One of the most popular drugs to date is LSD, and this is because LSD is known for its potent visual and sensory distortions, which can provide a psychedelic experience. The psychedelic experience of LSD can last anywhere from six to twelve hours; however, the psychedelic experience is highly dependent on the individual. While many people are curious about the effects of LSD, it’s important to address concerns about addiction to LSD as part of the broader conversation.
Seeing as the effects of LSD can be quite curious and attractive to some people, there’s no doubt that people get addicted to the drug. LSD addicts go through a series of physical as well as psychological withdrawal symptoms, which can make recovering from addiction that much more difficult.
While it’s pretty obvious that LSD can be addictive, many still think that it’s not dangerous—that’s where they’re wrong. The physical and mental effects of LSD can definitely take a toll on someone’s life, affecting different areas of their lives as well, such as relationships, work, and more. For this reason, it’s worth taking your loved ones suffering from LSD addiction to drug rehab to get them back to being sober.
What is LSD?
LSD is short for lysergic acid diethylamide and is classified as a hallucinogen. This is because LSD is known for its potent visual and sensory distortions, which can provide a psychedelic experience. The psychedelic experience of LSD can last anywhere from six to twelve hours. However, the psychedelic experience is highly dependent on the individual.
It is commonly thought of as a powerful hallucinogen and is also considered a drug of abuse. LSD is categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and has no accepted medical use in the United States.
The effects of LSD are very profound, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s a very popular and sought-out drug. There are even plenty of outlets where you can purchase LSD, such as on the internet and even in certain convenience stores. This is why LSD is one of the most proliferated drugs on the market, and this is why LSD is also one of the most popular drugs that can lead to addiction.
How Does LSD Affect a Person’s Body?
The effects of LSD are very potent and can cause a wide range of effects on a person’s body. For example, LSD can cause one’s pupils to dilate, which is why this is one of the most noticeable effects of LSD and the first most people notice when they’re under the influence.
This is also why people who are under the influence of LSD are referred to as “tripping” because the pupils of the eyes expand and allow the person to see more things. This is also why it can be so easy to know if someone is under the influence of LSD from its effects on a person’s eyes.
What are the Side Effects of LSD?
Aside from dilated pupils, the physiological side effects of LSD can also include a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure. Hallucinations and delusions are also known to occur when someone is under the influence of LSD.
Here are some of the short-term behavioral side effects of LSD:
- Altered sense of time
- Emotional swings
- Feeling a lot of emotions at the same time
- Intensified feelings
- Visual hallucinations
- Impaired judgment
- False sense of invincibility
- Frightening highs
- Spiritual experiences
- Extreme paranoia
- Psychosis
- Bizarre behavior
Here are some of the physical side effects of LSD:
- Nausea
- Numbness
- Dilated pupils
- Increased body temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors
- Panic
- Uncoordinated movements
Here are the long-term side effects of LSD:
- HPPD or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
- Flashbacks of their initial LSD trip
- Persistent psychosis
Seeing as these effects—short-term or long-term—are quite alarming, it’s crucial to take your loved ones to addiction centers to ensure that they get the proper treatment to help them recover.
What are the Signs of LSD Addiction?
LSD addiction can be both physical and psychological. When it comes to LSD addiction, it’s pretty difficult to discern. However, once you’re aware of their symptoms, you can recognize signs of LSD addiction, allowing you to take proper steps right away.
Here are some of the physical symptoms of LSD addiction:
- Excessive weight loss or changes in weight
- Unusual or unhealthy sleeping patterns
- Poor hygiene
- Staying awake for long periods
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Dissociative episodes
- Heightened memory loss
- Panic
- Depression
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate
Below are some behavioral symptoms associated with LSD addiction:
- Acting as if they’re out of touch with reality
- Changes in their daily routines and lives
- Changes in their ability to function
- Making poor judgments
- No sense of time
- Experiences erratic mood swings
- Overly empathetic
- Reduced or lack of motivation
- Lack of interest in hobbies they formerly enjoyed
- Heightened paranoia
What are LSD Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using any substance, including LSD, can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Some of these symptoms can also be more intense than the symptoms that come with LSD use. This is why people who are LSD addicts are more likely to relapse. For this reason, it’s best to take them to addiction centers since they’ll be surrounded by experts who can help them manage their withdrawal symptoms.
Below are some of the withdrawal symptoms patients may experience:
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Cravings
- Inability to focus
- Out of touch with reality
When Does LSD Withdrawal Symptoms Occur?
Withdrawal symptoms will occur when the brain is no longer accustomed to the presence of LSD. Symptoms will occur rapidly, and they’ll peak within a week to 10 days. Usually, LSD withdrawal symptoms can show up within 24 hours from the last dose; that’s why it’s crucial to give proper guidance to those who are suffering from LSD withdrawal symptoms.
What is Acid?
To some, acid is a psychedelic drug that you take to have a “trip” and get high. Acid is also known as LSD-25 (lysergic acid diethylamide) and is derived from lysergic acid. LSD, or acid, was developed in 1938 by Albert Hoffman while working on a different substance called ergot.
Recreational use of acid was popularized by the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s, in which acid was used to “enhance” the mind. Doctors and psychiatrists later discovered that acid could lead to the development of long-lasting mental disorders such as schizoid personality disorder.
How Do We Treat Those Addicted to LSD?
There are no medications to treat LSD addiction, but addiction to LSD can be treated by attending a drug rehabilitation program. In drug rehabilitation programs, LSD addicts can attend individual therapy sessions and group therapy sessions and go through other treatment methods to break their addiction. This is why it’s critical to get someone addicted to LSD to drug rehab.
The Bottom Line: Addiction Centers Can Help Individuals Dealing With LSD Addiction
As LSD has proven to cause some serious side effects, it’s no surprise that it can lead to addiction. After all, LSD has been known to affect different parts of the body, and, if abused, can cause serious psychological disorders. This is why it’s important to get your loved one to addiction centers if they’re addicted to LSD. Once your loved one can get professional treatment at addiction centers, they’ll be able to handle their LSD addiction, as well as any other issues they’re having, and be able to live a life of sobriety.
