In the U.S. there are around 1.2 million people who are known to abuse hallucinogens, and one of these substances is LSD or acid. These substances can distort your perception of reality and time. That’s why people who are abusing it, are seeing bold colors in the air, or maybe seeing spiritual visions.
Similar to other substances, once you abuse this drug and then stop, you will surely feel some withdrawal symptoms. This happens since your body is accustomed to the presence of the drug and the feeling you experience at the peak.
Once you go to a comedown, your body feels negative reactions because the substance gradually wears off, or you suddenly stop taking it. To avoid experiencing these painful withdrawal effects, you need to do it slow and with medical supervision.
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of LSD Addiction?
Compared to other illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin, LSD is not as strong as them. However, you will be addicted to the euphoric sensation accompanied by using this substance.
Once you stop taking this drug, you will instantly feel its withdrawal effects, which include the following:
Slower breathing- Hungry for the drug
- Seizures
- Flashbacks
- Muscle pains
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Faster heartbeat
- Sweaty skin
- Migraine
These withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life threatening if you are abusing the drug for a long time at a higher dose. If that’s the case, then you need to go to a hospital or rehab center, where you will get a medically supervised detox program with the management of these side effects.
How Long Will These LSD Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Technically, there’s no standard answer to this since it greatly depends on certain factors, which include the following:
- Duration of abusing the drug
- Any substances used along with LSD
- Dosage
- History of mental problems or addiction
If you have abused this hallucinogen for quite some time, then its withdrawal symptoms can linger long and the level of discomfort can be intense. Looking at this, there’s no specific answer to tell about the timeline of LSD withdrawal symptoms.
Here is a basic timeline for the occurrence and wearing out of LSD withdrawal symptoms:
- Effects of the drug can be felt 10 minutes after your last intake
- You will feel the drug’s impact after 45 to 90 minutes have passed from your last dose
- Visual hallucinations start to kick in and last for about an hour or longer, depending on your dose and body
- The entire hallucinations of LSD last for around 10 to 24 hours
- Flashbacks are part of the withdrawal side effects
This basic timeline is just a reference since every individual will have their respective timeline for experiencing withdrawal effects. We still recommend that you consult with a doctor, or go to a hospital in case your condition is severe.
How Likely Will A Person Abuse LSD?
Based on statistics, around 1.8% of the general population abuse this drug for its recreational effects.Also, the DEA put this drug under Schedule I controlled substances because of its high rate of being abused.
Will You Need To Undergo A Detox Program?
When you decide to recover from LSD addiction, then you need to enroll in a recovery program, which is composed of detox, medication, and behavioral therapies.
Detoxification is important since it helps you get rid of the harmful residues from the drug you are abusing. Alongside this, you will feel discomfort from the withdrawal effects.
If your LSD addiction is intense, then we recommend that you undergo a medically supervised detox program so that medical personnel can look after you 24/7.
How Can You Tell If You’re Addicted to LSD?
For the individual under the influence, it will be challenging for him to recognize if he is addicted to it or not. In that case, you need to have a counseling so that you will be slowly aware of your condition.
Anyhow, here are some noticeable signs if you or a person is addicted to LSD:
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Pupils are becoming larger
- Unstable mood
- Muscle coordination is distorted
- Anxiety
- Faster breathing pattern
- Disturbed perception of time, distance, and reality
To ensure the validity of your assessment if you or a person is dependent on this drug, consult a doctor or addiction specialist.
Can You Get Overdose with LSD?
Even if this drug isn’t as strong as other hallucinogens or illicit substances, you can overdose by taking high doses. Once you get an overdose, your perception of reality becomes more distorted. There may be instances where you’ll do dangerous things, which can end your life.
Here are some signs of LSD overdose:
- Slower breathing
- Uncontrolled body shaking
- Coma
- Death
What Hallucinogen Type is LSD Under?
There are two main categories of hallucinogens in medical records: classical and dissociative. LSD is under the classic hallucinogens where their capacity of disrupting your concept of reality is weaker than the dissociative types.
Some other drugs under classical hallucinogen are Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, and 251-NBOMe.
Can You Still Treat LSD Overdose and Addiction?
Detoxification and feeling those withdrawal effects is not the last step towards recovery, rather it’s just the beginning of your path toward sobriety. The first thing you need to do is to accept that you are under the influence of this drug.
After that, you need to find a reliable doctor or addiction specialist whom you can talk about regarding your LSD addiction and overdose. They will give you balanced advice and recommendations for treatment.
The treatment program will be customized based on their assessment of your condition. Afterward, you need to find a credible rehab center where you will enroll for treatment.
Remember that you are not alone in this endeavor towards restoring your healthy and happy life. Your family and friends will also be there to give you emotional and moral upliftment.
Seek medical help as early as today.
