Drug Use

What is LSD?

The psychedelic drug LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic hallucinogenic drug made from lysergic acid — a fungus found on rye and other grains. LSD, or acid, is taken for its psychotropic effects that occur during a “trip.”

LSD is a substance that can be made from ergot alkaloids, which are natural compounds produced by a type of fungus called ergot. This fungus, resembling a mushroom, often grows on grains like wheat. Ergot alkaloids are notable because they can cause intense psychedelic effects, which are experienced by people who use LSD. Besides being derived from ergot fungus, LSD can also be found in parts of certain plants, such as Morning Glory seeds. These alkaloids interact with the brain in ways that can significantly alter perception and mood.

What Else is LSD Commonly Called?

LSD is also known by the street names:

Acid
Battery acid
Dots
Microdots
Blotter
Window pane
Mellow yellow

How is LSD Consumed?

LSD is consumed orally. It typically appears as a powder, which can be white, clear, black, or brown. It is often available in various forms: absorbed into small squares of blotter paper, distributed as tiny pills known as microdots, encapsulated in gelatin (referred to as window panes), dissolved in liquid, or infused into sugar cubes.

Is LSD Addictive?

LSD is not considered an addictive drug physically but can be psychologically addictive. It has been shown that tolerance can develop and the user will take more of the drug to achieve the same effects, much like with other drugs. This is a dangerous practice given the unpredictability of LSD.

How Does LSD Affect The Body?

Research shows that LSD interferes with the communication between brain chemicals and the spinal cord, leading to hallucinogenic effects. These effects often include visual hallucinations, where users see things that do not actually exist. Other substances that produce similar hallucinogenic effects include peyote and mescaline, psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), and PCP. Additionally, some of the chemicals in LSD affect serotonin levels in the brain, which can alter mood and perception further.

Effects are generally felt 20-90 minutes after consumption and can last about 12 hours. The peak effects usually occur between two and four hours.

Side Effects of LSD

The side effects of LSD can vary depending on several factors, including the dose of LSD taken, the individual’s mental health history, the current state of mind, and previous LSD experiences.

Short-Term Side Effects

Behavioral:

Feeling several emotions at once
Altered sense of time
Extreme emotional swings
Delusions and hallucinations; hearing, seeing and feeling things that are not there
Visual hallucinations
Intensified feelings
Intensified sensory experiences (for example, seeing bright colors)
Changes in perception of time
Impaired judgment
False sense of invincibility; heightened risk of accidents
“Bad trips,” or frightening highs
Dissociative states and wandering may occur when LSD is mixed with other drugs
Spiritual experiences
Feelings of relaxation
Paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
Psychosis—schizophrenia or similar (and disordered thinking detached from reality)
Bizarre behavior

Physical:

Dilated pupils
Increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure
Profuse sweating
Numbness
Nausea
Insomnia
Dry mouth
Loss (or occasional increase) of appetite
Tremors
Sensation of tasting metal
Uncoordinated movements
Excessive sweating
Panic

In addition to these short-term effects of LSD, there is also a danger of incurring long-lasting effects on the user. And while long-term effects don’t occur in every user, they are common, concerning and unpredictable.

Long-term Side Effects

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) or flashbacks that can occur weeks or months after the initial trip. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder is a permanent condition in which a person who uses or has used LSD continues to have visual hallucinations, even when LSD use has been terminated.
Persistent psychosis which is ongoing disorganized thinking, paranoia, visual distortions and disturbances, and mood swings.

These long-term LSD effects are seen more frequently in those users with a mental health condition already present. However, these conditions can occur in anyone even after using small doses of LSD, even using them one time.

Signs and Symptoms of LSD Addiction

LSD is not physically addictive, but it can be psychologically addictive. When it comes to signs of LSD addiction, they can be hard to discern. With addiction to LSD, it’s first important to be able to recognize the signs of LSD use, as stated above. Once you know what to look for, you can begin to see if there is a substance abuse problem.

Identifying an LSD addiction involves keeping track of the use of LSD or habits, including tracking the dose of LSD used. In general, there are some signs of substance use disorder that can also apply to LSD addiction.

Physical Symptoms Associated With the Use of LSD

Inability to control drug use despite negative consequences
Weight loss or changes in weight
Poor hygiene
Unusual or change in sleeping patterns
Staying awake for longer periods of time or at unusual hours
Concentration issues
Dissociative episodes
Memory loss

Behavioral Symptoms Associated With the Use of LSD

Acting erratically or like they are out of touch with reality
Changes in daily life and ability to function
Exhibiting poor judgments
Loss of sense of time
Extreme mood swings
Overly empathetic
Lack of motivation
Lack of interest in hobbies and activities formerly enjoyed
Paranoia

As with any other drug addiction, looking for changes in the individual’s normal behaviors and habits is important. With an LSD-based substance abuse problem, it can be hard to determine. For this reason, looking for signs that the person is continually using it is the best course of action or intervention.

LSD Withdrawal Symptoms and Indicators

LSD is not a physically addictive drug so the physical withdrawal symptoms typically thought of with other drugs are not found with LSD withdrawal. However, since it is psychologically addictive, when a person stops using LSD they can experience emotional and mental withdrawal symptoms. These LSD withdrawal symptoms can include:

Anxiety
Panic attacks
Cravings
Confusion
Distracted or unable to focus
Out of touch with reality

About 24 hours after the last dose of LSD is consumed, the LSD user who has become psychologically addicted may begin to feel these withdrawal symptoms, which can last for days, weeks, months, and in rare cases, even years.

Detoxing from LSD isn’t considered medically dangerous. However, it’s very important to detox under medical supervision as the withdrawal symptoms and emotional roller coaster often accompanying detox from LSD can lead to severe depression and suicidal ideations.

Is LSD Legal?

In the United States, LSD is considered a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act and is illegal for recreational use. Internationally, LSD is listed in Schedule I of the 1971 Convention of Psychotropic Substances by the United Nations, which means for international travel, the legality of carrying LSD is similar to the U.S. Right now, there are efforts being made to decriminalize LSD, which is being implemented by the individual states.

Medical Uses of LSD

LSD’s potential medical and therapeutic effects have been studied for several years. While research is still being done, LSD may have a therapeutic effect on anxiety, depression, and other mental health imbalances. Studies are also underway to see if LSD is an effective treatment for substance use disorder, like alcoholism.

Treatment for the Use of LSD

Currently, there are no medications used to treat the use of LSD. In addition, there is minimal research into whether behavioral therapies are helpful in treating LSD substance abuse. Preliminary research suggests certain behavioral therapies that are helpful in treating other substance use issues may also be helpful for LSD addiction.

To learn more about Caron’s substance use treatment program offerings or how we can help you or your loved one who is abusing LSD, contact us today. Caron offers comprehensive addiction treatment to anyone who is ready for help. Call today at 1-855-445-5693.