Feeling uncertain about the effects of LSD? This guide explores the realities of using this powerful substance. This powerful substance affects each person differently and raises important questions about safety and support. In this guide, you’ll learn about LSD’s effects, potential risks, and where to find help if you’re struggling.
What is LSD?
LSD stands for lysergic acid diethylamide. It’s classified as a hallucinogen drug synthesized in a lab. It is a man-made substance first created in 1938. LSD alters a person’s awareness of their surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. It is often sold in various forms, including liquid, sugar cubes, gelatin squares, and tablets.
Legally, LSD is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substance Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Historically, hallucinogens were used in religious and healing rituals, but today, they are primarily used recreationally.
Street names for LSD
LSD is known by many different names when sold illegally. On the street, LSD is known by various names, including:
- Acid: This is one of the most common street names for the drug.
- Blotters: Referring to the absorbent paper squares often used to distribute LSD.
- Boomers: Another informal term used for LSD.
- Microdot: A term for very small tablets containing the drug.
- Window Pane: Referring to clear gelatin squares containing LSD.
- Yellow sunshine: One of several color-based names used.
Short-term effects of LSD
LSD causes significant alterations in perception and mood, often referred to as a “trip.” The immediate effects of LSD can vary widely and intensely.
Soon after taking LSD, you might experience:
- Increased vital signs: This can include increased heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, or body temperature.
- Physical discomfort: Nausea, loss of appetite, or dry mouth can occur.
- Sensory changes: Intensified feelings and sensory experiences, such as seeing brighter colors, are common.
- Altered time perception: You may sense that time is passing much slower than it is.
- Sleep disruption: Insomnia can be a side effect.
- Mood and thought changes: This can range from spiritual experiences and feelings of relaxation to panic, paranoia, psychosis, and bizarre behaviors.
- Coordination issues: Uncoordinated movements may occur.
- Excessive sweating: This is another possible physical reaction.
- Memory problems: Some memory loss can happen during the experience.
Long-term effects of LSD
While rare, some effects of LSD can persist long after the drug wears off.
In some cases, long-lasting issues can include:
- Persistent psychosis: A series of ongoing mental problems, like visual disturbances, disorganized thinking, paranoia, and mood changes, can occur.
- Increased tolerance: Needing higher and higher doses to achieve the desired effect is a form of tolerance that can develop.
- Significant memory loss: Long-term use can potentially lead to lasting memory problems.
- Speech difficulties: Some individuals may experience speech problems.
- Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD): This involves a recurrence of drug experiences, such as hallucinations or other visual disturbances, known as flashbacks. These flashbacks can happen for days or over a year after use.
- Depression symptoms: Chronic use might contribute to symptoms of depression.
- Weight loss: This can be an effect in some cases.
Recent trends in LSD use
Recent studies indicate a notable increase in LSD use among certain age groups.
Looking at recent trends, studies have found:
- Overall increase: There was a significant increase in LSD use between 2015 and 2018.
- Older adult use: Adults aged 35-49 showed the most significant increase in use during this period.
- Use during the pandemic: Some reports suggest adults have used LSD to cope with the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Are hallucinogens addictive?
Research suggests that while not traditionally addictive, hallucinogens like LSD can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence.
LSD does not cause the same physical dependence as some other drugs, but other issues can arise.
When considering the addictive nature of LSD, note that:
- Tolerance develops: Users build a tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect.
- Psychological dependence: While not causing uncontrollable physical drug-seeking behavior, people can become psychologically dependent on the desired effects.
- Risks of increasing dose: Increasing the amount of this powerful mind-altering drug just for a “trip” is dangerous.
Treatment and recovery from LSD use
Help is available for those who want to stop misusing LSD.
Exploring options for support can be the first step toward recovery:
Recovering from LSD abuse
While not physically addictive, psychological dependence on LSD can require support.
When seeking recovery from LSD abuse, understand that:
- Psychological focus: Recovery primarily addresses the mental dependence on the desired effects of the drug.
- Treatment options: Both inpatient and outpatient programs are available to provide support and help.
- Behavior change techniques: Treatment programs often use talk therapy to help individuals understand their reasons for using substances and their associated behaviors.
- Family involvement: These treatments may involve family members to provide ongoing support.
Drug rehab and treatment options
Various types of counseling are used in drug rehab to address underlying issues.
During drug rehab, you may participate in:
- Individual counseling: This helps people discover and treat the underlying reasons for abusing LSD.
- Group counseling: Participating in group sessions provides peer support and shared experiences.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: This is highly recommended if a co-occurring mental illness or health issue accompanies drug use, treating both conditions simultaneously.
- Medication management: If a co-occurring mental illness is present, a psychologist will work with the patient to ensure the medication is effective and at the correct dosage.
How Modern Recovery helps
Modern Recovery offers specialized programs to support individuals seeking recovery from drug addiction.
When considering treatment with Modern Recovery, you can expect:
- Individualized care: Treatment plans are created to meet the unique needs of each patient.
- Telehealth options: Access substance addiction treatment remotely, removing barriers like location or transportation.
- Focus on accountability: Develop a reliable support network to help you stay committed during treatment.
- Recovery coaching: Connect with trusted peer support specialists who provide advice and guidance.
- Small-group setting: Develop strong connections with peers facing similar challenges, building a supportive network.
- Family involvement: Involving the entire family cultivates mutual healing and growth, forming a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
- Dual diagnosis support: Qualified staff are trained to provide care for co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction.
- Detox referrals: Clients needing detox, especially if experiencing psychotic episodes, can be referred to trusted programs for initial medical support.
We’re in-network and accept insurance
Online therapy covered by insurance does exist. Modern Recovery works with leading insurance providers across the United States to bring you quality mental health treatment that’s both accessible and affordable.
Get started on your journey to recovery today
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Sources
- MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000795.htm
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration: https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/csa
- Drug Enforcement Administration: https://www.deadiversersion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/lsd.pdf
- History: https://www.history.com/topics/crime/history-of-lsd
- The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/dec/06/lsd-guides-psychedelic-assisted-psychotherapy
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
- Inside Hook: https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/science/lsd-use-increase-america-pandemic
- Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871620302362
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html