HPPD, also known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder is “a disorder in which a person has flashbacks of visual hallucinations or distortions experienced during a previous hallucinogenic drug experience, sometimes with the same feelings experienced before.” In turn, this can cause great difficulty in the lives of those it affects by prolonging their discomfort. A drug that may have once been seen as euphoric by the addict has now flipped the table – making him/her both miserable and afraid. 

However, this disorder isn’t too common as “some experts estimate 4% of people who use hallucinogens develop HPPD.” But for those who do, they will find that it’s quite hard to “reverse the curse” – unless they have a less severe case of HPPD. Depending on the extent of the individual’s symptoms, he/she may find that reversing his/her disorder comes at a much faster and smoother rate – than if he/she has a more long term case. If long term, reversing the effects may happen at a much slower route. 

In addition, such flashbacks can make it hard for the individual to live life like he/she would normally- prior to the disorder. This can be embarrassing, and cause interruptions through the course of his/her day. Not only that, but he/she may begin to feel shame, and therefore try and hide his/her condition in attempts to avoid judgment, questioning, and so on. These are all environmental factors that he/she will have to take into consideration, and make adjustments according to such scenarios and situations – surrounded by family, friends, and others. For living with HPPD is one thing, but having to inform others is another milestone all its own. 

In conclusion, it is important that the addict receives help before it’s too late because in doing so he/she can avoid all of the consequences that come with hallucinogen abuse. There are several possible treatment options, and even though no one treatment is the same, a medical expert can help you find the right option for you. These services – and/or medications – can aid in his/her recovery, as he/she begins to free himself/herself of the addictive substance that tries to control him/her. In doing so, he/she can avoid the effects that come with Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, and can instead live a healthy and happy life not only for himself/herself but for his/her family as well.