The use of hallucinogens, particularly LSD, peaked in 2021 among young adults, with 4% of those aged 19 to 30 reporting LSD use in the past year. This marks an increase from the 3% reported in 2016, according to data from Monitoring the Future. This guide explores the addictive potential of LSD and shows you how to engage with evidence-based treatment for any form of substance use.
Is LSD Addictive?
It is not generally considered possible to become addicted to LSD, as it doesn’t typically trigger compulsive drug-seeking behavior or dependence. This means there is no withdrawal syndrome associated with the discontinuation of LSD. That said, persistent, uncontrollable LSD use can occur. This form of addiction of LSD is clinically classified as hallucinogen use disorder in DSM-5-TR (fifth revised edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
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Some criteria used for diagnosing LSD addiction include persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use, spending a significant amount of time on activities related to obtaining, using, or recovering from the drug, experiencing cravings, giving up important activities due to use, and engaging in risky situations while under the influence of LSD.
Risks of Recreational LSD Use
LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters perception, mood, and various cognitive functions. While not addictive in the traditional sense, there are risks and dangers involved in any recreational use of LSD.
Short-term risks
- Bad trips: LSD experiences can be unpredictable, and a bad trip can lead to intense anxiety, panic, and fear.
- Hallucinations: While some people find LSD-induced hallucinations fascinating, others may find them distressing or disorienting.
- Impaired judgment: LSD can impair decision-making, leading to risky behaviors or accidents.
- Physical distress: People may experience nausea, chills, sweating, or muscle tremors while using the drug.
Long-term risks
- Flashbacks: Some people may experience flashbacks – re-experiencing LSD-like symptoms without taking the drug.
- Psychological impact: Recurrent LSD use may contribute to persistent psychological issues, including anxiety or depression.
- HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder): Individuals may continue to experience visual disturbances even after discontinuing LSD use. This is described clinically as HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder).
- Risk of accidents: Impaired coordination and judgment can lead to accidents, especially if operating machinery or driving.
The effects of LSD can vary widely from person to person, and its use should be approached with extreme caution due to the potential risks involved. If someone is considering using LSD recreationally, they should be aware of these potential risks and make informed decisions about their well-being.
Effects of LSD
When people consume LSD, their perception of the world often becomes distorted. Colors, sounds, objects, and even the passage of time may appear unusual and unsettling.
Effects of LSD use can include:
- Euphoria
- Giggling
- Increased energy
- Excitement
- Empathy
That said, LSD may also induce:
- Hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that aren’t real)
- Confusion
- Suspicion
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Fear
- Overwhelming sensations
LSD experiences are highly subjective and unique to each person, as the drug interacts with the imagination. The outcome of the trip is influenced by factors like dosage, surroundings, company, comfort level, and mood. If someone is feeling depressed or worried, using LSD may worsen these feelings.
LSD Interactions with Other Substances
Interactions between LSD and other substances can have unpredictable and potentially harmful effects. LSD use may amplify or interfere with the effects of various substances, leading to adverse reactions. Developing an awareness of potential interactions can help minimize risks and ensure safety.
Medication interactions
- Antidepressants: LSD may interact with antidepressant medications like SSRIs or MAOIs, potentially altering their effects. Combining LSD with antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
- Antipsychotics: LSD use may interfere with the therapeutic effects of antipsychotic medications, affecting the treatment of mental health conditions.
Recreational drug interactions
- Other hallucinogens: Combining LSD with other hallucinogens can intensify psychedelic effects, leading to an overwhelming and unpredictable experience.
- Stimulants: LSD use alongside stimulants like MDMA or cocaine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, posing cardiovascular risks.
Alcohol interactions
- Depressants: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and combining it with LSD can cause unpredictable effects. While LSD doesn’t cause physical dependence, alcohol may increase the risk of accidents and impair judgment.
Prescription drug interactions
- Benzodiazepines: Combining LSD with benzodiazepines may reduce the intensity of hallucinogenic effects. This combination can lead to unpredictable reactions, though, and benzodiazepines are not recommended to manage LSD-induced anxiety.
Anyone who is considering LSD use should disclose their complete medical history, including medications and substances they are currently using, to healthcare professionals. Seeking professional advice before combining LSD with other substances can help mitigate potential risks and ensure a safer experience.
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At California Detox, we treat all types of drug addiction at our Laguna Beach rehab center. Regardless of your relationship with hallucinogens, we can help you address any problematic patterns of consumption.
We treat addictions using a personalized blend of holistic, behavioral, and pharmacological interventions. We also prepare you for sustained recovery by imparting actionable relapse prevention and management techniques. Call 949.694.8305 today and start embracing life substance-free.
