LSD Addiction

Lysergic acid diethylamide is commonly known as LSD and it is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug which is known for its hallucinogenic and other psychological and physical effects. LSD is a recreational drug that is primarily abused for psychological LSD effects which include visual distortions and hallucinations, time distortion, altered cognitive processes, and other side effects. In many cases of LSD addiction, addicts regularly abuse the drug out of curiosity or for the purpose of experiencing a change in perception. LSD is typically taken orally and it is sold in capsules, tablets, or as a liquid. The drug can be taken with paraphernalia in most cases.

LSD does not have a physical addiction potential, but like many other drugs LSD can become psychologically addictive. LSD addiction can be treated at drug rehab centers. Most drug rehab centers are experienced at treating a wide range of addictions including LSD addiction. Treatment involves helping a patient detach from his or her psychological need of LSD. Since there are potential psychological withdrawal symptoms and other severe LSD effects, an initial detoxification may be required. Addicts may overcome their LSD addiction and dependency with psychotherapy, group support, medications, and outpatient therapy provided by substance abuse rehab centers.

LSD Addiction Symptoms

There are several side effects associated with the use of LSD. Many LSD effects are unpredictable and the effects begin within 30 to 90 minutes of taking the drug and may last for 10 to 12 hours. LSD users may experience physical LSD effects such as pupil dilation, reduced appetite, increased wakefulness, numbness, weakness, nausea, hyperthermia or hypothermia, increased blood sugar, goose bumps, increased heart rate, perspiration, jaw clenching, increased saliva and mucus production, sleeplessness, and tremors.

Even more serious are the psychological LSD effects, some of which are long term. Psychological LSD effects vary between each individual and are influenced by the strength of the dose, previous experiences with the drug, and the environment and mental state of the person taking the drug. Psychological LSD effects may include visualization of colors, objects appearing to “breathe,” visualization of patterns and other hallucinations when the eyes are closed, extreme changes in mood, and more.

Many LSD users are unable to handle the symptoms and the severe psychological effects of the drug. As a result, LSD users may experience extreme anxiety, panic attacks, mood changes, fear of insanity, fear of losing control, and psychosis. Experiencing negative psychological LSD effects is called having a “bad trip,” and it may lead to long term psychological disorders such as chronic anxiety or panic disorder. The drug’s effects may lead LSD users to cause harm to themselves or others, and cases of LSD addiction must be taken seriously as a result of this potential danger.

It is important that people who are suspected LSD users are monitored for some of the behaviors and side effects that may point to LSD addiction. LSD abuse may be spotted by observing the person for the physical and psychological side effects of the drug. Also, small unlabeled vials, small pieces of square paper with various designs, and unmarked capsules are typically used to transport LSD and may be found in the possession of LSD users. LSD addiction is typically found in combination with addiction to other drugs, and LSD addiction may also be suspected in those who experiment with different hallucinogenic drugs.

LSD Withdrawal

LSD addiction may be accompanied by several withdrawal symptoms and related psychological and physical LSD effects. Some of the related psychological effects and disorders of LSD addiction that may need to be treated include depression, anxiety, decreased memory, mental confusion, and other symptoms. HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder) is a psychological disorder characterized by continual perceptual distortions long after LSD users have taken their last dose. There are emergency circumstances that may need to be immediately treated in LSD users such as psychosis or LSD overdose.

Psychological symptoms may vary between each individual and depend on the level of LSD addiction and other factors. LSD is not physically addictive, however the drug has substantial side effects that may cause unpredictability and compromise the safety of LSD users and others. Treatment for LSD withdrawal involves continual psychotherapy, treatment of psychological disorders with psychiatric medications and counseling, assistance with detoxification from the drug if required, and long term group and social support to help LSD users stay off of the drug and avoid relapse.

LSD Addiction Treatment

Drug rehab centers offer a safe and controlled environment for LSD addiction treatment. They are recommended for the protection and treatment of LSD users as they experience the side effects of LSD detoxification or any other long term LSD effects. Since LSD effects can persist for several months, users may require extended stays at addiction rehab centers to completely recover. LSD detoxification may be also required for those who have recently taken LSD. Detoxification may take place at an LSD rehabilitation center or in another medically supervised environment.

Large doses of LSD may result in patients experiencing severe LSD effects, and patients experiencing these effects may need psychiatric medications and supportive therapy. Psychiatrists at addiction rehab centers are trained in handling cases of LSD addiction and other addictions, and they simultaneously know how to treat the related psychological effects and disorders of the addiction. LSD users have the convenience of fast access to professional treatment for their physical and psychological symptoms at substance abuse rehab centers.

Rehab Centers for LSD Addiction Treatment

Treatment of LSD addiction requires a unique and individualized treatment plan for each patient. There are a number of programs available for LSD users such as residential treatment programs, other inpatient treatment programs, outpatient treatment, 12-step meetings, and initial detoxification programs. Patients who have taken LSD may need to be treated for toxic drug interactions if they have taken other drugs along with LSD. Overdoses of LSD may require emergency medical care.

LSD users who are experiencing psychological symptoms are treated in a way to reduce their stress as much as possible. Medications used may include lorazepam or diazepam for patients with dysphoria and anxiety. Patients are monitored regularly by addiction specialists, counselors, and medical doctors to ensure that they are safe and not experiencing any severe symptoms. LSD addiction cases may require extended stays at drug rehab centers for the full rehabilitation of the patient. Long term treatment will assist a patient in learning how to live without LSD and incorporating a different healthier lifestyle.