LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that is often used for recreational purposes. This article will discuss the effects of LSD, including both short-term and long-term effects. We will also answer the question “Is LSD addictive?” Finally, we’ll provide you with information on how to prevent or stop taking LSD.
What is LSD?
LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that is derived from ergot fungus. It is a synthetic hallucinogen, meaning that it isn’t produced in nature and is only produced by humans. Some users may not have any or all of the psychedelic experience while using this substance or they may be mild, but others will see and hear things that do not exist in reality, which are called auditory and visual hallucinations. This is one of the most popular drugs for people who go to music festivals or raves. When you are high on LSD, it is called tripping or an acid trip. LSD was originally discovered during research to create new drugs for medical purposes by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938. The way LSD works is not completely understood but is thought to be related to serotonin in the brain.
LSD is generally taken as a square piece of paper called a tab, but is also available as a thin square of gelatin called “blotter acid.” The drug is often added to absorbent paper, called blotter paper, and divided into small squares. Sometimes it is dissolved in water or alcohol and placed on sugar cubes, other types of thick paper, or gelatin called “windowpanes” that are then divided into small squares. LSD is sometimes ingested via liquid form too, which is its most potent form. It generally takes 30 minutes to an hour for the effects to start after ingesting LSD, and the effects can last for up to 12 hours after ingestion.
What are the positive effects of LSD?
LSD is currently an illegal drug and is not used for medical purposes; however, there may have been some good things about it back when researchers were studying its potential uses and most have to do with psychological effects. Researchers found that they could give people who had severe mental health issues a more positive outlook on life by giving them small doses of LSD. One study showed that there is a significant decrease in the level of depression and anxiety reported among patients given this drug.
The common side effects of LSD are a strong sense of euphoria and a feeling of profound enlightenment or oneness with the universe. Besides the aforementioned effects and the hallucinogenic effects, the other common positive, psychological side effects include:
- altered sense of time
- ego death or disassociation of self
- heightened sense when hearing music or seeing colors
- mystical experience or spiritual experience
What are the physical effects of taking LSD?
There is a wide range of physical effects associated with taking LSD. Some users will experience significant nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite when using the drug. Other short-term side effects include:
- elevated body temperature
- increased blood pressure
- tremors or shakes
- dilated pupils that do not shrink when exposed to bright light
What are the negative effects of taking LSD?
The negative effects of taking LSD are similar to the positive, but they have a more powerful impact on your well-being. When you have a negative experience on lysergic acid it is known as a bad trip. Some users may experience flashbacks days or months after ingestion that cause hallucinations at inappropriate times and places. Other long-term side effects include:
- paranoia
- delusions
- hallucinations that persist even when not under the influence of the drug
- panic attacks
In rare cases, LSD may also cause drug-induced psychosis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please stop taking the drug.
Is LSD addictive?
LSD is not known to be physically addictive, but users may build up a tolerance that leads them to take higher doses of the drug or use it more frequently. This can make it easier to quit compared to other more addictive drugs, however, that is not always the case as it still carries a potential for abuse. It should be noted that due to no physical addiction that most people who want to stop taking the drug simply tire of it and stop, although that is not always the case. No physical addiction means it is possible to stop using LSD, but psychological addiction can be more difficult to overcome. Psychological dependence mean that even though you aren’t physically addicted and your body isn’t craving the drug, you still have the urge to take it in certain situations or try to recapture feelings from prior moments. For example, if you always go out with certain friends to parties and always take LSD, then you will be more inclined to want to do that drug in those situations. People who are addicted to this substance may find it very hard to stop even if they are experiencing negative or dangerous effects. This is called an addiction because you need it in order to feel normal and happy. If you are trying LSD for the first time, make sure your dose is low so there is no risk of taking too much.
What are the short-term effects of LSD addiction?
People who are addicted to LSD may find that they become withdrawn and avoid socializing with friends or family. If you stop taking the drug, there is a good chance you will feel depressed and anxious as well.
What are the long-term effects of LSD addiction?
There is no way to know for sure what the long-term effects of LSD addiction will be, but there is some evidence that users may experience flashbacks for many years after using the drug. Flashbacks are not physical but can cause you to have hallucinations or feel like you’re experiencing a high and tripping when you’re not. In addition, some people who are addicted to LSD experience hallucinations that make them believe there is a threat in their home, workplace, or even the street. This is called psychosis and is one of the most dangerous long-term side effects associated with LSD. Again, psychosis is extremely rare and usually occurs in people who are already experiencing mental disorders prior to taking the drug.
How do I stop taking LSD?
If you want to quit using this drug, there is a good chance that your drug addiction is psychological. This is not always as easy to overcome as a physical addiction, but it is possible with the help of professional treatment and guidance from your doctor or therapist.
How can I prevent LSD addiction?
You can’t control whether or not you are addicted to a substance, but there is some evidence that taking a low dose is not likely to cause any severe side effects. If you are addicted, make sure to seek help from your doctor or therapist. If you aren’t using LSD but know someone who is, it is important to provide support and encouragement without being judgemental.
Summary
LSD is a popular psychedelic drug that rose to prominence during the 60s. When you ingest LSD, it is common to feel a sense of euphoria, a oneness with yourself and the universe, an altered perception of time, and visual and auditory hallucinations. There are physical effects as well, which include an increased heart rate and pupil dilation. Unfortunately, there can also be negative effects too like paranoia, delusions, and in very rare instances, drug-induced psychosis. LSD is not physically addictive, meaning that your body will never have physical cravings for the drug. However, it is prone to psychological addiction which means that you take the drug in certain circumstances to try to recapture prior feelings. The short-term effects of LSD addiction can lead to anxiety, depression, and isolation from family and friends, while long-term addiction can lead to flashbacks. To stop taking LSD most people simply tire of it and stop themselves since there is no physical addiction, but if you are having trouble stopping due to psychological addiction that leads to substance abuse, it is recommended that you see your doctor or therapist.
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Fact Checked and Editorial Process
The Magical Mushroom is devoted to producing expert and accurate articles and information for our readers by tapping into psychedelic users, experts, journalists, and growing community. We encourage you to read more about our content, editing, and fact checking methods here. This was fact checked by Chris Riley.
Owner, entrepreneur, enthusiast of natural medicine