an increased risk of developing a use disorder.

1. Patterns for Use

• Frequency of Use: Because of its intense effects and long duration, mescaline is commonly used sporadically; however, some people may begin to use it more frequently in order to recreate or deepen their experiences. Increased frequency of use increases the risk of psychological dependence and other negative consequences.
• Polysubstance Use: Taking mescaline with other substances can complicate the effects and increase the risk of harmful interactions. Individuals who frequently use polysubstances may be at a higher risk of developing a use disorder, as the combined effects of multiple drugs can increase the likelihood of adverse reactions and dependence. This combination can produce unpredictable and potentially dangerous interactions, exacerbating the psychological and physical risks of mescaline use.

Psychological and Physical Aspects of Mescaline Use Disorder

The consequences of mescaline use, particularly when it becomes problematic, can be far-reaching and varied, affecting both mental and physical health. These effects can differ greatly depending on the frequency and context of use, as well as the individual’s psychological and physiological makeup.

1. Psychological effects

• Intense Hallucinations and Perceptual Distortions: Mescaline is well-known for its ability to cause intense hallucinations and perceptual distortions. While these effects are often desired by users, they can become overwhelming and lead to negative psychological outcomes, especially when used frequently or in large doses. These experiences can cause long-term changes in perception and cognition, including persistent visual disturbances, also known as “hallucinogen persisting perception disorder” (HPPD).
• Anxiety and Paranoia: For some people, mescaline-induced altered states of consciousness can cause acute anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia. These reactions can be especially strong during a “bad trip,” in which the user has frightening or distressing thoughts and sensations. Repeated exposure to these negative experiences can cause chronic anxiety or worsen pre-existing anxiety disorders.
• Depersonalization and Derealization: Consistent mescaline use can cause persistent feelings of depersonalization (a sense of detachment from oneself) and derealization (a belief that the outside world is unreal). These dissociative symptoms can be extremely upsetting and may last long after the drug’s effects have worn off, potentially leading to long-term mental health issues.
• Psychosis: In extreme cases, mescaline use can cause psychosis, which is defined by a loss of contact with reality, hallucinations, delusions, and severe paranoia. This risk is especially high for people who have a history of mental health problems or who use mescaline in conjunction with other psychoactive substances. Substance-induced psychosis can be a transient condition, but it can also persist and necessitate long-term psychiatric treatment.

1. Physical effects

• Cardiovascular Strain: Mescaline can have serious cardiovascular effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and vasoconstriction. These side effects can be dangerous, especially for people who already have heart conditions or who use mescaline frequently. The stress on the cardiovascular system during mescaline intoxication can result in complications such as arrhythmias, chest pain, and, in severe cases, a heart attack or stroke.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Mescaline use is frequently associated with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, especially at the beginning of the experience. These gastrointestinal symptoms are a common side effect that can detract from the overall experience, prompting some users to look for ways to mitigate them, such as pre-use preparations or combining mescaline with other nausea-reducing substances.
• Neurological Impact: Although mescaline is rarely associated with neurotoxicity, repeated or high-dose use can cause neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and confusion. These symptoms may persist even after the drug’s effects have worn off, particularly in people who use mescaline frequently or in combination with other psychoactive substances.
• Risk of Injury: Mescaline’s intense hallucinations and altered perception of reality can impair a person’s ability to safely navigate their surroundings. This impairment may increase the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly if the user is in an unsafe or uncontrolled environment.

Social and Cultural Implications of Mescaline Use Disorder

Mescaline Use Disorder has far-reaching social and cultural consequences, including the commodification of indigenous practices, legal ramifications, and strain on social relationships.

1. The Impact on Relationships and Social Life

• Social Isolation: As mescaline use becomes more frequent or problematic, people may withdraw from social situations, focusing instead on their drug use and associated rituals. This isolation can strain relationships with family, friends, and partners, resulting in social alienation and a breakdown of social support networks.
• Interpersonal Conflicts: The unpredictable behavior and emotional instability that come with mescaline use, such as mood swings, paranoia, and altered perceptions, can cause problems in personal relationships. Loved ones may struggle to understand or deal with the user’s behavior, resulting in strained or broken relationships.

1. Cultural Appropriation and Ethics Issues

• Misuse of Indigenous Practices: The introduction of mescaline into recreational and experimental settings raises serious ethical concerns, particularly the appropriation of indigenous spiritual practices. Peyote and other mescaline-containing cacti are frequently used in non-indigenous contexts without regard for their sacred significance or associated rituals. This commodification of indigenous spirituality may result in a loss of cultural significance and disrespect for the traditions of Native American communities that have used Peyote for centuries.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: While mescaline is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, including the United States, members of the Native American Church can legally use it in religious ceremonies. Recreational mescaline use outside of these protected contexts is illegal and can result in legal consequences such as fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. These legal issues can disrupt an individual’s social and professional life, with long-term consequences.

1. Public Perceptions and Media Influence

• Media Representation: The media’s portrayal of mescaline frequently shifts between its historical and cultural significance and its use as a psychedelic. This dichotomy can lead to confusion about the risks and benefits of mescaline use, sometimes exaggerating the effects while downplaying the potential dangers. The media’s emphasis on the mystical or spiritual aspects of mescaline may obscure the reality of its abuse and the development of use disorders.
• Impact on Policy and Research: The growing interest in psychedelics, including mescaline, has influenced research and policy discussions, particularly those concerning their potential therapeutic applications. However, legal restrictions on mescaline limit the scope of research, and much remains to be discovered about its long-term effects and potential for abuse.

Development of Mescaline Use Disorder

While mescaline is not usually associated with physical dependence, the development of psychological dependence can lead to a use disorder, especially in people who use the substance frequently or in inappropriate situations.

1. Tolerance and Dependency

• Psychological Tolerance: With repeated use, individuals may develop psychological tolerance to mescaline, which reduces the intensity of the experience and requires higher doses to achieve the same effects. This tolerance can lead to more frequent use and an increased risk of overdose, as users take larger doses to achieve the same high.
• Psychological Dependence: Mescaline’s effects on mood, perception, and cognition can cause psychological dependence, in which users feel compelled to use the substance in order to achieve certain emotional or spiritual states. This dependence can become entrenched as people rely more on mescaline to manage their emotions, gain spiritual insights, or escape reality.

1. Signs of Mescaline Use Disorder

• Compulsive Use: One of the primary indicators of mescaline use disorder is compulsive drug-seeking behavior, in which the individual prioritizes obtaining and using mescaline over other aspects of life, such as work, education, or relationships. This compulsive use can result in neglect of responsibilities and a decline in overall life function.
• Interference with Daily Life: As mescaline use increases, it may start to interfere with daily responsibilities and activities. Individuals who use drugs may miss work, neglect personal hygiene, or withdraw from social engagements. The intense experiences associated with mescaline can also lead to a fixation on the drug and its effects, further interfering with daily life.
• Persistent Use Despite Harm: Despite negative consequences such as health problems, legal issues, or strained relationships, people with mescaline use disorder may continue to use the drug. This persistence in use, despite knowledge of the harm it causes, is a defining feature of substance use disorders.

Long-Term Effects of Mecaline Use Disorder

The long-term effects of mescaline use disorder can be severe, affecting many aspects of a person’s life, including physical health, mental well-being, and social stability.

1. chronic health issues

• Mental Health Disorders: Long-term mescaline use can cause or worsen mental health disorders such as chronic anxiety, depression, and psychosis. These conditions may necessitate long-term psychiatric care and can be resistant to standard therapeutic interventions.
• Cognitive Decline: Repeated exposure to intense psychedelic experiences can cause cognitive decline, particularly in memory, focus, and problem-solving. These deficits can last long after mescaline use has been discontinued, impairing an individual’s ability to function in daily life and lowering overall quality of life.
• Physical Health Complications: Although mescaline is rarely associated with serious physical health problems, chronic use can result in complications, particularly in the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Persistent gastrointestinal distress, for example, can develop into chronic conditions like gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Social and Economic Impacts

• Loss of Employment: The impairments caused by mescaline use disorder, such as cognitive deficits and social withdrawal, can result in job loss or prolonged unemployment. This loss of income, when combined with the costs of continued drug use, healthcare, and potential legal fees, can cause significant financial strain. Individuals suffering from mescaline use disorder may find it difficult to maintain consistent employment, resulting in additional economic hardship and reliance on social support.
• Impact on Relationships: The social isolation, unpredictable behavior, and emotional instability associated with mescaline use disorder can result in the breakdown of personal relationships. Friends, family members, and partners may struggle to deal with the user’s shifting behavior and priorities, resulting in estrangement, conflict, and a weakening of social bonds. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression, potentially triggering a cycle of drug use.

1. Broader Public Health Implications

• Increased Healthcare Costs: The long-term health consequences of mescaline use disorder, which include both mental and physical health issues, contribute to rising healthcare costs. These costs are borne by both individuals and public health systems, emphasizing the importance of effective prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the financial burden on society.
• Public Safety Concerns: The altered perceptions and impaired judgment associated with mescaline use can lead to risky behaviors such as driving while intoxicated or engaging in dangerous activities. These behaviors endanger not only the user but also others, raising the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Public safety campaigns and education efforts are critical in addressing these risks.

Additional Resources

Books

• “The Peyote Cult” by Weston La Barre
  This classic anthropological text provides an in-depth examination of the use of Peyote and mescaline in Native American religious practices. It explores the cultural and spiritual significance of Peyote, offering valuable context for understanding the traditional uses of mescaline and the potential issues surrounding its modern appropriation.
• “Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic” by Mike Jay
  This book provides a comprehensive history of mescaline, tracing its use from ancient indigenous practices to its role in the 20th-century psychedelic movement. Jay offers insights into the cultural, scientific, and spiritual dimensions of mescaline, making it an essential resource for those interested in the broader context of mescaline use.
• “Peyote and Other Psychoactive Cacti” by Adam Gottlieb
  This book explores the botany, history, and use of Peyote and other mescaline-containing cacti. It provides a detailed look at the psychoactive properties of these plants and their significance in various cultural contexts, making it a valuable resource for understanding both the traditional and modern uses of mescaline.

Organizations

• Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
  MAPS is a leading research organization focused on the study of psychedelics, including mescaline. They provide resources on the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics, as well as information on harm reduction and the risks of substance use. Their work is at the forefront of efforts to understand and safely integrate psychedelics into modern medicine.
• The Native American Church (NAC)
  The Native American Church is an organization that represents the religious practices of various Native American tribes, including the sacramental use of Peyote. The NAC provides information on the legal and cultural aspects of Peyote use, advocating for the protection of indigenous rights and spiritual practices.
• Erowid Center
  Erowid is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing accurate and comprehensive information about psychoactive substances, including mescaline. Their website offers user reports, safety guidelines, and detailed research on the effects and risks associated with mescaline use. Erowid is a key resource for those seeking to educate themselves about the realities of substance use.