LSD Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment

What Is LSD?

D-lysergic acid diethylamide, also known as LSD, is a hallucinogen drug that severely alters the perception, thoughts, and feelings of those who take it. Although there are a variety of hallucinogenic drugs out there, LSD is one of the most powerful, producing “trips” or hallucinations that can last up to 12 hours.

LSD is made from lysergic acid, which is a substance found in a fungus that grows on grains. It’s usually a clear or white, odorless substance, but it’s sometimes also made in liquid form. It is typically sold on the street in small tablets, capsules, or gelatin squares.

To use LSD, most individuals swallow the tablets or capsules, drink the liquid form, or absorb it through the lining of the mouth using drug-soaked paper pieces. Regardless of what form it comes in, LSD interferes with serotonin in the brain, which regulates a number of things throughout the body, including:

• Sensory perception
• Muscle control
• Mood
• Hunger
• Body temperature

The immediate side effects of hallucinogenic drugs like LSD can range from moderate to severe and long-term use carries many different physical and psychological risks.

Slang for LSD

The following terms are street names or slang for LSD:

• Acid
• Dots
• Yellow Sunshine
• Blotter
• Animal
• 100s
• 25s
• Big D

How Common Is LSD Abuse?

According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 4.9 million people (or 1.8 percent of the population) abused hallucinogen drugs such as LSD over the past year. LSD is a widely abused drug, but that doesn’t lessen the danger of it or its unpredictable effects.

Although research shows that some hallucinogenic drugs are addictive, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, LSD is not considered addictive. However, it does produce a tolerance, which drives users to take larger or more frequent doses to achieve the desired effect.

Overcoming LSD addiction is possible.
Medical detox and rehab can provide tools and resources to get sober.
Start your recovery today by calling (888) 343-1967.

What Are the Side Effects of LSD?

Immediate short-term effects of LSD typically begin within 20 to 90 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 12 hours. LSD side effects include:

• Hallucinations
• Intensified feelings and sensory experiences
• Increased body temperature
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors
• Increased blood pressure
• Numbness
• Rapid mood swings
• Impulsive behavior
• Increased heart rate

Scientists know very little about the long-term effects of LSD abuse, although a few rare ones may include:

• Psychosis
• Flashbacks
• Stroke

Microdosing LSD: Is It Safe?

Microdosing LSD refers to the practice of taking very small doses of LSD to improve mood, produce stimulating effects, and increase creativity without producing full hallucinations that can negatively interfere with daily life. 

Although user reports and some studies indicate that microdosing LSD under the supervision of a medical professional may be an effective way to treat mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, there are still risks involved. Taking any drug consistently or frequently (including LSD) may not be safe for all individuals. Certain people may have an increased risk of developing a psychological drug addiction that may be enhanced by microdosing LSD.

What Are Signs and Symptoms of LSD Addiction?

Since LSD is not considered an addictive drug, it may be difficult to tell when a person is abusing it and there may not be any physical signs. One major sign of a problem is when a person develops a tolerance to LSD. This typically happens very quickly with repeated use, but a tolerance to LSD can also be very dangerous, as the drug’s effects are highly unpredictable.

Additionally, LSD tolerance is short-lived. If a user stops taking LSD for 48 to 72 hours, he or she will lose any tolerance they previously had. Unlike many other illegal substances, suddenly stopping all LSD use typically does not result in any withdrawal symptoms.

Although LSD is not physically addictive, chronic abusers may develop a strong psychological addiction to the drug. Signs of psychological dependence may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Cognitive problems (memory and attention)
• Confusion
• Suicidal thoughts
• Flashbacks

LSD Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox

Medically assisted detox treatment for LSD is not typically necessary, as there are generally no physical withdrawal symptoms.

Long-Term Rehab for LSD Addiction

Although medical detox is not typically necessary for LSD addiction, an LSD treatment program like rehab may help individuals learn how to live a lifestyle that doesn’t involve chronic drug abuse. Depending on the person’s needs, an inpatient or outpatient LSD rehab program may be more suitable.

Inpatient drug rehab requires that the client lives in a rehab center for several weeks while they complete their LSD rehab program. During this time, clients work with counselors, clinical therapists, and sober peers to develop the life skills and tools they will need to maintain a sober lifestyle.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more flexibility for individuals who cannot commit to living in a rehab center for weeks. These types of LSD treatment programs allow them to remain actively engaged in their drug rehab program without compromising other commitments like child care, school, or work. IOP groups meet several times a week at a convenient and clinical location.

Long-term LSD rehab of either kind involves group and individual therapy, 12-Step Program work, educational lectures, behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and other specialized therapies, such as pet therapy, creative arts therapy, and psychodrama, among many others.

The cost of an LSD rehab program will vary depending on the location and the type of program (IOP or inpatient). Regardless of cost, there are several different ways clients can pay for LSD treatment programs, including:

• Medical insurance benefits
• Financed healthcare loans
• Healthcare credit cards
• Private loans from family or friends
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Scholarships or grants
• Out-of-pocket payments

Continued Care Options for LSD Addiction Treatment

After completing a formal LSD treatment program like residential or outpatient rehab, clients can choose to continue their treatment with a sober living program or aftercare.

Sober Living

Sober living homes provide safe, sober, and structured living environments for men and women in recovery and are a great continued care option for those who have completed a drug rehab program but do not have a sober home environment to return to or who need additional support in their sobriety.

As a resident of a transitional living home, clients must adhere to the rules set forth by the community and submit to regular drug and alcohol tests. Residents must also abide by the strict substance-free policy at all times. This structured lifestyle helps prepare each resident for an independent life of sobriety after rehab.

Sober living homes vary in cost, which often depends on the type of transitional housing, additional recovery services offered, the addition of IOP, and the location of the sober living home. Payment is collected on a monthly basis, similar to rent.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare programs are another continued care option for individuals who are recovering from a substance use disorder. These programs are designed for alumni who have already completed a drug rehab program and are currently enrolled in a sober living program or have completed one.

Aftercare meetings serve as regular sobriety check-ins and provide clients with an opportunity to discuss current issues they are facing and develop relationships with other recovering addicts.

If chronic LSD abuse is affecting your quality of life and you’re suffering physically and mentally because of it, it may be time for you to seek out a formal LSD treatment program. Call Nova Recovery Center today to speak with a helpful member of our admissions team and learn more about our addiction treatment programs.

Nova Recovery Center offers a large range of substance abuse treatment services: detox, residential, outpatient and sober living.

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