There is no question about the dangers of lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD. It is a powerful synthetic hallucinogen that is almost entirely unregulated, except in some cases where it is used in psychiatric treatments and research. People who take LSD experience visual and sensory hallucinations, changes in mood, and sometimes paranoia. Though it is not considered physically addictive, you can become psychologically addicted, develop a tolerance for the drug, and experience negative long-term consequences from chronic use. People who cannot step out of a cycle of LSD abuse will need a drug addiction treatment program to help them.
TruHealing Centers, located around the country, have clinical professionals who can help with the psychological addiction to LSD and other hallucinogens while treating any underlying co-occurring disorders. If your life or that of someone you love is being derailed by LSD abuse, don’t wait. Learn more by contacting us at [Direct] or by submitting our online form.
The Effects of LSD
Most people have heard the term “acid trip.” The word “acid” refers to the scientific name of the drug—lysergic acid diethylamide. The word “trip” attempts to convey the altered sense of reality created by LSD. It is like leaving this reality and “traveling” to another on a trip of sorts. The “tripper” loses all sense of reality, experiencing sensory shifts, visions, and auditory hallucinations. As a result, many people feel a sense of enlightenment or epiphany, a psychological euphoria—experiences that lead them to seek more and more of the drug.
Originally discovered somewhat by chance in the 1930s, LSD was later used in psychiatric treatment and research and is again in limited capacities under medical supervision to treat anxiety and depression.
What Is LSD Abuse?
In a real sense, any illegal drug use is “abuse” because there is no authorized legitimate or legal use for it. But here, the term is used to indicate extreme or chronic use.
In addition to feelings of epiphany and intensity of perception and emotion, people abusing LSD may experience less positive effects:
- Frightening hallucinations
- Delusional thinking
- Paranoia
- Dissociation and fugue states
- Depression or despair
- Panic and anxiety
- Incoherent speech
Tolerance and Addiction
Unlike other drugs for which tolerance develops, taking more LSD may or may not create the sought-after high. After “tripping” for several days running, an LSD abuser will stop feeling the drug’s effects. When this level of LSD tolerance is reached, taking a larger dose is likely to result in a “bad trip” that can have damaging psychological side effects, in some cases long-term or even permanent, especially among people with co-occurring mental health issues.
Fortunately, there is little risk of an LSD overdose, and a fatal overdose on LSD has never been documented. However, death and injury can result from LSD abuse due to the loss of reason and control that leads to dangerous behaviors. During a 12-hour LSD experience or trip, users can cycle in and out of psychosis, lose all awareness of risk factors, and shed all inhibitions. The range of risky behaviors that ensue can lead to an injury involving the LSD abuser or others.
In addition, the greater the tolerance to the drug, the more is ingested, and the greater the risks to the brain. The psychological effects of LSD can be highly addictive and potentially dangerous. Lasting psychological damage can occur involving a cycle of flashbacks, inability to manage normal life stressors, and memory dysfunction.
LSD Treatment at TruHealing Centers
Treatment for LSD addiction is not exactly like most other addiction treatments. An LSD patient needs to be secure in a non-stress, serene environment in a rehab setting. To deal with the psychological cravings and the hallucinations that linger and return due to a condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD, direct supervision in a safe environment is important to avoid injury to self or others. Individual therapy is indicated, using modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and group therapy to reconnect the LSD user with other people while grounded in reality.
Overcome LSD Abuse with Help from TruHealing Centers
To learn more about the LSD treatments offered at TruHealing Centers, please reach out to talk to a knowledgeable and caring staff member. Fill out our online form or pick up the phone and call [Direct]. Professional addiction treatment can help you or a loved one overcome LSD abuse. Reach out today.
