Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), also known colloquially as acid, is a hallucinogenic drug. Effects typically include altered thoughts, feelings, and awareness of one's surroundings. Many users see or hear things that do   not exist. Dilated pupils, increased blood pressure, and increased body temperature are typical. Effects typically begin within half an hour and can last for up to 12 hours. It is used mainly as a recreational drug or for spiritual reasons.

LSD does not appear to be addictive, although tolerance may occur with use of increasing doses. Adverse psychiatric reactions are possible, such as anxiety, paranoia, and delusions. Distressing flashbacks might occur in spite of no further use, a condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. Death is very rare as a direct result of LSD, though it occasionally occurs as the result of accidents or reckless behaviour. The effects of LSD are believed to occur as a result of alterations in the serotonin system. As little as 20 micrograms can produce a noticeable effect. In pure form, LSD is clear or white in colour, has no smell, and is crystalline. It breaks down with exposure to ultraviolet light.

Causes of LSD Addiction

LSD is not a physically addictive drug, and it does not cause brain damage. Its toxicity level is very low, and there are no withdrawal symptoms due to continued LSD use. The tolerance level to LSD has a rapid build-up and it diminishes after a few days. Although LSD is not physically addictive, it can be psychologically addictive.

The LSD user can become addicted to the “spiritual journeys” that are taken, or they can become addicted to the sounds they see or the visions they hear, and an LSD rehabilitation program can help heal this addiction. Individuals abusing LSD often begin because of peer pressure or curiosity.

Signs of LSD Addiction, Use, and Dependence

People high on LSD exhibit several different signs of being high. When someone is high on  LSD, they are considered to be on a “trip” and have a “psychedelic experience” such as people appearing warped and moving shapes. This “trip” can be a bad experience or a good experience and depends on various factors. Some of these factors are:

Mood

Previous experiences

Dose strength

State of mind Physical environment

The user can exhibit one or several of the following characteristics: Dilated pupils

Increase or loss of appetite Changes in personality Euphoria

Increased heart rate Distorted perceptions.

Effects

LSD Withdrawal

Since there is no risk of physical dependence, there is no documented evidence of withdrawal symptoms. However, due to prolonged exposure to LSD, the user can experience “flashbacks”. A flashback is when the LSD user experiences a “trip” after the drug effects have worn off.

A person may experience a flashback days, months or years after using the drug. These flashback trips can be triggered by stress, sleepiness, or other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana. It is difficult to deal with the flashbacks alone, but an LSD treatment centre can help.

Treatment for LSD

Although LSD is physically non-addictive, users can become  psychologically  addicted  to the drug’s hallucinogenic effects and suffer  numerous consequences  because of it.  If you or someone you love is abusing LSD, there are multiple inpatient and outpatient treatment centers that can help. Many different types of therapy, including dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle skills therapy, have been proven to help hallucinogenic dependency. Additionally, treatment methods such as relapse prevention, support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and ongoing therapy have been proven to be effective. Don’t wait any longer, contact a dedicated treatment provider to learn about your options today.