LSD Addiction Treatment

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, also known as LSD or acid, is an illegal psychedelic drug manufactured from a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. LSD inhibits the movement of serotonin in the brain, affecting mood, thought and perception. Users often experience hallucinations and dramatic emotional ups and downs.

What are the signs of LSD addiction?

LSD is not considered to be physically addictive but regular users can develop a tolerance that may lead to addictive behavior. Users can become psychologically addicted to LSD, taking the drug repeatedly in an attempt to experience altered perception, hallucinations and what they perceive to be a spiritual experience. Taking LSD can also become a social ritual associated with particular friends and settings, making it difficult for the user to feel comfortable without the drug.

Signs of LSD addiction are not generally easy to spot unless the user is actually experiencing a “trip” but there are some things to look out for, including:

  • Dilated pupils and light sensitivity
  • Rambling, incoherent speech
  • Disorientation, confusion about time and space
  • Unusual and unpredictable behavior
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety or paranoia

For people who have latent emotional or mental problems, LSD addiction can activate these issues, potentially triggering paranoia, delusion, or schizophrenia. Even for otherwise healthy users, LSD abuse can cause depression and anxiety that may require LSD addiction treatment to deal with the psychological problems arising from drug abuse.

What are the short term and long term effects?

The effects of LSD are unpredictable and depend on the user’s mental and physical health, the amount taken and whether or not the user takes LSD frequently. Because the effects are so varied, LSD is considered dangerous even though it is not physically addictive. When a user is high, poor judgement and perception may cause them to make dangerous and potentially deadly choices. It is important to recognize signs of LSD abuse so that addicts can get professional help.

Short term effects to look for include:

  • Dilated pupils
  • High body temperature
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sleeplessness
  • Dry mouth
  • Tremors
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations

For users who have developed a tolerance to LSD, more frequent use and higher doses increase the potential for long term effects. These may include:

  • Flashbacks
  • Anxiety
  • Violent behavior
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Lack of motivation
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Irrational thoughts
  • Dangerous behavior

Because LSD is not physically addictive, stopping use does not cause the cravings or physical discomfort typical of withdrawal from other drugs. The psychological withdrawal, however, can be extremely difficult and LSD drug rehab can help with the transition into sobriety.

What is the treatment for LSD addiction?

The first step in any recovery program is for the addict to detox. LSD detox is unique in that the symptoms are largely psychological and may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Confusion
  • Poor attention span

LSD abuse can alter brain chemistry and lead to long lasting mental health problems that require medical care and therapy. Professionals at an inpatient LSD rehab center can help addicts manage triggers and flashbacks as well as help them to develop methods of dealing with daily stress without resorting to drug use.

Behavioral therapy and support groups can be extremely helpful for those dealing with the psychological withdrawal of LSD addiction recovery. Recovering addicts will need to learn new ways of dealing with emotional stress and can find ongoing support very helpful for lasting recovery. Some long term users may suffer from persistent psychosis like depression or schizophrenia and the medical professionals at a drug treatment center can help them develop coping skills that will help them manage their symptoms.

If you or someone you know has an addiction to LSD, an addiction treatment specialist can help you decide the best steps for recovery. The experienced professionals at Luxury Beach Rehab can help you better understand the potential risks of LSD addiction and can guide your long term recovery.

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