LSD (also known as “acid”) began as a part of the counterculture in the 1960’s. However, it has since moved into a more prominent position in popular culture. It is also significantly more dangerous because it can be more “powerful” and mixed with other dangerous substances like fentanyl. Many people don’t realize the long-term effects of LSD including the potential for getting addicted. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one fully recover from the effects of LSD and hallucinogen use disorder.
Understanding LSD
LSD has a long history; starting innocently and shifting dangerously. According to the peer-reviewed journal, CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, “Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was synthesized in 1938 and its psychoactive effects were discovered in 1943. It was used during the 1950s and 1960s as an experimental drug in psychiatric research for producing so‐called ‘experimental psychosis’ by altering neurotransmitter systems and in psychotherapeutic procedures (‘psycholytic’ and ‘psychedelic’ therapy). From the mid-1960s, it became an illegal drug of abuse with widespread use that continues today.”
Many people don’t think that LSD can be addictive. This is simply untrue. While there is still a lot of debate about whether LSD is physically addictive, it is now widely agreed that LSD leads to hallucinogen use disorder and psychological addiction. There are also many other signs and symptoms of hallucinogen use disorder.
The Signs and Symptoms of Hallucinogen Use Disorder
While the side effects of LSD use and hallucinogen use disorder are going to vary based on the individual, there are some universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to stop using LSD (even when consequences are looming)
- Isolating away from loved ones
- Feeling excessively anxious
- Struggles with depression
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Trouble at work and/or school
- Trouble with short and long-term memory
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Harming oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these can be serious side effects. That is why reaching out for professional help as soon as symptoms appear is crucial.
The Long-Term Effects of LSD and Hallucinogen Use Disorder
Unwelcome “flashbacks” are one of the long-term effects of LSD addiction. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Neuropsychopharmacology, “LSD is physically non-toxic, but there are psychological risks especially when it is used in unsupervised settings. In addition, it is important to note that many novel hallucinogens are being used and may even be sold as LSD but have a different pharmacology and possibly risk profile than LSD. LSD has typically been reported to produce flashbacks.”
Excessive LSD use can also lead to long-term hallucinogen use disorder and other issues of mental health. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Addictive Behaviors Reports, “Use of hallucinogens frequently presents alongside other substance use issues and mental health problems. Using the NESARC data, Shalit and colleagues reported that hallucinogen use was significantly associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders (particularly PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders (particularly opiate use disorder), and past suicide attempts.” The good news is there is a solution to recover from the long-term effects of LSD and hallucinogen use disorder.
How to Recover From the Effects of LSD and Hallucinogen Use Disorder
There are many recovery options for hallucinogens like LSD. It is often best to utilize as many modalities as possible for recovery. This is known as the multi-angled approach. One can use the multi-angled approach in many treatment settings including residential addiction care, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).
One of the best modalities for recovery from the effects of LSD is psychotherapy known as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT can be highly effective because it has a focus on “acceptance.” According to the peer-reviewed journal, Psychiatry (Edgmont), “In DBT, several interventions and skills are geared toward conveying acceptance of the patient and helping the patient accept him or herself, others, and the world. One such intervention is mindfulness. In DBT, mindfulness skills help patients attend to what is happening in the present.”
Another effective psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can be particularly effective because it can help the individual get to the underlying issues of their LSD use. It is important to remember that addiction is more about why one drinks or uses rather than the drink or the drug itself. CBT helps one better understand the negative ways that they have long been viewing themselves and the world around them. Once they address these negative views then they can begin to address their negative addictive behaviors.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in the maxim, “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” This is also true for our clients struggling with the effects of LSD and hallucinogen use disorder.
For those sick and tired of being sick and tired, there is a solution. The key is to reach out and ask for help. Recovery is waiting. It’s time to go out and get it.
The effects of LSD (or “acid”) are very visible when someone is currently using it, but this does not show the dangerous long-term effects of psychedelic use. Knowing those long-term effects and how one can best recover is essential for long-term success. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
