LSD Addiction | Signs, Symptoms and Effects

LSD has long held a mystical and controversial place in popular culture. A symbol of 1960s counterculture rebellion and spiritual awakening, LSD’s ability to profoundly alter perception and thought process has fascinated scientists, artists and recreational drug users alike. However, the reality of LSD use and its potential for harm and addiction are often overlooked, especially compared to other drugs. It is important to understand that taking LSD can be incredibly dangerous and that, while rare, LSD addiction can devastate lives. Awareness of the reality of LSD addiction, as well as the recovery routes available, can encourage anyone who is struggling to get the help they need.

What is LSD?

LSD, short for Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, is a powerful psychedelic drug that alters the way we perceive the world around us. It is derived from lysergic acid, the ergot fungus found on certain grains. There are a few different ways to take LSD, but it is usually ingested through blotter paper, small tablets or sugar cubes.

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:

Good trips

On a “good trip,” it can feel like you have unlocked a whole new world. Colours seem to shine like you have never seen before, music sounds like it’s wrapping around you, and everything seems to pulse with life. People often feel connected to the universe, flooded with intense happiness or like they are in a dream where everything is beautiful, strange and meaningful all at once.

Bad trips

However, another side of the coin is a “bad trip” that can feel like being trapped in your worst nightmare. You may feel anxious, paranoid or overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience, and time can seem to drag, making the bad moments feel endless. Some people see disturbing or terrifying visuals like their surroundings melting or people around them becoming incredibly sinister, while others get lost in their thoughts, spiralling into fear or confusion.

What is LSD addiction?

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.

Am I addicted to LSD?

LSD addiction can be tricky to spot because it doesn’t come with the same obvious physical symptoms as other substances. But LSD addiction can still take a huge toll on your life, and recognising the signs of addiction early can stop things from escalating further. Here are some indications that your relationship with LSD might be taking a darker turn:

Do you find yourself constantly obsessing over your next trip?
Are work, school or important stuff falling apart because you’re too caught up in using LSD?
Do the things you used to love feel boring now unless LSD is involved?
Is your LSD use starting to affect your relationships with your friends and family?
Are your moods and emotions becoming more and more unpredictable?
Are you getting into financial trouble because you are spending so much money on LSD?
Have you had any brushes with the law because of LSD?

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

Why is LSD addictive?

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 dangers of LSD addiction

LSD addiction can leave lasting scars on both the mind and body, creating a range of dangerous side effects that persist long after the drug wears off. Some of the biggest dangers include:

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a frightening condition that causes disturbing visual distortions to linger long after taking LSD. Common symptoms include seeing flashes of light, trails that follow moving objects and “static” in your vision, similar to TV interference. These symptoms can appear out of the blue and may persist for months or even years, affecting your everyday life and causing extreme anxiety or panic.

Mental health issues

LSD addiction can worsen existing mental health problems or trigger new ones, including delusions, paranoia and confusion. This is a particular risk for people with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Distorted perception

LSD can severely alter the way you experience the world, potentially leading to dangerous behaviour. It is these LSD effects that cause some of the incidents that the drug is infamous for, such as people jumping out of windows because they believe they can fly.

Legal trouble

LSD is a Class A drug in the UK, meaning possession, distribution or production carries severe penalties, including potential prison time.

How is LSD addiction treated?

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.

Get help for LSD addiction today

If LSD has become a never-ending loop you can’t escape, Recovery Lighthouse can help you break free from the cycle. Our LSD recovery programmes will help you rediscover the world in all its clarity. No more chasing illusions – let’s work together to build a real, lasting future. Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes LSD effects?

LSD effects come from how it plays with your brain’s natural chemistry, particularly the serotonin system. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for regulating mood, perception, and information processing. LSD latches onto serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, which leads to new connections between different brain parts. This causes these areas to suddenly start communicating for the first time, creating trippy visuals, strange thoughts and an altered sense of time.

Is it possible to overdose on LSD?

While it’s unlikely to overdose on LSD in the way you might with other substances, taking a high dose can still be dangerous. Large amounts of LSD can lead to severe psychological distress, causing intense hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks and even psychosis. In rare cases, people may engage in risky behaviours due to distorted perceptions, leading to accidents or harm.

Is LSD the same as acid?

Yes, LSD and acid are the same drugs, with “acid” being one of its most common street names. Other names for LSD include “blotter,” “tabs,” “windowpane”, and “doses,” reflecting the different forms it can take, such as blotter paper or tiny tablets.

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Drug-Free World. “The History of LSD – Acid, Albert Hoffman & Timothy Leary.” Drug-Free World, https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/lsd/a-short-history.html. Accessed 16 October 2024.
Recovery.org. “Is LSD Addictive? Can You Get Addicted to LSD?” Recovery.org, 14 July 2022, https://recovery.org/lsd-addiction/. Accessed 16 October 2024.
UK-Rehab. “Information on Addiction To Hallucinogens – LSD | UK Rehab.” UK-Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/drug-addiction/hallucinogens/lsd/. Accessed 16 October 2024.