Have you ever heard of the drug Salvia? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Salvia, also called diviner’s sage, magic mint, maria pastora, sally-d, seer’s sage, and shepherdess’s herb is a drug that you should know about, and know the risks. Medical experts have recognized salvia as a harmful plant that has psychoactive properties. In other words, it is a hallucinogen that changes the chemistry in a person’s brain. The United States has not made it illegal, but it is critical to understand what this drug is, and to recognize its effects.
What is Salvia?
While marijuana has long been used by people to achieve a desired euphoria, a new and more potent weed has emerged on the market and is finding a strong following. The weed is salvia and as reported by the Telegraph, it is far more harmful than marijuana has ever been. The average salvia user is in their teens or twenties and most have been able to buy salvia on the Internet. Those who use salvia are often reduced to mumbling wrecks, giggling and screaming, gasping and muttering, waving their hands around as they sink to the floor. Much of this type of performance has been captured numerous times and broadcasted on YouTube for the world to see.
According to Dr. John Mendelson, a San Francisco-based clinical pharmacologist, the world is actually witnessing the first Internet-driven drug explosion. For some, the use of salvia is a mind-boggling experience, reporting a spiritual renewal. For others, it can be a bizarre and mind-bending experience that invites re-use. Habitual users argue that the effects of salvia are only at their most intense for 10 minutes and there is no permanent damage. Scientists disagree as research has shown that the herb can trigger serious psychiatric problems.
Salvia also includes an active ingredient that can trigger hallucinations, says Professor Fabrizio Schifano, an expert in drug addiction based at the University of Hertfordshire. One of the biggest problems with salvia is that it tends to be off the radar. Most parents, health professionals, and even law enforcement agencies aren’t aware of it. Yet, federal estimates that in 2008 – the first time they were published – found that 1.8 million people had tried the drug, 750,000 in the previous 12 months, indicating a rapidly growing problem.
Look For Addiction Treatment Today
If you struggle with an addiction, it is critical for you to get treatment as soon as possible. Many drugs have lasting side effects that can lead to major injury, illness or death. However, we offer a variety of treatment programs, including:
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Marijuana addiction treatment
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
During your treatment, our staff will help you overcome your addiction through a variety of holistic and evidence-based therapies. Evidence-based therapies are therapies that medical professionals and psychologists have researched, so you can be sure that they work. Holistic therapies, conversely, are therapies that assist in treating your mind, body, and soul.
To learn more about salvia, or about our treatment programs, call Promises today at 844.875.5609.