You may have heard of the powerful psychedelic drug LSD (street names: Acid, Blotter, Microdot, Dots, among others). With its profound impact in the mind on perception, thought and feeling during the “trip” it brings on, you may have wondered whether it’s addictive. Read on to learn more.
Understanding “Acid” Addiction
LSD is a hallucinogen manufactured from lysergic acid, found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. LSD is an abbreviation of lysergic acid diethylamide.
LSD causes auditory and visual hallucinations by interacting with certain serotonin receptors in the brain. But LSD is not physically addictive like cocaine, benzodiazepines or opioids such as heroin.
The short-term effects of Acid occur within 1.5 hours of taking the drug and typically last for about 6 and in some cases up to 12 hours. These include [1]:
| Rapid mood swings; impulsive behavior | Distortion in ability to recognize reality, think rationally;communicate with others | Raised blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature |
| Dizziness | Insomnia | Loss of appetite |
| Dry mouth | Sweating | Numbness |
| Weakness | Tremors | Enlarged pupils |
LSD Withdrawal Symptoms
There are no physical withdrawal effects from LSD. But Acid can be psychologically addictive for some people who regularly use it recreationally and have a craving for its effects. .
Physical Symptoms
Withdrawal from Acid has no known physical symptoms as occurs with some other drugs. But it can have psychological symptoms.
Psychological Symptoms
Symptoms of withdrawal from Acid are not as widely recognized as those from other drugs, largely because there is no physical withdrawal. The experience can be highly disorienting and is deeply personal.
There is a higher risk for some people to develop psychological symptoms as a result of a behavioral addiction to Acid. These may include [1]:
- Cravings to use again: Despite other symptoms, the individual may experience the desire to take Acid again.
- Frightening flashbacks known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD): Sudden visual disturbances or hallucinations may appear which long after the effects of the drug should have worn off.
- Ongoing visual disturbances may occur, causing distress with daily functioning
- Disorganized thinking: Confusion and disorientation may make it difficult to tell what is reality.
- Paranoia: Sudden flashes of fear and paranoia may reoccur.
- Mood swings and irritability: Rapid fluctuations in emotion may make it hard to function and maintain stable relationships.
- Anxiety and prolonged depression: Individuals may have heightened feelings of fear. Depression can also be prolonged with a loss of interest in activities and pervasive sadness.
- Sleep disturbances: These can worsen other symptoms such as mood swings.
People who use LSD over a longer period of time may also build up tolerance, requiring larger amounts of the drug to achieve its effects. This may lead to toxic levels and overdose.
Many associate Acid with almost mystical spiritual powers. They may believe it gives them a deeper understanding of themselves and their environment. Some may come to believe they can’t live without the drug or that it makes them a richer, better person than they might be without it.
Psychedelics like psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) and LSD have also emerged as promising new treatment candidates for a variety of psychiatric conditions including:
- Substance dependence
- Major depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Adjustment disorders
Although it is early in the research phase, there are some promising results [2].
Treatment Options for LSD Addiction
There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to LSD or other hallucinogens. There are no established clinical treatments for the long-term effects of hallucinogens. The focus of treatment is on regaining a balanced sense of reality and healing the whole person rather than specific withdrawal symptoms. Treatment approaches may include:
- Mindfulness meditation: Developing calm awareness to reduce anxiety and focus on the present moment.
- Balanced diet: Supporting brain health and general well-being is key
- Art therapy: Working with plastic arts, music and dance can provide a feeling of accomplishment and groundedness
- Physical activity: Exercise, movement and yoga can provide satisfaction, stress release and enhanced mood
- Support groups: Knowing the individual is not alone can strengthen their commitment to recovery, whether in-person or remotely.
Safe Recovery in Los Angeles
At the Encino Recovery and Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); Office of the Surgeon General (US). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2016 Nov. [Table], LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
[2] Bedford, P., Hauke, D.J., Wang, Z. et al. 2023. The effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on whole-brain functional and effective connectivity. Neuropsychopharmacol. 48, 1175–1183 (2023).
