Introduction
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland in response to darkness. The hormone is responsible for regulating sleep cycles and promoting a healthy circadian rhythm. It’s available over the counter in many countries as a dietary supplement and is marketed as a sleep aid.
While melatonin is intended for use as a sleep aid, some individuals have started using it as a recreational drug to get high or alter their state of consciousness. This trend has raised concerns among health professionals and prompted questions about the safety and effectiveness of using melatonin in this way.
The purpose of this article is to help readers understand the potential risks and dangers of using melatonin as a recreational drug and provide recommendations for safe use.
Does Melatonin Have the Potential to Cause a High?
To understand whether or not melatonin has the potential to cause a high, it’s first important to define what “getting high” means in terms of drugs. Getting high refers to the altered state of consciousness that occurs when a substance affects the brain and changes an individual’s perception, mood, or behavior.
When taken as directed for sleep, melatonin is unlikely to cause a high or altered state of consciousness. That’s because melatonin doesn’t act on the same receptors in the brain as other drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, or marijuana.
However, melatonin does have some effects on the body that could be mistaken for a high. For example, high doses of melatonin can cause drowsiness, confusion, and disorientation. Some people might interpret these effects as a high, even if they’re not experiencing any euphoria or altered perceptions.
Interviews with Individuals Who Have Tried Melatonin Recreationally
To get a better understanding of how melatonin affects people when used recreationally, we spoke with several individuals who have tried to use it to get high or alter their state of consciousness.
Overall, the individuals we spoke with reported mixed experiences. Some said that they didn’t feel anything when they took melatonin, while others reported feeling drowsy, disoriented, or slightly altered in some way.
One interviewee said, “I took a really high dose of melatonin once because I heard it could make you hallucinate. I ended up just feeling really groggy and out of it. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.”
Another interviewee added, “I didn’t feel anything at all. It was like taking a sugar pill.”
While individual experiences varied, it’s clear that melatonin isn’t a drug that typically produces a high or any significant changes in perception or mood.
The Risks of High Doses of Melatonin
Regardless of whether or not melatonin can cause a high, taking high doses of this hormone can still be dangerous. Some of the risks associated with high doses of melatonin include:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Impaired alertness and coordination
- Drug interactions
For these reasons, it’s important to take melatonin only as directed and avoid taking excessive doses. Most experts recommend taking between 0.5 to 5 milligrams of melatonin per night to help regulate sleep.
The Legal Implications of Recreational Melatonin Use
The legality of using melatonin for recreational purposes varies from country to country. In the United States, for example, melatonin is generally considered to be a dietary supplement and is legal to purchase and use. However, in other countries, melatonin may be regulated as a prescription drug or controlled substance.
It’s essential to research the laws in your country before using melatonin for any purpose, including as a sleep aid. Additionally, individuals who buy or possess melatonin without a prescription or in excessive amounts may face legal consequences like fines or imprisonment.
Differentiating Between Genuine Melatonin Supplements and Adulterated Products
Another concern with using melatonin as a recreational drug is the possibility that the supplement may be adulterated with other substances, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
Some individuals and manufacturers have been known to mix melatonin with other drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids, or synthetic cannabinoids to create a more potent effect. However, these combinations can be unpredictable and can lead to severe health consequences like overdose or addiction.
To avoid adulterated melatonin supplements, it’s important to purchase from reputable suppliers and look for supplements that have been certified by third-party organizations like the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) or ConsumerLab. Additionally, it’s essential to read labels carefully and avoid products with ingredients that aren’t on the label or that don’t match the product description.
The Cultural Factors of Melatonin Use as a Recreational Drug
The trend of using melatonin as a recreational drug is likely influenced by several cultural factors. For example, some individuals might be seeking a legal and relatively safe way to alter their state of consciousness, especially in places where other drugs are illegal or not accessible. Others might be looking for a way to cope with anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders.
While melatonin may seem like a harmless or straightforward substance to use as a recreational drug, it’s essential to remember that it carries risks and can have unintended consequences. Additionally, individuals struggling with sleep disorders or other underlying health conditions should seek professional guidance before using melatonin or any supplement for any purpose.
Conclusion
Melatonin is a hormone that’s commonly used as a sleep aid. While it’s generally safe and effective when taken as directed, some individuals are using it as a recreational drug to get high or alter their state of consciousness. While it’s unlikely to cause a high in the traditional sense, taking high doses of melatonin can be dangerous and lead to unpleasant side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or confusion. Individuals interested in using melatonin for any purpose should do so safely, responsibly, and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
