LSD Addiction

LSD was first synthesised in 1938 by Albert Hofmann. However, its hallucinogenic properties were only discovered in 1943 when the Swiss chemist accidentally absorbed some of the drug and became the first person to experience the powerful LSD effects.

These LSD effects are known as a “trip”, and each trip can last up to twelve hours depending on how much LSD you have taken, its potency and how you react to it. Each person’s trip is unique, but there are both “good” and “bad” trips, which can be very different experiences:

LSD addiction doesn’t look like your typical drug addiction. While substances like cocaine or heroin hook people physically, LSD and other forms of hallucinogen addiction pull you in psychologically. Its ability to alter reality, create intense visuals or provide deep introspection can lead to frequent LSD use, even if it starts causing problems. Many people keep chasing that next “trip” in hopes of finding escape or enlightenment, unaware they’ve developed a dependence on the experience itself.
What complicates things further is that LSD addiction often comes hand-in-hand with other substance use. This means that while you may not feel a physical need for LSD, you may be dealing with physical cravings for other drugs, creating a tangled web of challenges.

If you are aware of these issues but you keep taking LSD anyway, you may need help for LSD addiction.

LSD addictiveness often comes from different factors that make you more likely to try LSD and ultimately become addicted to it. Some people may try to use LSD to cope with stress, anxiety or other mental health issues, but this can then lead to a complete reliance on it. For others, LSD effects provide a tempting escape from life’s pressures, but that can turn into a cycle of repeated use.

Genetic factors and personality traits can also be a factor in LSD addictiveness. If your parents or siblings have substance abuse issues, then addiction may run in your family. Likewise, if you are naturally curious or risk-taking, you may be more likely to experiment with LSD without fully considering the impacts.

The key to effective LSD addiction treatment lies in addressing the deep-rooted psychological triggers and effects. At Recovery Lighthouse, our hallucinogen addiction treatment programmes work through everything from why you started taking LSD to how to plan a new life without it. Here’s how we do it:

• LSD detox: While LSD doesn’t cause physical dependence, long-term users may face emotional challenges when they stop using. Sanctuary Lodge provides a safe, supportive environment for drug detox so you can clear your mind and prepare for the next step.
• LSD rehab therapy: Therapy is at the heart of all our drug rehab programmes, and it is critical for overcoming LSD addiction. Our therapy sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between your thoughts, feelings and actions. This will give you the tools to handle cravings, shift your mindset and find better ways to cope with life’s challenges which don’t involve LSD.
• Relapse prevention and aftercare: Recovery Lighthouse’s aftercare programme offers a year of weekly group therapy to keep you on track after you leave us. With this continued support, you will be all set to take on life’s challenges without turning back to LSD.