LSD: Your Guide to Effects & Potential Addiction of Acid, a Powerful Psychedelic Drug

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful mind-altering substance derivative of a fungus known as ergot. It was first synthesized by the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938. It later gained popularity in the 1960s as a recreational drug associated with the counterculture movement.

While perhaps not addictive in the traditional sense, habitual LSD use can be risky. This is an exceptionally potent drug, and it can cause lasting mental harm to some people.

What Is LSD?

LSD is classified as a hallucinogen because it profoundly alters perception, thoughts, and feelings. It mainly affects the serotonin system, binding to serotonin receptors and modulating their activity. This results in an expansion of sensory experiences, intense visual and auditory hallucinations, and an altered impression of time and self-awareness.

An LSD trip can last 6 to 12 hours, with the effects peaking within the first few hours and gradually tapering off. It is usually consumed orally in small squares of blotter paper infused with liquid LSD. Other forms include gel tabs, capsules, or liquid dropped onto sugar cubes or the tongue.

LSD is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning manufacturing, possessing, or distributing it is illegal. It is a potent and unpredictable substance, and its use carries risks. In addition, the effects can be highly subjective, and individuals may react differently to the drug. 

Is LSD Known by Any Other Names? Street Names for LSD

LSD is known by various names and street terms. Some common names for LSD include:

• Acid

• Lucy

• Tabs

• Doses

• Blotter

• Trips

• Hits

• Microdots

• Windowpane

• Sunshine

• Electric Kool-Aid

• Boomers

• Purple Haze

These are just a few examples, and street names for LSD and any other drugs can vary regionally and change over time. 

Are Some People More Vulnerable to Developing LSD Addiction?

LSD is not considered addictive in the same way as drugs like opioids or stimulants. Therefore, it does not produce physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms typically associated with addictive substances. However, individuals can develop psychological dependence or misuse patterns with LSD, which can have negative consequences.

That being said, vulnerability to developing problematic patterns of LSD use can vary among individuals. Some factors that may contribute to a higher risk of developing issues with LSD use include:

Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions

Individuals with a history of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders, may be more vulnerable to adverse effects or worsening of symptoms with LSD use.

Predisposition to Addiction

People with a personal or family history of substance use disorders may be more prone to develop problematic patterns of LSD use or to seek escape or self-medication through drug use.

Frequent or Heavy Use of LSD

Repeated and frequent use of LSD, especially in high doses, can increase the risk of adverse psychological reactions and potentially lead to psychological dependence or misuse.

Environmental Factors: The influence of social and environmental factors, such as peer pressure, drug availability, and exposure to drug-using environments, can impact the likelihood of developing problematic patterns of LSD use.

Even though vulnerability factors can contribute to the risk of experiencing negative effects or developing patterns of misuse, they do not guarantee that someone will develop a problem with LSD use. Additionally, individual responses to LSD can vary widely, and some people may use the drug without encountering significant issues.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of LSD Abuse and Addiction?

While LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) does not typically lead to physical dependence or addiction in the same way as drugs like opioids or stimulants, it is still possible for individuals to abuse LSD and develop tricky patterns of use.

Some potential signs & symptoms of LSD abuse:

Flashbacks

LSD can cause spontaneous and involuntary re-experiences of past hallucinogenic episodes, known as flashbacks. These can occur days, weeks, or even months after LSD use.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

In some rare cases, individuals may experience persistent visual disturbances, such as seeing halos around objects or experiencing visual distortions, even after discontinuing LSD use.

Anxiety and Panic Reactions

LSD use can sometimes lead to intense anxiety or panic reactions, which can be distressing and potentially dangerous, especially in individuals prone to anxiety disorders.

Psychosis-Like Symptoms

In susceptible individuals, LSD use can trigger temporary psychosis-like symptoms, including delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.

Impaired judgment and risky behavior: LSD can impair judgment and decision-making abilities, leading individuals to engage in risky behaviors that they would not otherwise consider.

Psychological Dependence

While LSD is not physically addictive, some individuals may develop psychological dependence or misuse patterns. They may feel a compulsive desire to use LSD and find it challenging to control or stop their use despite negative consequences.

Increased Tolerance

Frequent LSD use can result in the development of tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects. This can potentially lead to escalated use and increased risks.

The overall prevalence of LSD abuse and addiction is relatively low compared to other substances. However, individuals who struggle with difficult patterns of LSD use or experience negative consequences should seek professional help. 

How Can LSD Affect Your Body?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) primarily affects the central nervous system and profoundly alters perception, thoughts, and feelings. Let us go through them in detail:

Sensory Perception

LSD can cause significant changes in sensory perception. Users may experience enhanced or distorted sensory experiences, such as intensified colors, sounds, and heightened tactile sensations. These effects can vary widely among individuals.

Hallucinations

LSD is known for its ability to induce visual and auditory hallucinations. Users may see geometric patterns and vibrant colors or perceive objects and people in a distorted or altered way. Auditory hallucinations can range from enhanced sounds to the perception of music or voices.

Altered Sense of Time and Space

LSD can disrupt the perception of time, causing it to either speed up or slow down. You may also experience a distorted sense of space, perceiving objects as larger or smaller than they actually are.

Emotional Effects of LSD Use

LSD can induce a wide range of emotions, varying from person to person and from one trip to another. Users may experience euphoria, a sense of interconnectedness, or intense emotional swings. These emotional effects can be influenced by the user's mindset and the environment in which the drug is taken.

Physical Effects of LSD Use

• Dilated pupils: LSD typically causes dilation of the pupils, making them more prominent.

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: LSD can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, although the extent of these effects can vary.

• Body temperature changes: LSD can lead to fluctuations in body temperature, causing sensations of warmth or coldness.

• Nausea: Some users may experience nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort during the onset or peak of an LSD trip.

• Loss of appetite: LSD can suppress appetite, and users may have a decreased desire to eat while under its influence.

The effects of LSD can be highly subjective, and individuals may have different reactions to the drug. In addition, the intensity and duration of these effects can vary depending on factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, and the user's mental state and environment. 

Why Is Treating LSD Addiction Challenging?

Treating LSD addiction can present some unique challenges compared to treating addictions to other substances because of the following reasons:

Lack of Physical Dependence

LSD does not typically cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms, which means that traditional detoxification methods used for other substances may not be necessary or effective. The absence of physical withdrawal can make it more difficult for individuals to recognize the need for treatment. In addition, it may decrease their motivation to seek help.

Limited Research and Understanding

LSD research has been restricted due to legal and regulatory barriers, which has limited our understanding of its long-term effects and treatment approaches. This lack of scientific knowledge can pose challenges in developing evidence-based treatment protocols tailored to LSD addiction.

Low Prevalence

Compared to other substances, LSD addiction is relatively rare. This can make it more challenging for individuals to find specialized treatment programs or support groups addressing LSD addiction. In addition, the limited availability of resources and professionals experienced in treating LSD addiction can hinder access to appropriate care.

Psychological Dependence and Complexity

While LSD does not cause physical dependence, individuals can develop psychological dependence or misuse patterns. Addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to LSD misuse requires comprehensive and individualized treatment approaches. In addition, co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may need to be addressed simultaneously.

Flashbacks and HPPD

LSD use can sometimes lead to flashbacks (spontaneous re-experiences of past hallucinogenic episodes) and hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where individuals experience persistent visual disturbances even after discontinuing LSD use. These symptoms can complicate treatment and require specialized approaches to manage and alleviate their effects.

Stigma and Lack of Understanding

LSD use is often surrounded by social stigma, discouraging individuals from seeking help and making it harder to disclose their struggles. The lack of public understanding about LSD addiction may also contribute to a lack of empathy and appropriate support for those seeking treatment.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach integrating individualized therapy, behavioral interventions, and support systems. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management strategies are some approaches that can be effective in treating LSD addiction.

In addition, it is essential for individuals seeking treatment for LSD addiction to work with healthcare professionals experienced in substance use disorders and consider specialized treatment programs that address hallucinogen misuse.

What Is The Treatment & Recovery Process for LSD Addiction?

The treatment and recovery process for LSD addiction typically involves the following steps:

Recognition and Acceptance

The first step is recognizing and accepting that there is a problem with LSD use and that it is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being. This self-awareness is crucial for initiating the recovery process.

Seeking Professional Help

It is advisable to reach out to a healthcare professional who specializes in addiction treatment, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or addiction counselor. They can provide support, guidance, and appropriate treatment options.

Detoxification (if Necessary)

Individuals may sometimes require detoxification to rid their bodies of residual LSD or other substances. However, LSD does not typically produce physical withdrawal symptoms, so medical detoxification is not usually necessary.

Psychotherapy

Various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing, can effectively treat LSD addiction. These therapies help individuals understand the underlying reasons for their drug use, develop coping strategies, and address any co-occurring mental health issues.

Support Groups

Participating in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or psychedelic-specific support groups can provide a sense of community, understanding, and shared experiences. These groups can be beneficial for long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

Lifestyle Changes

Making positive changes in your lifestyle can help support recovery. This may include adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, improving nutrition, establishing a stable sleep routine, and engaging in activities that promote emotional well-being.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

If an individual has a co-occurring mental health disorder alongside their LSD addiction, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders, it's important to address both issues simultaneously. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment targeting addiction and mental health disorders is often the most effective approach.

Relapse Prevention

Developing relapse prevention strategies is crucial for maintaining long-term recovery. This involves identifying triggers and high-risk situations, learning practical coping skills, and creating a relapse prevention plan with the help of a therapist or support group.

If You’re Struggling With LSD, The Forge Recovery Center Will Help

While not addictive in the same sense other drugs are, LSD can still radically alter a person’s life. Prolonged psychedelic use can create harmful outcomes and seriously limit a person’s ability to live normally.

The Forge Recovery Center has a deep understanding of addiction. We use evidence-based methods to treat addiction at its roots, addressing its mental and emotional causes. With us, our clients are able to develop the tools and resources they need to live long, happy lives without drugs.

If you’re tired of LSD and feel like you’re no longer in control of your life, please reach out to The Forge Recovery Center today. We’ll be happy to talk about our psychedelic drugs treatment program and more.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

June 21, 2023