LSD vs Acid | Effects, Signs, Withdrawals & Treatments

What are LSD and Acid?

The illicit substance is more known as "Lysergic acid diethylamide" which falls under the class of hallucinogens. As with other substances belonging to this category, the man-made chemical produces sounds, images, and various sensations that may feel and appear real to an intoxicated individual. These are often sold as capsules, tablets, or in liquid forms and are mostly taken orally.

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics cites that at least 2.3 million people have used LSD in the US in 2018.

Is LSD Acid?

In essence, they are the same thing. These chemical substances may go under many names such as "blotter paper," "Lucy," "yellow sunshine," "sugar cubes," or "white lightning." The fact remains that this illegal chemical is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

Side Effects of LSD and Acid

Comparable to other narcotics, such as the M365 pill, LSD and acid also cause a wide range of side effects that may interfere with a person's normal body functions. These side effects may even intensify with the use of other drugs and may cause "bad trips" or overwhelming and negatively perceived experiences that may affect a person on a deeper level.

Some of the "bad trip" side effects that a person using acid and/or Lysergic Acid include:

• Paranoia
• Disorientation
• Irrational fear of dying or losing personal identity
• Reckless behaviors
• Suicidal thoughts

Short-term effects may also be present after immediate consumption by an individual. Some of them vary from person to person. However, common intoxication signs may include:

• Increased body temperature
• Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
• Decreased appetite (may lead to weight loss due to long-term use)
• Tremors
• Hallucinations

People suffering from long-term substance abuse of acid may face graver consequences as a result of their addiction. Their condition might worsen as well if they take acid with other hallucinogens. With their condition, they may develop other mental health illnesses which may trigger the presence of dual diagnosis disorders.

Signs That Someone is on LSD and Acid?

Regardless of how you use LSD or Acid, there are ways for you to find out if someone is under the influence of these drugs. As it is a powerful hallucinogen, people may experience varying effects on their bodies that may be noticeable to the people surrounding them.

Here are some of the signs that you should watch out for if you suspect that someone you know, particularly a friend or a family member, is abusing these drugs or substances:

• Altered perception of reality
• Hypertension (permanent high blood pressure)
• Sleeping difficulties (insomnia)
• A sudden shift in moods and emotions
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Poor performance at work or in school
• Impulsive behavior

Prolonged exposure to acid and LSD abuse not only impairs the mind but may also cause long-term and irreversible effects on the body of an individual. What's worse is that through constant use, a person may lose restraint and eventually succumb to a fatal overdose.

When addiction goes out of hand, interventions may serve as a last resort for these people.

Acid and LSD Drug Abuse and Addiction

While taking LSD and acid are not necessarily considered addictive, poly-addicts or people who abuse numerous drugs may frequently use hallucinogens. People who may want to feel the psychedelic effects or go on an "acid trip" may repeatedly use the substance to unlock this experience, albeit just for their short-term effects.

Here are some reasons why people fall prey to addiction:

1. Used for stress reduction - people who work in high-pressure jobs or are caught in the middle of highly stressful situations may tend to find a reason for them to temporarily leave their problems briefly. When this happens, drug use may become a useful vessel for that quick relief.
2. Social pressure - Young adults are often the victims of this, especially the youth who are easily impressionable or who want to "fit in" their peer group. Using drugs may serve as an initiation for them to become accepted by their peers and friends.
3. Recovering from a loss - This may not necessarily refer to a death of a loved one or a friend. It may also be a job loss, a breakup, or general failure in life which eventually drove a person to seek comfort through the use of illicit substances.

It's important to find the right treatment options to address addiction, whether through supportive living or a viable outpatient program for continued recovery.

Withdrawal Symptoms from LSD and Acid

Suffering individuals who have developed a psychological dependence on LSD may still experience addiction recovery, but not without challenges. Withdrawal symptoms prove to be a huge hurdle especially when they have just started your recovery program.

The general timeline for LSD withdrawal can be further illustrated as such:

• 10 minutes post-ingestion - the individual may experience having some effects, one of them which is euphoria.
• 45 to 90 minutes- they may start manifesting physical symptoms. Some of these may include nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate or palpitations
• 60 minutes - the user may start experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations. Some claim that pixelated visuals and colorful dots appear within this period.
• 90 minutes - they may start feeling intensified visual hallucinations of the short-term effects

Some of the common psychological withdrawal symptoms of LSD and acid (especially in high doses of the chemical) may include:

• Difficulties with concentration
• Depersonalization - the inability to distinguish what is real or not.
• Flashbacks - users may start having an intense recollection of what they did during traumatic episodes (such as bad trips). This may also involve heightened emotions and hallucinations.
• Anxiety - people who may suffer from anxiety disorders may experience a worsening of their symptoms due to the effect of the substance.

Treatment for This Anxiety Disorder

There are many drug addiction treatment options readily available for people ready to make a fresh start. Rehabilitation centers, Outpatient Drug Rehab and recovery hubs often offer detoxification programs involving various therapy programs like dialectical behavioral therapy and life skills to wean substance dependency. Transitional Housing is also important part of the equation.

Aftercare programs also ensure that the individual does not revert to their old habits through the careful guidance of mental health specialists and sober mentoring.

Getting help with sober living is easier nowadays, but the acknowledgment and acceptance of one's LSD addiction may prove to be the hardest part. Contact Transcend Recovery Community and let us help you cross that bridge.

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