LSD: How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System? What Are the Other Effects of This Drug?

One of the most popular and well-known psychedelic drugs, LSD is a synthetic hallucinogen that’s been used in various subcultures since the early 1960s.

Determining how long LSD stays in the system is useful for a variety of reasons. First, it lets a person judge how long they’ll feel the drug’s effects. Secondly, it’s a guide for researchers to discover how LSD affects different people.

Finally, for someone who habitually uses LSD, it can be a way for them to determine when it’s time to get help.

What Is LSD?

LSD (better known as “acid”) is the abbreviation for lysergic acid diethylamide. It is a powerful hallucinogenic chemical that belongs to the psychedelic drug class. It was initially synthesized in the 1930s and gained popularity during the counterculture movement in the 1960s. LSD is generated from the fungus ergot, which thrives on specific cereals such as rye.

This drug interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, causing dramatic changes in perception, thoughts, and emotions. It is usually taken as blotter paper tabs, liquid drops, or gelatin squares. LSD side effects are dose-dependent and might differ from person to person.

What Are the Effects of LSD Like?

LSD's psychedelic experience may be strong and unexpected. Visual distortions, vivid hallucinations, heightened sensory awareness, and a changed sense of time and self are frequently reported by users. LSD can also generate powerful spiritual or mystical experiences and insights.

Is LSD Dangerous?

While LSD can provide deep and even transforming experiences, it has specific hazards. It is essential to be mindful of potential psychological impacts. Some people may feel anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks when traveling.

Furthermore, LSD might exacerbate pre-existing mental health issues, resulting in unexpected effects.

This drug can produce dilated pupils, increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and changes in body temperature. However, LSD is not physically addictive, and users typically do not suffer withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.

How Is LSD Made?

LSD is synthesized from ergot, a fungus that grows on certain grains. The procedure involves taking out ergot alkaloids, chemically altering them to make lysergic acid, then mixing it with diethylamine to form LSD. Purifying the produced LSD removes contaminants. LSD production is illegal and necessitates specific expertise and equipment.

How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System?

LSD is a powerful psychedelic that can cause dramatic changes in perception and consciousness. When detecting LSD in the body, the method utilized plays a significant role in deciding how long it may be detected.

Urine Drug Testing

LSD is often not included in conventional drug assessments and requires specialized testing. That’s because LSD is rapidly metabolized and eliminated, resulting in a small detection window in urine.

Generally, LSD can be detected for up to two to four days after it was last taken.

Blood Testing

LSD, like urine testing, is not regularly included in routine blood checks. Compared to urine, LSD may be detectable in blood for a shorter amount of time, approximately 6-12 hours after administration.

Specialized laboratory procedures are required to detect LSD in blood samples.

Saliva Drug Testing

LSD can be detected in saliva for around 24 hours after it was last used.

Hair Follicle Testing

The detection window for LSD in hair follicle testing is the longest. LSD can be found in hair follicles for up to 90 days following consumption. Hair testing for LSD is less widespread and needs specialist processing, making it less publicly available than urine or blood tests.

How Long Does LSD Last?

The detection window for LSD does not always correspond to the length of its psychological effects. Some lingering psychological effects may continue even after LSD has been metabolized and is no longer noticeable. Several factors can affect how long LSD remains in the bloodstream and how detectable it is.

Individual Metabolism

The rate at which LSD is broken down and removed from the body might vary depending on metabolism.

How Often LSD Is Used

LSD consumption on a regular or chronic basis may cause a buildup in the system, thus prolonging the detection window.

Overall Health

Medical conditions or drugs might influence drug clearance rates.

What Does LSD Look Like?

LSD does not often have a distinct visual look because it is routinely marketed in various forms. However, here are some typical ways LSD might be encountered.

Blotter Paper

Blotter tabs, which are little squares of paper, are one of the most popular forms of LSD. These tablets are frequently covered with vibrant designs or patterns and injected with an LSD-containing liquid solution. Each tab typically carries one dosage of LSD.

Liquid

LSD is also available in liquid form, often packaged in tiny vials or dropper bottles. The liquid is often transparent and colorless. It may be applied to various materials, including sugar cubes and sweets, or absorbed by blotter paper.

Microdots

Microdots are little pellets or tablets with a high concentration of LSD. They are normally small and come in various colors, forms, and patterns.

Gel Tablets

Gel tabs are similar to blotter tabs but are formed of gelatin. They come in various forms and sizes and are frequently transparent or translucent.

Crystals or Powder

LSD, while uncommon, can occasionally be encountered in powder or crystal form. It is vital to remember, however, that LSD is extremely sensitive to light, air, and moisture, making it difficult to manage in these forms.

What Are the Effects of LSD?

LSD is popularly known as acid. It is a potent hallucinogen that may provide deep and one-of-a-kind psychedelic experiences. LSD's effects are very subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. In this section, we look at the possible LSD effects and its psychedelic experience.

Altered Perception 

LSD can dramatically alter perception, resulting in vivid and powerful sensory experiences. Users frequently describe seeing brilliant colors, patterns, and things that appear to melt or breathe. Auditory hallucinations and synesthesia, or the blending of senses, may also occur.

Expanded Consciousness

LSD can broaden one's awareness and foster a sense of connectivity and unity with the rest of the world. Users may experience increased spirituality, deep insights, and a sensation of transcending time and space.

Emotional Intensity

LSD can have powerful and unpredictable emotional impacts. Users may feel various feelings, ranging from elation & joy to fear & panic. The emotional condition of the user before consuming LSD might have an impact on the whole experience.

Mind-Body Connections

LSD stimulates the mind, causing a chain reaction of thoughts, ideas, and associations. This can lead to improved creativity, introspection, and a thorough investigation of one's subconscious mind.

Experiences of Mysticism and Transcendence

LSD has been linked to mystical experiences marked by a sense of oneness, connectivity, and self-dissolution. These encounters can be significant and have long-term consequences on an individual's worldview & personal growth.

Is LSD Dangerous?

For some people, the effects of LSD might be overpowering and difficult. A terrible trip, marked by acute anxiety, paranoia, or panic, is a risk. Individuals with a history of psychosis or unstable mental health should avoid LSD since it can aggravate pre-existing mental health disorders.

Also, LSD can make a person injure themselves through falls. Like other drugs, LSD should never be taken while driving or operating machinery.

How Long Does LSD Last?

LSD's effects usually last 6 to 12 hours, although residual effects might last much longer. Following the peak experience, individuals may feel an afterglow marked by calm and introspection.

What Is 1P LSD?

1P-LSD, commonly known as 1-propionyl-lysergic acid diethylamide, is a psychedelic chemical that is structurally similar to LSD. It is classified as a prodrug of LSD, meaning it is transformed into LSD within the body and has comparable effects.

1P-LSD, like LSD, is well-known for its hallucinogenic qualities. It also can cause dramatic changes in perception, cognition, and mood. It is typically marketed as a research chemical or a substance used for research. However, it is essential to remember that the sale, possession, and use of 1P-LSD may be illegal in some places.

The effects of 1P-LSD have been compared to those of LSD. Users may experience visual distortions, heightened sensory awareness, and changes in thought processes and consciousness. 1P-LSD-induced psychedelic experiences can be very subjective and differ from person to person.

Since 1P-LSD is a relatively new substance, research on its precise effects and risks is limited. However, because of its structural closeness to LSD, it is thought to have a similar safety profile. Nevertheless, precautions should be followed when taking 1P-LSD or any other psychedelic chemical because they can have profound psychological consequences and may not be suitable for everyone.

Understanding LSD Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Risks

LSD is not physically addictive in the same way that opioids or alcohol are. Still, it is crucial to understand the possibility of psychological addiction and problematic patterns of LSD usage. This section will look at the indications, symptoms, and hazards linked with LSD addiction.

Psychological Addiction

While LSD does not cause physical dependence, it might lead to psychological dependence. This addiction is distinguished by a compulsive need to take LSD despite its negative effects and an inability to manage or discontinue its use.

Increased Tolerance

Tolerance to LSD can develop over time, requiring greater dosages to get the intended effects. As individuals strive to repeat their early psychedelic experiences, tolerance can lead to a cycle of increasing consumption.

Obsession With LSD

People addicted to LSD may become obsessed with getting and using the drug. They may devote significant time to thinking about LSD, planning its usage, or looking for ways to obtain it.

Neglect of Responsibilities

Addiction to LSD can lead to disregarding personal, social, and professional duties. Drug usage may take precedence over crucial commitments, relationships, and duties.

Withdrawal Effects 

Although LSD does not usually cause physical withdrawal symptoms, those who have developed a psychological dependence on it may feel emotional and psychological distress when attempting to discontinue or reduce consumption. 

Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression are some symptoms.

Risk of Psychological Harm

The use of LSD on a regular or excessive basis might raise the chance of negative psychological consequences. These side effects may include persistent hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which causes flashbacks or visual problems long after stopping LSD usage.

Co-Occurring Disorders 

LSD addiction can coexist with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or drug use disorders. Treatment of these underlying problems (known as a dual diagnosis) is critical for long-term healing.

Personal and Social Consequences

Addiction to LSD may substantially influence many elements of a person's life. Illegal purchasing and using the substance can strain relationships, hinder educational or professional objectives, and lead to legal troubles.

LSD and Addiction: Is It Truly Addictive?

No evidence exists that LSD causes physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms when used. LSD can still cause psychological addiction. Psychological addiction is defined as a compulsive urge to consume a substance despite negative effects and an inability to regulate or quit using it. The satisfying and enjoyable effects of the substance on the brain's reward system fuel this addiction.

LSD's psychological effects may be profound, driving some people to seek it out repeatedly to have those experiences. Unfortunately, the craving for distinctive experiences, altered perceptions, and transcendental states generated by LSD can lead to harmful usage patterns.

Furthermore, tolerance can develop with regular LSD usage, requiring greater dosages to get the desired results. This can increase drug usage as people try to repeat their original psychedelic experiences.

While not everyone who consumes LSD becomes addicted, certain people may be more vulnerable owing to genetic predisposition, underlying mental health issues, or environmental circumstances.

Can LSD Kill You?

LSD is not known to be directly fatal or toxic at typical doses. The risk of physical harm or overdose from LSD is relatively low.

However, LSD can induce intense alterations in perception, cognition, & mood. This can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential harm.

Accidents and injuries can occur due to impaired coordination and judgment while under the influence of LSD. Some individuals may experience anxiety, panic attacks, or acute psychological distress during an LSD experience. LSD can lead to impulsive and risky behavior.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

Rarely, LSD use has been associated with a condition called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). This involves long-lasting perceptual disturbances.

Responsible and cautious use of LSD in a comfortable and controlled environment is essential to minimize potential risks. Seek guidance from healthcare professionals or substance abuse counselors if you have concerns about LSD use or are experiencing adverse effects.

Tired of LSD Use? The Forge Recovery Center Will Help

LSD can develop into a habit. If you’re tired of the trip, The Forge Recovery Center will help you find a better way to experience life. Guided by a trauma-informed philosophy, The Forge is a comfortable, nonjudgmental addiction center where real growth and healing can take place. Our dedicated dual diagnosis program helps treat addiction at its emotional roots.

If you’d like to learn more about our LSD and psychedelic drug treatment program, reach out to The Forge Recovery Center today.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

June 21, 2023