Lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or acid is a psychedelic drug made from ergotamine, a chemical from the fungus, ergot, that grows on rye and other grains. LSD was discovered in 1938 and has no medical reasons currently listed for the legal use of this drug. It is classified as a hallucinogenic drug and is known for its psychological effects. Individuals under the influence of LSD may be detached from reality, seeing and hearing things that are not actually real. Occasionally it is sold in a liquid form, but is most often sold as one “hit” on a small square decorated blotter paper which is either swallowed or placed under the tongue. It is also sold in sugar cubes, tablets, capsules or gelatin and is odorless. It can even be injected.
LSD can cause unpredictable effects on the user depending on the amount that is taken. The effects start 30 to 90 minutes after taking it and normally last 6-12 hours. The user will experience intense, altered perceptions of reality and may seem to be able to hear colors or see sounds as if sensations have somehow “crossed over.” Emotional feelings are enhanced and can change rapidly from one emotion to another or multiple emotions can be felt at one time. Some users have reported being able to feel a “oneness” with another LSD user as if they were able to read and feel each others thoughts and emotions.
Once you take LSD, there is no stopping the effects that are to follow. An LSD experience is referred to as a “trip.” It produces delusions and visual hallucinations that can be frightening causing panic and terrifying thoughts and feelings, which would be considered a “bad trip.”
Dangers of Using LSD
A person who takes LSD loses their sense of reality and correct perception of the environment. It alters the mind in such a way that it can cause a person to never recover after an acid-induced psychosis. A user’s sense of self or personality can change drastically and leave one feeling a serious disconnection from reality from that point on. Users may develop long-lasting psychosis, such as severe depression or schizophrenia. In some cases the use of LSD has led to permanent mental damage, where the user is no longer able to function normally because of psychological impairment.
Time, reality, sizes and shapes of objects, movements, colors and sounds become distorted making the user unable to make sensible judgments of common dangers. This type of distorted reality has resulted in some deaths.
Some users can have a “flashback” which is when a person who has taken LSD in the past all of a sudden experiences LSD effects without warning. A flashback can happen even years after the last time LSD was taken. This could put lives at risk if the person has a flashback and is on a freeway or doing a task that requires focused attention.
Signs and Symptoms of LSD Abuse
The user may suffer from a psychotic break or display behavior that is unpredictable or erratic and may talk about things that are not real.
Some signs and symptoms of LSD abuse:
- Dilated pupils
- High or low body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating or shills
- Unable to sleep
- Impaired perception
- Distortion of time and self
Is LSD Addictive?
There isn’t any evidence that supports LSD is addictive. While LSD does not appear to be addictive, many users may repeat this drug use in an effort to recreate an acid trip. It’s possible to build up a tolerance so that higher doses are needed each time to “trip.” This can create a psychological dependence. Most users stop on their own, but nearly 2000 people are admitted to rehab each year to get help with getting off LSD.
LSD Abuse Help
LSD residues are stored in the body fat and can later be released causing a “flashback.” The Narconon Fresh Start drug detoxification sauna program helps to flush these residues out of the body and also helps individuals to think clearly again. The Life Skills portion of the program helps individuals regain control of their life so that they can live happier, stable and productive lives without drugs. Call a Narconon Fresh Start counselor today to find out more about how our program can save your loved one’s life.