What is LSD? Addiction, Abuse & Treatment

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a potent hallucinogenic drug accidentally developed by Albert Hoffman in 1938 during trials with ergots, a fungal disease of rye and other crops. The FDA does not approve it for any specific use.

The worry about LSD centers on its strong hallucinogenic effects. The individual using LSD may see, hear, and feel things that are not real. In the U.S., it’s classified as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and has no approved medical use.

Examining the effects of LSD on the brain and behavior is critical in developing a better understanding of its negative effects. This awareness is an important step toward substance abuse therapy and sobriety.

What Is LSD?

Chemical Composition and Properties of LSD.

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is a chemical formed by mixing lysergic acid with diethylamine. It acts as a hallucinogen, affecting serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Serotonin affects our mood and sleep, while dopamine affects our sense of pleasure and satisfaction. 

LSD belongs to the class of ergoline alkaloids, which are chemical substances with a unique structure. It is likewise a monocarboxylic acid amide with functional similarities to the lysergamides. Lysergamides are psychedelics that alter the perception of our brain, producing sights, sounds, and experiences that are not real.

Medical and Recreational uses of LSD.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies lysergic acid diethylamide as a Schedule I restricted drug. Substances in the DEA Schedule I have no currently acknowledged medical use in the United States, little established safety for use under medical supervision, and a significant potential for misuse. It’s illegal to manufacture and distribute LSD.

Street names for LSD.

LSD goes by several street names, such as:

• Dots 
• Acid
• Blotter Acid
• Mellow Yellow
• Window Pane

What Are The Effects Of LSD?

LSD is very potent and has short-term and long-term effects on the body and mind, which are the following:

Short-term effects:

• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Enlarged pupils
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Abnormal, fast breathing
• Organ failure (e.g., heart, lungs)
• Unpredictable emotions
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Suspiciousness
• Incoherent speech
• Loss of muscular control
• Involuntary movements
• Irrational actions
• Violent behavior
• Distorted sense of reality and body image
• Aggressiveness
• Sense of relaxation 
• Chills and flushing
• Out-of-body experiences
• Unpredictable trips can be either enjoyable or nightmarish, causing panic.

Long-term effects: 

• Increased panic
• Increased delusions
• Decreased motivation
• Prolonged Depression
• Impaired memory
• Lack of focus
• Possible serious mental disorders, such as Psychosis
• Flashbacks, occurring weeks to years after drug use, can be triggered by other medicines or exercise. They vary from pleasant to nightmarish and typically last about a minute or two.

LSD has significant effects on both cognitive and bodily functions. Users frequently report altered perceptions, confused thinking, and sensory perception changes. Additionally, LSD can cause alterations in motor abilities, coordination, and physical sensation. The impact is often unpredictable and varies greatly across individuals.

Is LSD Addictive?

• The potential for dependency and addiction to LSD.

LSD is not traditionally classified as an addictive drug, but individuals can develop a psychological dependence due to its effects, leading to continued use. Prolonged or frequent LSD use has been associated with the development of tolerance, wherein emotional, physical, and mental stability rapidly revert to normal. Consequently, users with tolerance may seek higher doses to attain the desired effects, potentially leading to increased risks and challenges.

• Signs and Symptoms of LSD Addiction and Abuse.

There are various signs and symptoms of LSD addiction and abuse. Even for first-time use, LSD can already produce horrible effects. It’s essential to take note of these signs such as:

• Dilated pupils
• Extreme sweating
• Nausea/vomiting
• Restlessness
• Impaired coordination
• Loss of appetite
• Increased body temperature
• Disruption in everyday life and functionality
• Extreme anxiety or terror
• Terrifying hallucinations
• Panic causes you to take risks, such as racing into traffic or jumping from high locations.
• Feelings of losing control or going crazy
• Being paranoid that others intend to harm you.

LSD Overdose

LSD overdoses are rare, but taking large doses can still lead to distressing mental and physical effects. Research indicates that a dose between 50 and 200 micrograms of LSD is generally considered non-toxic. A standard LSD tab typically contains 100 to 200 micrograms for reference.

It is important to note that while LSD is not commonly associated with fatal overdoses, the effects of a large dose on an individual’s mental state can be severe, also known as a “bad trip.” This can produce great anxiety, panic, paranoia, and a loss of contact with reality. 

As with any substance, cautious usage and awareness of potential hazards are essential. Here are the symptoms of LSD overdose:

• Chills
• Enlarged pupils
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Extreme anxiety and panic
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Hallucinations are becoming overwhelming
• Paranoia or fear of losing control.
• Distorted sense of reality (time, sight, experience)
• Impaired judgment and coordination
• Erratic behavior

Emergency response for LSD overdose

If someone is overdosing on LSD or is experiencing distressing effects, it’s crucial to take the emergency steps below:

• Dial emergency services (911 or the appropriate local emergency number) immediately.

• Monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate and respiratory rate.

• Ensure that the environment is free from potential hazards that might worsen the distressing effects of LSD, such as bright lights, loud noises, or too many people.

• Stay with the person and keep calm. Assure the patient that help is on the way.

• Encourage hydration to decrease the risk of dehydration.

• Avoid restraining the person, as it may cause more paranoia.

• Provide personal information to the emergency responders, such as overdose signs, substance use, and dosage.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of LSD Withdrawal?

LSD stays in the body for about 12 hours, and how long it affects you depends on how much you take. After taking it by mouth, it enters your bloodstream and reaches your brain and other organs. Even though it’s in the brain for about 20 minutes, the effects last longer based on how much is in your blood. The body breaks it down within 48 hours.

Here are the common withdrawal symptoms of LSD:

• Anxiety
• Lack of concentration
• Confusion
• Flashbacks
• The feeling of being disconnected from one’s thoughts, body, and emotions.

What Are The Options Available For LSD Addiction Treatment And Rehab?

While LSD itself is not considered physically addictive, its potent hallucinogenic effects can lead to unpredictable and intense experiences, potentially causing psychological distress. Professional treatment provides a supportive environment for individuals struggling with adverse reactions, anxiety, or hallucinogen-induced persisting perception disorder (HPPD).

Various therapeutic approaches, such as talking therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and lifestyle skills therapy, have been demonstrated to be effective in treating hallucinogenic dependency.

Here are the different therapeutic approaches that can help overcome LSD addiction:

Antipsychotic Drugs: To manage acute psychotic symptoms or severe anxiety associated with LSD use. However, caution is advised due to the unusual nature of LSD-induced experiences, and individual responses to antipsychotics can vary. 

Mood Stabilizers: These medications aim to stabilize the mood and prevent extreme emotional highs and lows during LSD withdrawal.

Antidepressants: Prescribed to address co-occurring mental health issues such as depression or anxiety that may be present alongside LSD misuse. These medications regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, contributing to overall emotional well-being.

Inpatient Rehabilitation for LSD Addiction: Offers round-the-clock medical supervision, structured environment, and personalized therapy in a residential setting to minimize distractions and provide intensive treatment for individuals dealing with substance misuse. Program duration varies based on individual progress, ranging from 28 days to several months.

Outpatient Rehabilitation for LSD Addiction: Allows individuals to live at home, attending scheduled treatment sessions. Suited for milder addiction or those with external commitments, it provides flexibility but lacks immersive inpatient support. Limited supervision and external triggers may pose challenges, requiring greater personal discipline than inpatient care.

Supportive Community: An individual recovering from substance use can significantly benefit by joining support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or joining a sober living home, where shared experiences and structured living in recovery can aid them in achieving their goal of sobriety.