What Is LSD?

LSD has often been a misunderstood drug. There is some research to suggest that it may help treat people with addictions, but many also don’t understand how dangerous the drug can be.

We’re going to take a look at what is LSD, the effects of it and whether you can become addicted to it.

 

What Is LSD?

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) is a powerful hallucinogenic (psychedelic) drug. It is more commonly known as acid because it is derived from lysergic acid, a compound found in the fungus ergot.

It is an extremely powerful hallucinogen and can produce significant psychological effects with even the tiniest dose.

LSD is a colourless, odourless substance that is usually diluted in a solution and dropped onto pieces of blotting paper or sugar cubes, then swallowed.

Though usually taken recreationally, in the 1950s and 60s, the acid drug was researched extensively by governments in controlled medical settings.

 

How Does LSD Work?

Most people want to know “What does LSD do?”, and to know that, you need to understand how it works on your brain.

Effects on the Brain

LSD interacts primarily with serotonin receptors, interrupting the normal functioning of the neurotransmitter, imitating it and binding to a particular receptor that alters your sensory perception.

All this changes your brain chemistry, altering perception, mood, thinking and sensory experiences.

When many think of LSD, they think of hallucinations. LSD does this and more, changing how the brain processes information.

Why Experiences Differ

Experiences can differ wildly depending on many factors. The most important thing is dose. In most cases, the less you take, the less intense your experience will be.

Also, everyone’s brain is unique, meaning that experiences will be unique to them. How an experience goes will depend on a person’s mood, who they’re with, their environment and their biology.

The idea of your mindset and environment affecting a trip is known as “set and setting”. Someone who is calm and in a comforting place is more likely to have a nicer experience, and a person in a bad mental space in an unfamiliar setting is more likely to have a more intense and scary experience.

All this means that it is impossible to predict how someone will react to the LSD drug, and two people sitting next to each other can have dramatically different experiences.

 

What Are the Effects of LSD?

LSD is used recreationally and is sometimes feared due to the number of effects it can cause. These effects can vary wildly between people and range from enjoyable to downright scary.

Short-Term Effects

• Visual distortions
• Altered sense of time
• Intensified colours and sounds
• Euphoria
• Heightened emotions
• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Tremors

Psychological Effects

• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Paranoia
• Panic
• Impaired judgement
• Risk-taking behaviour

 

How Long Does LSD Last?

When people take LSD, they talk about going on a trip. This is because LSD effects can last a long time.

• Onset – 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Peak – Around 2 to 4 hours after consumption
• Total duration – 6 to 12 hours
• After-effects – Several hours to a couple of days

Even after physical symptoms go away, many people talk about feeling the psychological effects for days afterwards.

 

Is LSD Addictive?

LSD is not physically addictive. This means it won’t produce physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. But a psychological dependence can develop because the more you take it, the more your tolerance builds.

This means that you soon need more and more to achieve the same effects, becoming addicted to the sensations that LSD provides. The repeated use ingrains the behaviour in your brain, and soon you crave it to achieve those feelings.

Eventually, an addiction forms, which means that you continue to use LSD despite the negative impact it is having on your life. You no longer have control over your use.

 

What Are the Risks of Taking LSD?

Other substances have more severe physical dangers, such as a toxic overdose. The dangers of LSD mostly lie in how it can affect you psychologically.

LSD can lead to:

• Dangerous behaviour while intoxicated
• Accidents
• Severe anxiety
• Psychosis (particularly in vulnerable individuals)
• Flashbacks
• Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), a long-lasting condition that can cause recurring hallucinations and other effects of LSD years after using it
• Triggering underlying mental health conditions

 

Can You Overdose on LSD?

Yes, you can overdose on LSD. But a fatal overdose is more rare because it doesn’t shut our bodies down the way other drugs can. But with an overdose on LSD, it can be very distressing because it’s a psychological impact, and it can bring on drug-induced psychosis.

With large amounts of LSD, a person’s perception will be severely impaired. They won’t know what is real, and this could lead to dangerous behaviour, risk of accidents, suicide or attacking others.

You should always seek medical help if someone experiences severe distress or psychosis due to LSD use. They can be unpredictable, and the outcomes can be fatal.

 

When Does LSD Use Become a Problem?

LSD use can be a real danger. Acting on this early can prevent some pretty serious and lasting consequences.

Knowing when to take action can be a lifesaver, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for the warning signs. And yes, there are some pretty clear ones to look out for.

Some of the signs of a problematic LSD use habit include:

• You’re using it more and more frequently
• You’re willing to keep using it even though it’s causing problems
• Your mental health is poor
• You can’t seem to stop
• Your relationships are suffering
• Your work or education is being impacted
• You’re craving it
• You’re hanging out with people who also use, and in turn you’re losing touch with other friends and activities that once brought you joy
• You’re starting to get secretive about your habits

 

Get Help With Your LSD Problem Now

If you or a loved one is in need of a little guidance and addiction support, then contact the team at Addiction Advocates on 0800 012 6088 today or text HELP to 83222.