LSD Addiction Treatment Information

Most people associate LSD with the counterculture of the 1960s. However, the drug is still widely available and abused today. Many people claim that it enhances their creativity and provides therapeutic benefits. Little do they know, the use of LSD has ruined many lives. 

However, LSD is not particularly addictive, where you must have it, but some people choose to abuse it because they love the trip. Therefore, LSD addiction is a serious problem that requires professional treatment if the person is finding themselves constantly abusing the drug, neglecting personal responsibilities and family obligations, and suffering physical or mental health illness as a result.

Celebrities who experimenting with trying LSD:

• Paul McCarthney
• Ben Lee
• Paul Simon

Even though they experimented with LSD, it does not mean you should. LSD addiction is a serious problem that can lead to mental health problems like panic attacks and physical health problems like cardiac complications (including cardiovascular disease) from recreational drug use. If you or someone you know is struggling with LSD addiction, there is help available.

What is LSD?

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug. It is usually sold as a liquid or as soaked paper squares, called “blotter acid.” The effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary depending on the person’s mood, personality, and environment. The trip can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. 

It is thought to work by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, resulting in visual and auditory hallucinations as well as changes in mood and behavior. 

LSD is typically sold as a liquid, tablet, or capsule, and is usually taken orally. The effects of LSD can last for up to 12 hours, and can be both positive and negative. 

Some people report feeling more connected to the world around them, while others find the experience extremely frightening. LSD is a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and is not considered safe for medical or recreational use. Legal consequences vary from state to state.

LSD was first synthesized in 1938 by a chemist in Switzerland named Dr. Albert Hofmann. Dr. Hofmann was studying the chemical structure of ergot, a fungus that grows on rye grain and can cause hallucinations. He accidentally ingested some of the compound, and experienced the first ever acid trip. 

LSD became popular in the 1950s and 1960s as a way to experience alternate states of consciousness. It was used by intellectuals, artists, and musicians as a tool for creativity. 

However, LSD was also used by the military and CIA for mind control and interrogation purposes. In the 1970s, LSD became illegal in the United States and its use declined.

Nicknames for LSD

LSD goes by many names. Here are the main ones:

• Acid
• Blotter
• Dots
• Microdot
• Yellow Sunshine
• Window Pane
• Sugar cubes
• Trips
• Acid trips
• Doses

LSD Side Effects

LSD is a powerful chemical and its effects can be unpredictable. Constant abuse of this drug can also cause psychotic episodes and can be dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol.

The side effects of using LSD may vary depending on the person’s set and setting, but common side effects can include:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Visual hallucinations
• Psychotic symptoms
• Flashbacks
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors 
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Poor judgment
• Emotional

LSD Withdrawal & Overdose Symptoms

LSD can produce mild physical and psychological dependence when used regularly, but tolerance does not occur. If a user ceases to take LSD for a period, the effects will gradually wear off. There may be at least a mild recurrence of “acid flashbacks” for some users.

LSD is a very strong psychedelic drug and can be quite dangerous if it is misused. An overdose of LSD can be fatal. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an LSD overdose so that you can seek medical help if necessary. 

The most common symptom of an LSD overdose is seizures. Long-term symptoms include: 

• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Flashbacks
• Depression
• Delirium
• Hallucinations 

If you think someone has overdosed on LSD, it is important to call emergency services immediately.

Signs Someone Might Be Addicted to LSD

Some signs that someone is addicted to LSD may include: 

• Changes in behavior, such as skipping school or work
• Neglecting personal appearance
• Dropping out of extracurricular activities
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Physical changes include:

• Dilated pupils
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of balance and coordination

In these cases, a person might benefit from inpatient rehab.

Additionally, someone addicted to LSD may exhibit changes in their mood as stated in above sections. These people may also display signs of impaired judgment, such as engaging in risky behaviors.

What Does LSD Feel Like?

How does LSD make a person feel like? Well, LSD affects everyone differently, depending on factors like how much is taken, a person’s mood, expectations, and surroundings. The experience can be pleasant or unpleasant. Sometimes people don’t feel anything at all. The effects of LSD are unpredictable. They depend on the amount taken; the user’s personality, mood, and expectations; and the environment in which the drug is used.

Whatever state your brain is in; such as, being around familiar people, comfortable surroundings, etc. will determine whether the person will have a good trip or a bad trip. Some people report feeling like they are in a different universe and seeing things happen that they have never seen before. Some people describe it in a positive way.

In the clinical trial, researchers found that a single dose of LSD can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of well-being in people with life-threatening illnesses. The study, which is the first of its kind in over 40 years, provides preliminary evidence that LSD could be used to treat a range of mental health disorders.

However, there have been people jumping off of roofs while on LSD. Starting fights with people, getting arrested, and not remembering the events. Some people report having conversations with friends that they thought were sitting next to them, but were in fact in another room. Sometimes a 30 minute conversation can seem like a 3-hour conversation. You never know what can happen while on LSD.

Additionally, some people addicted to LSD will destroy their minds altogether and end up on a trip and never come back. These are the types of people you see on street corners screaming and talking to themselves. Or forever a patient in a mental illness facility. Addiction to hallucinogens is very dangerous.

Having a Bad Trip

An example of a person on LSD is an individual who is experiencing a bad trip. This person may be hallucinating, feeling paranoid, and experiencing other unpleasant side effects.

A bad trip is a frightening, unpleasant, or uncomfortable experience that can occur during the use of LSD. Bad trips are often associated with high doses of LSD, but they can also occur at lower doses.

Can A Person Become Addicted to LSD?

LSD is not considered to be an addictive drug, as individuals do not typically develop a dependence on it. However, it is possible for people to develop a tolerance to LSD, meaning that they will require increasingly larger doses in order to achieve the desired effects. 

Some people may also experience negative psychological effects after using LSD, such as anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

If someone you know is addicted to LSD, the best thing you can do is to encourage them to seek professional help. Many addiction treatment centers offer programs specifically designed for people addicted to psychedelics. In some cases, medication may be necessary to help the person detoxify and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Getting Caught with LSD: Legal & Social Consequences

If you are caught with LSD, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, or end up on probation, depending on the state you are in. The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor is up to one year in jail, while the maximum punishment for a felony is up to five years in prison.

The fines of getting caught with LSD can be very severe. Depending on the amount of LSD you are caught with, you could be fined up to $10,000.

Getting Help for LSD Substance Abuse at American Addiction Centers

If you are struggling with an addiction to LSD, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many resources available to help you get the treatment you need.

You can contact your local substance abuse treatment center or mental health provider for help.

Resources

You can also call the National Drug Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential, free, 24/7 help. 

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers a variety of treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, 12-step support groups, and dual diagnosis treatment for patients with mental health disorders and LSD addiction. They also have a text program in case you don’t want to talk to someone over the phone or in person. Message and data rates apply.

NationalTASC Listings – Many recovery brands and treatment providers offer therapeutic solutions in a controlled environment. They help with physical dependence, coping skills, and treating psychiatric symptoms, relapse prevention, mental illness resulting from drug addictions and so much more.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides grants for people who want to enroll in a treatment facility for substance abuse help, mental health addiction treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, inpatient treatment, narcotics anonymous support groups, etc.

National Institute of Health

Don’t Let LSD Take Over Your Life

It is clear that LSD addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate treatment. There are many different options available to those suffering from this addiction, and it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please call a treatment hotline for help. Addiction is a serious problem that can ruin lives, but there is hope. With the right treatment and support, people can and do recover from addiction.