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LSD and LSD Abuse

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes

Learn about the risks of LSD addiction and the importance of professional treatment for addiction at Rolling Hills Recovery Center.

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LSD Statistics and Abuse

D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, acid, blotter) belongs to the hallucinogen class of narcotics. LSD, like other hallucinogens like peyote (mescaline) and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), causes users to experience pictures, sounds, and other sensations that appear genuine to them while intoxicated but are essentially figments of their mind.

LSD is made in a lab from lysergic acid, a natural compound found in the fungus Claviceps Purpurea, which grows on rye plants.

LSD was first produced in 1938 by a Swiss scientist named Albert Hoffmann, and it was offered as an experimental psychiatric medicine under the trade name Delysid from 1947 until 1966.

The Controlled Substances Act prohibited the possession and use of LSD in 1970. While the validity of LSD’s usage in medicine is sometimes debated, there are now no accepted medical uses for this drug.

The most frequent form of illicit LSD, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is little squares of absorbent blotter paper that have been soaked in liquid LSD and dried.

Designs or artwork are frequently used to embellish LSD-infused blotter squares. This substance can also be discovered in sugar cubes, gelatin squares, and candies and is sold on the black market as tablets, capsules, or liquid.

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Understanding HPPD

Effects of LSD Abuse

Chronic users of LSD, unlike many other illicit drugs, do not experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. In addition, there is no evidence that LSD abuse has long-term adverse effects on physical health.

Unfortunately, for some abusers, LSD has long-term psychological repercussions, and they may continue to suffer hallucinations and other visual abnormalities even after the drug has been stopped.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)—commonly referred to as “flashbacks”—is the condition of experiencing these recurrent symptoms.

HPPD’s actual causes are unknown, and no commonly accepted treatment for the disorder exists.

Although no official numbers are available, HPPD has been reported to endure anywhere from a few months to a year. However, it can sometimes linger longer.

Exaggerated view of young woman showing euphoria in the street.

Symptoms & Risks

LSD Overdose

Taking too much LSD can be dangerous because of the psychological effects and the risk of having a bad trip.

However, dangerous physical symptoms may also happen in some cases. Experiments on animals have shown that very high doses of this drug can kill people by stopping them from breathing.

Those who overeat LSD may also experience the following:

  • Vomiting.

  • Hyperthermia (high body temperature).

  • Consciousness loss.

  • Coma.

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Statistics & Trends in Illicit Use

LSD Abuse Facts

LSD abusers have been comparatively few compared to other illicit drugs like cocaine or marijuana since it became banned in 1970.

According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), roughly 287,000 people over 12 were current LSD users (or 0.1 percent of the population).

The black market appeal of LSD has been limited due to several variables, including the difficulties of chemically synthesizing this substance.

In addition, resistance to LSD’s effects develops quickly, which may deter frequent use.

Even though LSD was never formally outlawed, scientific research on the drug dwindled after it was classified as a controlled substance.

However, there has been increasing interest in utilizing LSD as a treatment for psychiatric diseases like depression and anxiety and as a tool for researching the human brain since 2010. However, it is unlikely that LSD will be used as a medicinal agent in the near future.

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Rehabilitation from LSD Dependency

Understanding and Treating LSD Addiction

Overcoming LSD addiction requires a nuanced approach focused on psychological support due to its profound mental effects. At Rolling Hills Recovery Center, we emphasize therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups to help individuals understand their experiences and develop strategies for a drug-free life.

Our treatment programs are tailored to each person, providing the tools and support needed for effective recovery from LSD’s unique challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling with hallucinogens, reach out. We’re here to support your journey to recovery.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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