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Although LSD is considered non-addictive, people can become addicted to the sights, sounds, and revelations they experience while “tripping.” Users can develop both tolerance and psychological dependence on psychedelics like LSD. There are documented cases of prolonged, intense use causing adverse side effects such as psychosis or paranoia.
Understanding LSD and Its Addictive Nature
Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly called “acid” or LSD, is a psychedelic hallucinogen that produces changes in perception, sense of time and space, and emotions. LSD is active at minimal doses (around 20 micrograms).
The drug is most often consumed orally, in the form of tablets, droplets, or most popular blotter paper that is absorbed on the tongue and swallowed.
Because it typically comes on small pieces of paper, it isn’t easy to independently assess what an average dose is.
Furthermore, the fact that different individuals react to LSD differently doesn’t help. It is essential to know that taking too much LSD can lead to feelings of disengagement and alienation.
Research shows that for most individuals, 20 micrograms of LSD is so small that it produces minimal euphoric effects. LSD belongs to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the most criminalized class for drugs.
Schedule I drugs are believed to have a “high potential for abuse” and not currently allowed medical use; however, LSD has been used in many therapies and had some success in treating depression and anxiety.
This is a very new path of research, but some consider LSD to have the potential to treat PTSD and addiction. Although LSD is known to have some positive side effects, it affects everyone differently and can produce severe physical and psychological effects.
LSD is known for its intense changes in consciousness and perception. During a “trip,” users experience a wide range of effects, visual and other sensory distortions, alterations to thought processes, intense emotions, and for some individuals, surprising new insights and life revelations.
LSD’s effects typically remain for around 8-10 hours, with peak effects occurring between 4-6 hours after ingestion. Common side effects include:
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Tremors
- Dissociation
- Panic Attacks
- Sensory enhancement
- Delusions
- Alienation
- Visual hallucinations
- Synesthesia (i.e., “hearing” colors, “seeing” sounds)
- Depression
- Impaired depth perception
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety
Tolerance to LSD develops quickly; if a specific dose is taken every day for three consecutive days, no reaction will occur by the third day. Users who regularly abuse the drug must take progressively higher doses to achieve the same state of intoxication that they have previously experienced.
This practice is particularly dangerous, as when the dose amount increases, so do the users’ chances of experiencing a “bad trip” and adverse psychological side effects.
The risk of overdose is minimal with LSD, and the risk of fatal overdose is virtually nonexistent with LSD.
However, LSD is far from safe, mainly due to risky behaviors, and side effects can occur.
When users are on trips that can last for 12 hours or more, they often exhibit low inhibition or react to the other impacts of the drug, such as hallucinations.
This may lead to dangerous actions and injury, along with social, legal, and professional consequences. LSD is also dangerous when mixed with other drugs, especially anti-depressants such as lithium.
LSD’s most severe effects are likely to only happen after large and frequent doses, but can potentially be life-threatening, including hyperthermia, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis.
You’re On The Right Track
To learn about your LSD addiction and its withdrawal symptoms, as well as what happens after a successful detox, consult with United Recovery project experts today. We offer a wide range of drug rehab programs including medical detox, inpatients, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.
URP Partial Hospitalization Program
United Recovery Projects Partial Hospitalization Program allows clients to take advantage of the many services offered by the United Recovery Project while continuing to live at home, unlike traditional programs. The patients who enroll in this program grappling with LSD dependency are ensured to have the structure essential within the beginning of their recovery process and are not required to leave their cherished ones or even the comfort of their homes.
URP Intensive Outpatient Program
Our intensive outpatient program is tailored towards a flexible plan, ensuring that you are unrestricted towards remaining for the duration of your specific plan or perhaps reside for a longer period of time if you feel the need.
URP Alumni Program
We understand that the road towards recovery is not an easy one as you go through this newfound path towards long-term sobriety; therefore, we present you with our Alumni program tailored towards ensuring that you can ask questions and speak freely to people who have been in your shoes. This program will better assure that a burden is lifted off your shoulders as you break away from your LSD addiction.
Getting Treatment for LSD at United Recovery Project
Although LSD is physically non-addictive, users can become psychologically addicted to the drug’s hallucinations and suffer numerous consequences because of it. Multiple inpatient and outpatient treatment centers can help if you or someone you love is abusing LSD.
Many different therapy types, 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 at 888-960-5121 to learn about your options today.