ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS
Healing Beyond the Surface
We are committed to guiding individuals toward long-term sobriety by treating the underlying causes of substance use disorders — not simply managing short-term symptoms.
Our structured, evidence-based approach fosters stability, resilience, and sustainable recovery.
Dissociative Anesthetics
Dissociative anesthetics are a class of drugs that distort perception, memory, and consciousness by disrupting communication within the central nervous system. Originally developed for medical anesthesia in the mid-1900s, these drugs work by blocking sensory signals to the brain, producing dissociation, numbness, and temporary amnesia.
While they have legitimate medical uses, dissociative anesthetics are frequently abused for their hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. The most commonly abused dissociatives include ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), and dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient found in some over-the-counter cough medications.
Common Dissociative Drugs
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Ketamine – A Schedule III anesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine; abused for its dissociative “out-of-body” effects and sometimes misused as a date-rape drug
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PCP (Angel Dust) – A powerful synthetic dissociative associated with hallucinations, aggression, and psychosis
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DXM – Found in cough syrups; commonly abused by adolescents in high doses
Effects and Dangers of Dissociative Abuse
Addiction and Withdrawal
Abuse of dissociative anesthetics can cause:
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Trance-like states and detachment from reality
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Hallucinations and distorted sensory perception
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Memory loss and confusion
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Aggression, paranoia, and anxiety
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Slurred speech and impaired coordination
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Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
High doses or long-term use may lead to seizures, psychosis, depression, cognitive impairment, or respiratory arrest—especially when combined with alcohol or other depressants.
Dissociative anesthetics are addictive and can lead to tolerance and dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may include cravings, depression, headaches, memory problems, impaired impulse control, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or coma. Because of these risks, quitting without professional support can be dangerous.
Treatment for Dissociative Anesthetic Addiction
Effective treatment requires addressing both the physical effects of the drugs and the psychological factors driving use.
At Athena Behavioral Health, treatment for dissociative anesthetic addiction may begin with medically supervised detox, followed by individualized inpatient or outpatient care. Programs include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and ongoing recovery support to promote long-term sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with dissociative drug use, Athena Behavioral Health is here to help. Call our 24/7 helpline to learn more about treatment options and next steps.
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