LSD, an acronym for lysergic acid diethylamide, is a hallucinogenic drug. In simpler words, it means that when consumed, the drugs make the consumer hallucinate and go into a fascinating dreamy land. While the effects of the drug attract curious users, the bigger question remains- is LSD an addictive drug? Below, in the blog, we take a deep dive into LSD to answer that question and find more details about it. For example- its effects on the brain, the risks of LSD, myths, and more.
What Is LSD?
LSD is produced from a fungus called ergot. Ergot grows on grains like rye. First synthesised by Swiss Chemist Albert Hoffman in 1938, LSD was widely studied in the 1950s and 1960s. Acid or Lucy, the other popular names of LSD, have been used experimentally for psychiatric treatments with good results. It has been studied for alcoholism, schizophrenia and several mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. However, it was also explored for recreational purposes and by the late 1960s, LSD was listed among the Schedule I drugs. Thus, despite having potential for psychiatric treatment, it has no accepted medical use and is classified as potent for substance abuse.
How Does LSD Work?
LSD, when consumed, affects the serotonin system in the body. When ingested, it binds itself with serotonin receptors, which triggers a series of reactions:
- Altered sensory perception - Users hallucinate because of alternate sensory experiences like vivid colours, making patterns, unique sounds, etc.
- Intensified emotions - Feelings like euphoria, fear, or anxiety can intensify.
- Dissolved ego - One can lose his/her identity and become a part of the universe mentally.
So, is LSD addictive? LSD does not impact and stimulate the brain’s reward system like other addictive substances. Hence, it is not addictive.
The Science Behind LSD’s Effects on the Brain
Brain imaging techniques found that LSD activates communication between brain sections that don't communicate generally. This explains the profound spiritual experiences many have after LSD. It changes the perception and affects the consciousness.
NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse) confirms that LSD does not cause drug-seeking behaviour developed from psychological dependency. Unlike other drugs and Alcohol, it does not build physical dependency or cause withdrawal symptoms. However, LSD is not completely safe either.
Risks Of Frequent LSD Use
Studies have shown that LSD is not addictive. However, frequent use can lead to other risks. They include:
1. Psychological Dependence: Users may build psychological dependency on LSD to escape reality.
2. Tolerance: Similar to any substance, regular use of LSD increases its tolerance.
3. Bad Trips: LSD is known to trigger intense emotions, and it is not always happy and euphoric. The emotions can be fear and anxiety, too. These negative experiences, also known as ‘Bad Trips’, have a long-lasting effect on the individual, leaving him/her paranoid.
4. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD): In rare cases, users, even after leaving LSD abuse, may keep experiencing flashbacks and hallucinations, causing paranoia, anxiety, and confusion.
Addressing Misconceptions About LSD
There are several misconceptions spreading confusion about LSD. Here, we answer the most common questions correctly to address the misconceptions:
- Is acid addictive?
No, LSD does not react the same way with the brain that other addictive substances do and has been proven not to cause compulsive drug-seeking behaviour.
- How addictive is LSD?
LSD is not addictive. However, users may make a conscious choice to use it for recreational purposes and then to escape reality.
- Can you be addicted to LSD?
Addiction to LSD is low. However, one may still build psychological dependence on LSD, arising from the need to escape reality.
Why is LSD Addictive? What are the Causes of LSD Addiction?
We have already addressed that LSD is not addictive. However, there can be cases when some people build a dependency on it. Since it is a conscious choice they make, the reasons for LSD addiction are deeper than substance abuse. Misusing the substance often occurs for the need to forget emotional pain, some trauma, or overcome and forget mental health issues.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of LSD Addiction?
Even though rare, you can recognise the signs of LSD Addiction easily. You will notice-
- Use of LSD to cope with stress.
- Preferring to stay in the effects of LSD.
- Avoiding life and responsibilities to escape with LSD.
- Preferring to lose time on LSD than spend time on anything else.
- Continuing to use LSD despite being told of the negative effects of the LSD.
What Are the Differences Between LSD Abuse and Addiction?
LSD abuse and addiction are not the same thing, and one needs to understand the difference. LSD abuse means misusing the drug for its effects. LSD abuse often happens amongst users curious about substances and exploring different types of highs. Mixing drugs to explore a different kind of high using LSD for its hallucinating effects is LSD abuse. However, addiction is a psychological and physical dependency on LSD, which is rare but not impossible. It means that the person is constantly using LSD to escape life and avoid responsibilities.
How Can Jagruti Rehab Help With LSD Addiction Support?
Jagruti Rehab is a centre of experts dealing with addicted patients regularly. We offer every patient a customised treatment plan and care based on their needs and other factors. One of the biggest reasons to provide tailor-made treatment plans is that different types of substance addiction require different approaches to recovery.
Also, to ensure that the deaddiction process is easy and effective with no relapse, we combine detoxification and therapy with holistic practices, nutrition, and exercise. Our focus is to improve the overall well-being of our patients, building their strength and resistance to physical and mental conditions. If you need help or know someone who needs help with addiction, contact Jagruti Rehab to get free from addiction in a healthy and caring environment.
Frequently asked questions
The chances of getting addicted to LSD are extremely low, but not impossible. While it does not react with the brain as does other addictive substances, some people may still choose to build psychological dependency on it consciously to escape reality.
No, LSD, as it is not addictive, does not cause withdrawal symptoms.
The effects of LSD may typically last between 6-12 hours, depending on the dose and individual response.
LSD causes hallucinations, which can be either euphoric or scary, causing paranoia. Also, the delusional state may cause accidents and loss in many ways.
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