How Long Does LSD (Acid) Stay in Your System?

LSD Addiction
LSD
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Understanding how long LSD stays in your body may be hard as there are many factors to be considered. Luckily, we at Transcend Recovery Community, are here to help demystify the information about LSD use.

Our aim is that once you've gone through this article, you'll better understand all there is to know about LSD, its peak effects occurring during drug use, as well as the answer to the question, "How long does LSD stay in your system?"

How Long Does LSD Last in the Body and by Type of Drug Tests?

LSD may have varying peak effects occurring during trips. It usually can be felt for as early as 15 minutes and may linger for an hour. The "trip" may extend from 9 to 10 hours. People undergoing drug testing may find how much LSD stays in various aspects of their system, namely in bodily fluids like urine, saliva, and blood, and even hair follicles.

LSD in Urine Tests

As part of the more standard drug tests, a urine test may detect LSD within 8 hours of use, and up to 48 to 96 hours (2 to 4 days) post-use.

LSD in Hair Follicle Tests

Hair testing or hair tests have proven to be one of the most effective ways to detect LSD. Unlike urine testing which can only detect the drug for up to 4 days, hair follicle lab tests can detect the presence of LSD for up to 90 days. However, the examination of hair samples or a hair test is usually rare for drug screens.

LSD in Saliva Tests

Swab tests are the common drug screens for saliva. However, this form of drug test is deemed more unreliable than the standard lab tests performed.

LSD Detection in Blood Tests

In a study, it is said that a blood test (drug test) may detect LSD for up to 16 hours after individuals have ingested 200 mcg of LSD. For smaller doses of 100 mcg, these are halved to 8 hours.

What is LSD (Acid)?

pills of lysergic acid diethylamide in sky blue background

Lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD belongs to a family of drugs called hallucinogens. The illegal drug comes in various forms such as powder, liquid, tablet, or capsule. It can either be taken orally or through intravenous injection.

Its street names include "blotter," "acid," "blue cheer," and "Electric Kool-Aid." As this is a psychedelic drug, users may experience either a good or bad trip, depending on their brain's response to LSD.

People using LSD may experience the following:

  • increased body temperature
  • increased blood pressure
  • euphoria
  • delusion
  • hallucination

LSD is considered a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. People who have mental health problems, like co-occurring disorders, maybe at a higher risk of developing adverse side effects when using the drug.

Determining Factors on How Long LSD Stays in Your System

Just like other drugs similar to LSD, like ecstasy and molly, many determining factors affect how long substances like LSD stay in your system. They may vary from person to person. But the fact remains that common variables appear for most people. Let's go through one of the most common factors that may impact how your body metabolizes drugs.

  • Body mass and hydration - How you hydrate your body alongside your physical activity dictates how long your body can detect the presence of LSD in your system. People who are overweight or heavier with increased fatty tissues will take a longer time to process drugs, as some substances, such as LSD metabolites accumulate in the fatty tissues.
  • How the system tolerates substance abuse - People who have long-term substance abuse may quickly metabolize the drug. That alone dictates the duration of how a drug can be detected within the system.
  • the pH of urine - the acid base of the urine influences the time of detection in urine testing.
  • Age - Older People (most especially those who are in their 60s) have lower tolerance when it comes to drugs and may have a harder time processing drugs than an able-bodied young adult.
  • LSD half-life - LSD has a half-life of almost 4 hours. It's the amount of time it takes for half of the dose to be cleared from your bloodstream. This alone may also indicate "how long does LSD stay in your system."

Understanding these factors alone determines how you can cope well when seeking treatment. Should any of these pose a concern, it's best to consult with your attending physician to better advise you on your treatment program.

What Happens When You Stop Taking LSD?

The moment you stop taking drugs, whether it may be LSD or even Green Xanax, your body will undergo physical symptoms that may either be quite painful or cause extreme discomfort. The reason for this is that your body is constantly adjusting to ceasing its dependence on LSD use.

Common withdrawal symptoms manifest in people undergoing recovery but may change through time, depending on their body types. Here are some of the common signs you should watch out for upon withdrawal.

  • Restlessness
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Lethargy
  • Isolation

People who have lingering effects and are experiencing severe psychological symptoms must inform their medical providers right away so that they receive proper care and attention. This also helps them avoid the dreaded relapse that is a common challenge during the first few weeks of rehabilitation.

About LSD Misuse and Addiction Treatment

People engaging in LSD abuse may do so for various reasons. It can be due to financial troubles, failed careers, strained relationships, and even to cope with ongoing stress in life.

However, there are deeper reasons for how one might engage in chemical abuse. Let's take a look on what some of them are and how this impacts a person regarding their short or long-term LSD use.

  • Genetics - Studies have been made exploring the role of genes in drug addiction. There is a higher likelihood of people becoming addicted to drugs. Additionally, impulsivity is an inherited trait that, when combined with other factors, can greatly contribute to one's addiction.
  • Environment - When talking about the environment, this may refer to many things, such as a person's community, social circle, and socioeconomic status. Exposure to an environment filled with chemical dependence may influence how someone might respond to addiction longer-term.
  • Experimentation - Thrill-seekers or people who are curious about trying other drugs may find themselves flirting with the idea of addiction in the long run. People who try LSD for the first time start with curiosity about experiencing LSD effects or having a wild psychedelic LSD trip.

Addiction treatment options for people suffering from LSD drug abuse may find that there are better alternatives nowadays compared to before, thanks to the continuous advancement when it comes to mental health and medicine.

Here are some of the common treatment programs recovery specialists may recommend to you.

  • Individualized Intensive Program (IIP) - This program is conducive for people who may need a more in-depth approach when it comes to recovery. It lasts for 3 months and has a multidisciplinary approach in terms of rehabilitation.
  • Mentoring and companioning - Part of recovery involves a lot of "talk therapy." This may prove to be beneficial in alleviating psychological dependence in individuals.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - This therapy program teaches people how to live the moment, and develop a healthier way to cope with their emotions and self-destructive behaviors. It works hand in hand with trauma-informed care.

How To Get Help from LSD (Acid) Addiction?

The moment you decide to seek help for your LSD use or acid addiction starts your journey to recovery. Transcend Recovery Community helps individuals get back on track by giving proper support alongside resources for consistent rehabilitation.

While recovering, individuals may opt for supportive living to help them better transition to society post-rehab. With options such as men's and women's sober living, people can find a safe space as they continue their recovery program.

Take the chance to start afresh. With many testimonials from our past clients, long-term sobriety is possible. Contact our recovery specialist today.

Transcend Recovery Community

Transcend Recovery Community family of sober living homes provides a safe place for those undergoing mental health and addiction treatment to live with like-minded peers. Our community-based approach to sober living (similarly to a halfway house) facilitates an open and welcoming environment, where members, staff and team can provide support and encouragement on the path to a sober and healthy life. Transcend's Los Angeles sober living homes are located in some of the most iconic areas of the city, filled with luxurious and upscale amenities, providing plenty to do for those in our transitional housing community.

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