There is a myth that LSD and other psychedelics are not as harmful. It is essential to understand the ways that drugs like these can affect physical and mental well-being. Some effects include:
- Stimulated physical state
- Depersonalization
- Disorientation
- Bad trips resulting in fatal consequences
The use of hallucinogens like LSD reached an all-time high in 2021 among young adults aged 19 to 30 years old.LSD is also commonly referred to as acid, boomers, Lucy, tab, etc. The long-term effects of LSD are hazardous despite it not being considered highly addictive. If you are seeking a drug rehab center in NJ for your addictive behaviors, read this article.
ChoicePoint is a rehabilitation center in New Jersey that treats substance abuse as well as any mental health illness associated with it. Whether you are dependent on LSD or any other drug, feel free to contact us at 844.445.2565 or enter your information here.
Table of Contents
What Does LSD Do?
LSD stands for lysergic acid diethylamide, a strong psychedelic drug that enhances and alters visual, auditory, and psychological perceptions, thereby causing hallucinations and other non-ordinary situations. These strange experiences are referred to as “trips.” Usually, the effects will last for about 12 hours.
LSD Effects on the Brain and Body
LSD is very potent, and it causes intense effects on the brain that manifest itself in physical form as well. Experience with this drug can be highly unpredictable. Even if you have had experience with it in the same dosages, it may end up in a “bad trip,” which means a terrifying experience you can neither control nor escape.
Short-Term Psychological Effects of LSD
- An altered perception of reality is almost as if you have undergone a religious experience.
- Strange visual experiences such as distortions, random patterns, or colors.
- Sensitivity to touch or having intense sensory experiences with music or touch.
- Rapidly changing mood swings, such as going from euphoria to feeling anxious.
- Increased creativity and introspection.
- Depersonalization: losing a sense of self.
- The trips may be characterized by bad, overwhelming experiences causing fear and paranoia.
- Being emotionally sensitive.
Short-Term Physical Effects of LSD
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating or chills
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Tremors and numbness
Did you know? LSD was so popularized in the ‘60s that it was one of the first drugs to be classified under Schedule I drugs.
Did you know? LSD was so popularized in the ‘60s that it was one of the first drugs to be classified under Schedule I drugs.
Long-Term Effects of LSD
While LSD does not cause physical dependence in most people, there is a possibility that some people will develop tolerance to the drug. Contrary to the existing literature, LSD has been shown to cause physical and psychological dependence if it is used as a primary drug for a long time.
Tolerance to the Drug
Over time, a person may develop a tolerance to LSD. Tolerance can urge a person to take more and more LSD, increasing the risk of overdose. While an overdose of LSD cannot kill, it can end up in horrible hallucinations.
Indirect Fatal Consequences of LSD
While there is no known lethal dose of LSD, a bad trip can result in injuries. A person under the influence of LSD injured their neck with an instrument. There was no history of mental illnesses or use of other substances. Therefore, it is important to understand that this drug is also not free of all hazards.
Contacting an addiction specialist in New Jersey can avoid these consequences. Call us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this online form.
Is LSD Dangerous?
LSD is not addictive, and stopping its use will not result in withdrawal or craving. However, it is still a very unpredictable drug as its experience will vary from person to person. It may cause short-lived adverse reactions and can only be managed by medical professionals. It is nonetheless important to understand that LSD’s unpredictable nature makes it a difficult drug.
Substance Abuse Treatment in NJ: Treating Long-Term Effects of LSD
Even if LSD will not kill you, it is important to seek help if you feel like LSD or any substance is messing up your life or mental well-being. There are some leading experts at our addiction center in NJ. ChoicePoint has your back whether you need an intermediate or intense care level. Get in touch with us for:
- Inpatient Addiction Treatment
- Outpatient Addiction Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization/High-Intensity Outpatient Treatment
- Virtual Addiction Treatment
Our treatment center has a range of therapeutic interventions that can help you overcome psychological dependence on drugs.
Did you know? A bad trip of LSD is similar to psychosis. The high may be characterized by intense anxiety episodes, triggering panic attacks or intense paranoia.
Did you know? A bad trip of LSD is similar to psychosis. The high may be characterized by intense anxiety episodes, triggering panic attacks or intense paranoia.
Long-Term Effects of LSD in a Nutshell
In summary, while LSD is not considered highly addictive, it can have hazardous long-term effects and cause physical and psychological dependence if used as a primary drug for a long time. LSD’s unpredictable nature makes it a difficult drug, and it is important to seek help if you feel like it is affecting your life or mental well-being.
People Also Ask…
We have answered some other questions for you.
How Long Does Acid Take to Kick In?
Acid may kick in in 20 to 90 minutes, and the trip may last 10 to 12 hours. The durations may vary depending on the dosage and purity of the drug. You can also develop some degree of tolerance.
Can You Overdose on LSD?
There is a possibility of experiencing an LSD overdose. However, it is a rare occurrence as there is no known lethal amount of LSD. If it worsens a preexisting mental condition, mental intervention may be needed.
How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System?
LSD is detectable in the urine for 2 to 4 days; a blood test may detect it within 6 to 12 hours. Hair tests, on the other hand, can show the presence of LSD till 90 days. The stay of the drug depends on personal factors like age, weight, metabolism, and the longevity and frequency of drug use.
Does LSD Show Up on a Drug Test?
While most drug tests typically don’t screen for LSD or other psychedelics, these substances can still be detected in urine for up to 4 days, in blood for 6 to 12 hours, and hair for as long as 90 days.
Sources
- NIDA. (2022, August 22). Marijuana and hallucinogen use among young adults reached an all-time high in 2021. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/08/marijuana-and-hallucinogen-use-among-young-adults-reached-all-time-high-in-2021 - Modak, T., Bhad, R., & Rao, R. (2019). A rare case of physical dependence with psychedelic LSD – A case report. Journal of Substance Use, 24(4), 347–349.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2019.1581286 - Le Daré, B., Gicquel, T., Baert, A., Morel, I., & Bouvet, R. (2020). Self-inflicted neck wounds under influence of lysergic acid diethylamide. Medicine, 99(27), e20868.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.