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By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: April 17, 2023

What is Salvia Drug?

Salvia, also called Salvia divinorum, is a potent hallucinogen derived from plants indigenous to southern Mexico. When ingested or smoked, the salvinorin A-containing leaves of this plant can produce strong and frequently unpredictable hallucinations. Salvia is renowned for its potent and quick-acting effects, lasting up to an hour. Salvia is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States despite being legal in some countries due to its high abuse potential and lack of established medical applications.

Salvia drug effects can be both good and bad. Euphoria, altered time perception, and a general sense of detachment from reality are possible side effects for some people. Others might experience more detrimental effects like confusion, paranoia, and anxiety. Salvia’s effects can vary greatly in strength depending on many variables, such as the dose used, how it was ingested, and how sensitive the user is to the salvia drug.

Does Salvia Show Up on a Drug Test?

Normal drug tests don’t usually include salvia drugs. Most drug tests are made to find commonly used substances like opiates, cocaine, and marijuana. Salvia may be detectable by specialized drug tests, especially if specifically tested for it.

However, drug tests are frequently tailored to the particular requirements of the company or person administering them. For instance, if a company or law enforcement agency suspects someone has been using salvia, they may include it in a drug test. Salvia won’t typically show up on drug tests, though. It is always best to check with the company administering the test to see what substances they will be testing for if you are worried about a drug test.

Salvia divinorum, the plant from which the drug salvia is derived, has different legal standing depending on the nation and state. Salvia is not federally regulated in the United States, but it is classified as a Schedule I drug in some states, making it unlawful to own, sell, or use. Different levels of regulation exist in other states, such as prohibitions on sales to minors or demands for warning labels. Salvia is prohibited in a few nations, including Australia and several European nations. Before using or owning salvia, make sure you comply with local laws.

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Salvia Drug Statistics

A potent psychoactive plant called Salvia Divinorum has grown in popularity recently for producing strong hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. Salvia abuse, however, can harm a person’s physical and mental health. It is crucial to comprehend the prevalence and effects of salvia abuse to address the problem effectively. To understand the extent of the issue and its potential effects, we will look at the most recent Salvia abuse statistics in this article.


1.4 million

An estimated 1.4 million people in the U.S. have used Salvia Divinorum at least once in their lifetime.

Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health

1.6%

In 2020, 1.6% of high school seniors reported using Salvia Divinorum in the past year.

Source: Monitoring the Future survey

1,113

The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 1,113 cases of Salvia exposure in the U.S. in 2019, with the majority of cases involving individuals between the ages of 13 and 29.

Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers


Salvia Abuse Factsheet

Salvia Abuse Overview

Salvia abuse refers to using Salvia Divinorum, a potent psychoactive plant, in a manner that is harmful or poses a risk to an individual’s health and well-being. This can include using it in excessive amounts, using it frequently, or using it unsafely, such as driving or operating machinery while under its influence.

Salvia abuse can have various negative effects, including psychological distress, memory loss, and impaired judgment. Chronic use of Salvia can also result in long-term damage to an individual’s mental and physical health. It is important to approach the use of Salvia with caution and to seek help if one is struggling with addiction or abuse.


Salvia Abuse Treatment

Treatment for Salvia abuse can vary depending on the severity of the addiction and the specific needs of the individual. It typically involves a combination of therapies and supports to address addiction’s physical, psychological, and social aspects. The first step in treating Salvia addiction is often detoxification, which involves safely removing the drug from an individual’s system while managing withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the severity of the addiction, detoxification may occur in an inpatient or outpatient setting and can be medically assisted to ensure the safety and comfort of the individual.

Following detoxification, behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management may help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping mechanisms to manage triggers and build resilience to prevent relapse. Family and group therapy can also effectively address addiction’s social and emotional aspects and support individuals throughout their recovery. In addition to therapy, medication-assisted treatment may also be used to address withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

Salvia Abuse Symptoms

Salvia abuse can manifest in various ways, with various physical and psychological symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of Salvia abuse include:

  • Distorted sense of time and reality.
  • Delusions and hallucinations.
  • Disorientation and confusion.
  • Agitation and anxiety.
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts.
  • Loss of coordination and balance.
  • Memory loss and cognitive impairment.
  • Insomnia and sleep disturbances.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Sweating and chills.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms or is struggling with Salvia abuse.

  1. Is it also called Salvia’s Drug?

    No, the drug is commonly known as Salvia or Salvia divinorum.

  2. What is in Salvia Drug?

    It is characterized by the presence of a psychoactive component known as Salvinorin A, which is accountable for the mind-altering effects of the herb. It is a potent kappa-opioid receptor agonist, which binds to specific receptors in the brain and causes changes in perception, mood, and consciousness. Salvinorin A is a compound that possesses this property.

  3. Is Salvia Drug Legal?

    Salvia has different legal standing depending on the nation and state. Salvia is not federally regulated in the United States, but it is classified as a Schedule I drug in some states, making it unlawful to own, sell, or use.

  4. Does Salvia Show Up on a Drug Test?

    Normal drug tests don’t usually include salvia drugs. Most drug tests are made to find commonly used substances like opiates, cocaine, and marijuana. Salvia may be detectable by specialized drug tests, especially if specifically tested for it.

 Salvia drug is renowned for its potent and quick-acting effects, lasting up to an hour. Salvia is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States despite being legal in some countries due to its high abuse potential and lack of established medical applications.
Salvia drug is renowned for its potent and quick-acting effects, lasting up to an hour. Salvia is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States despite being legal in some countries due to its high abuse potential and lack of established medical applications.

Salvia Drug Effects

Strong hallucinations and significant psychological effects are associated with salvia drug use. After smoking or ingesting the salvias drug, the effects usually appear within seconds to a few minutes, lasting between 30 and an hour. Depending on the dosage, application technique, and user’s emotional and physical state, salvia’s effects can change.

The most frequent side effects of salvia drug use are intense and vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, shifts in reality perception, distorted thoughts, altered perceptions of time and space, and loss of control over one’s body. Additionally, some users have mentioned feeling detached from reality, euphoric, and out-of-body experiences. Salvia does have some undesirable side effects, though, such as dysphoria, confusion, paranoia, fear, and anxiety. Salvia occasionally causes nausea, chills, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.

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Short Term Effects of Salvia Drug

The short-term effects of salvia drug can vary depending on the specific substance used. However, some common short-term effects include:

  • Visual and auditory hallucinations.
  • Changes in perception of time, space, and reality.
  • Feelings of detachment from reality.
  • Intense, uncontrollable laughter.
  • Loss of coordination and balance.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Sweating.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Anxiety and paranoia.
  • Confusion and disorientation.

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Long Term Effects of Salvia Drugs

Although there is little information on salvia’s long-term effects, some studies have found that frequent salvia use may have some unfavorable effects. For instance, prolonged salvia use may result in persistent mood and perceptual changes as well as memory and attention deficits.

According to one study, salvia users reported ongoing perceptual changes, such as visual disturbances, even when abstaining from the drug. According to results from another study, salvia users significantly outperformed non-users on memory and attention tests.

Additionally, some people who use salvia may experience psychological distress and other negative effects, especially if they already have mental health issues. There have also been accounts of people using salvia and then having flashbacks and other lingering symptoms.

When trying to find out how long does alcohol withdrawal last? The second question we should have is, how safe can we detox from alcohol? When alcohol detox is treated in an inpatient rehab facility, different medications may be used to help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Salvia drug is renowned for its potent and quick-acting effects, lasting up to an hour. Salvia is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States despite being legal in some countries due to its high abuse potential and lack of established medical applications.

Salvia Drug Risks

Salvia as a drug presents a variety of potential hazards, particularly when utilized in an abusive or excessive manner. Salvia drug use is associated with certain risks, such as:

  • The use of Salvia drug has been found to induce profound hallucinations and distortions in the perception of reality, which may precipitate psychotic episodes.
  • The use of salvia drugs by individuals may result in engagement in risky behaviors or impaired judgment, thereby elevating the probability of accidents and injuries.
  • The salvia drug can lead to an altered state of consciousness, heightening the likelihood of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
  • The administration of Salvia drug may lead to potential drug interactions, particularly with medications that modulate serotonin levels, thereby leading to severe health implications.
  • The utilization of Salvia drug is considered illegal in numerous countries, and those found to be in possession or using the drug may be subjected to legal ramifications.
  • The drug salvia is not widely regarded as a highly addictive substance; however, there exists a possibility that certain individuals may develop a dependence on the drug, which could result in persistent use and heightened susceptibility to negative health outcomes.

Salvia drug use has been found to have adverse effects on cognitive functioning, resulting in challenges with memory retention, attention span, and problem-solving abilities. The potential consequences of this situation may have enduring impacts on one’s scholarly and vocational endeavors.

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Salvia Drugs Treatment

Withdrawal symptoms caused by gabapentin happen when a person who has become dependent or addicted to the substance suddenly stops using them. For a medically-assisted gabapentin detox, contact We Level Up New Jersey now.

Due to salvia drugs’ intense euphoric and pleasurable sensations, it can be difficult to abstain from using them. This is because salvia drugs can be highly addictive. However, individuals who receive the appropriate intervention can receive assistance in overcoming addiction and achieving sustained recovery.

Detoxification, or the process of removing salvia from an individual’s system, is the initial phase of treatment for salvia drug abuse. Because withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe and can include intense cravings for drugs and insomnia, anxiety, and depression, this process needs to be carried out under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure the person’s safety and well-being.

After undergoing detoxification, it is necessary to continue treatment to address the underlying psychological, behavioral, and social factors contributing to salvia drug abuse. The use of behavioral interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management (CM) may be among the treatment options available. Getting assistance from a trained professional and emotional support is critical to maintaining sobriety over the long term and avoiding going back to using.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapeutic intervention that centers on recognizing and altering detrimental cognitive processes and behaviors contributing to addictive tendencies. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-focused therapeutic approach that aims to assist individuals in recognizing and resolving their ambivalence towards drug use. On the other hand, contingency management (CM) is a behavioral intervention that utilizes positive reinforcement to promote abstinence from drug use.

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Salvia drugs can also impact the dopamine reward system, making it challenging to stop using them if the habit becomes problematic. Overcoming addiction to Salvia drugs requires reprogramming deeply entrenched thought patterns to form new positive behaviors.

Breaking the habit of Salvia drug use is just one part of the recovery process. It may present challenges, such as experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, losing friends, and the need to fill your time. The withdrawal symptoms of Salvia drugs can be intense and make it difficult to quit completely.

The first step in treating Salvia drug addiction is detoxification, which helps navigate the complicated withdrawal process. However, it doesn’t address the thought and behavior patterns contributing to drug abuse. Various treatment approaches and settings can provide ongoing support to maintain long-term sobriety after detox. Cravings during detox are common and can lead to relapse, making inpatient treatment with constant medical care essential to prevent relapse. Clinicians can offer necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

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Sources
  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse – Salvia: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/salvia
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Salvia Divinorum: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/salvia-divinorum
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Salvia Divinorum: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5820a3.htm
  4. National Survey on Drug Use and Health – Salvia Divinorum: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR1-2018/NSDUH-FFR1-2018.htm#salvia
  5. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Salvia Divinorum: https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling
  6. National Institutes of Health – Salvia Divinorum: https://livertox.nlm.nih.gov/SalviaDivinorum.htm
  7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: https://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/substance-use-disorders
  8. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare-Medicaid-Coordination/Fraud-Prevention/Medicaid-Integrity-Education/Downloads/mental-health-substance-use.pdf
  9. National Institute on Drug Abuse – Principles of Effective Treatment: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies
  10. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Mental Health Resources: https://www.hhs.gov/mental-health/index.html