The drug lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or acid, is a potent hallucinogen. When taken, it produces effects such as strong hallucinations, changes in sensory perception, derealization, and depersonalization.

For these reasons, LSD abuse occurs. Specifically, it is often misused by teenagers and young adults, especially in the “rave” or club scene. While the addiction potential for this drug is substantially lower than drugs such as opioids or benzodiazepines, people can become psychologically addicted to LSD. The signs and symptoms of LSD addiction are similar to other drugs of addiction.

Is LSD Addictive?

LSD is addictive, but not in the way that people normally think about addictive drugs. There is a difference in physical vs. psychological addiction. LSD is addictive psychologically but not physically. Although acid tolerance does rapidly develop, symptoms of dependence do not.

LSD use can also cause drug-related dreams, which are a characteristic of addiction. For example, one woman who had been using LSD for around three years reported pleasantly dreaming about using the drug. Upon awakening, she was upset it had been a dream.

LSD Abuse Statistics

LSD abuse statistics are somewhat limited. However, in the Monitoring the Future Study from 2018 of 8th, 10th, and 12th Graders, the lifetime prevalence of LSD use was 1.4%, 2.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. Additionally, according to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, adults aged 18 to 25 had a lifetime prevalence of 9.8%. Adults aged 26 or older had a lifetime prevalence of 11%.

How Is LSD Abused?

The LSD chemical is typically laid on a piece of blotter paper or placed into gel tabs. Sometimes, LSD is available in a liquid form or is dripped onto sugar cubes. These formulations are taken orally. However, it is also possible (but much less common) to inject LSD intravenously or even inhale the chemical.

Signs of LSD Addiction

LSD addiction symptoms can be similar to those of other drugs. Some of the signs and symptoms of LSD addiction or misuse include:

  • LSD Addiction Signs

    Dilated pupils

    Decreased appetite

    Changes in sleep patterns

    Changes in behavior

    Impaired coordination

    Increased body temperature

    Poor judgment

    Anxiety or panic attacks

    Paranoia

    Difficulty concentrating

    Elevated mood

    Increased empathy

Side Effects of LSD Addiction

There are also many LSD side effects, both short-term and long-term. There are also risks of LSD use to keep in mind, including several important negative side effects.

Short-Term Effects of LSD

There are several short-term side effects of LSD on a person’s body and behavior. Some of these effects include:

  • LSD Short-Term Effects

    Hallucinations

    Derealization

    Depersonalization

    Changes in sensory perception

    Dilated pupils

    Increased empathy

    Paranoia

    Fear of dying

    Aggressive behaviors

    Rapidly changing emotional states

Long-Term Effects of LSD

There are also some long-term effects of LSD or acid use. These effects include:

  • LSD Long-Term Effects

    Anxiety

    Depression

    Fatigue

    Flashbacks

    Persistent paranoia or psychosis

Side Effects of Polysubstance Abuse

Perhaps where LSD is most dangerous is when it is put into the context of polysubstance abuse. In other words, people are more likely to use other drugs after taking LSD. LSD and weed can have negative effects when combined. Marijuana increases the effects of LSD and makes it more likely for a person to experience intense hallucinations, depersonalization, derealization, paranoia, and other effects.

LSD can also be combined with other drugs as well, such as alcohol, ecstasy (called “candy-flipping”) or psilocybin mushrooms (sometimes referred to as “hippy-flipping”).

Can You Overdose on LSD?

While the effects of LSD are not fatal, it is possible to overdose on the drug. An overdose is an excessive or dangerous dose of a drug, and an acid overdose can cause extreme side effects.

Signs of LSD Overdose

Acid overdose symptoms include the following:

  • LSD Overdose Symptoms

    Panic attacks

    Paranoia

    Anxiety

    Persistent psychosis, depersonalization or derealization

    Suicidal ideation or behaviors

People should seek treatment for an LSD overdose from medical professionals at a hospital or substance use detox facility. Unfortunately, there is no medication that will immediately reverse the effects of LSD. However, medical professionals can help people calm down and place them in a secure environment where they won’t hurt themselves or anyone else. 

LSD Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment

Because LSD is not physically addictive, there are no physical LSD withdrawal symptoms. However, people can experience psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia. An individual may also dream about LSD or have desires to consume the drug again.

Although some people are able to overcome these psychological symptoms on their own, LSD addiction treatment may be necessary. These people can go through LSD detox at a drug addiction treatment facility. Psychological symptoms can be just as destructive as physical withdrawal symptoms, and both can be treated more effectively through professional care.

Drug Detox and Inpatient Rehab Center

The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health

4905 Lantana Rd
Lake Worth, FL 33463

561-340-7269

Key Points: Understanding LSD Addiction

Here are some key points to keep in mind about LSD addiction:

  • LSD can be psychologically addictive, but it is not physically addictive.
  • LSD statistics indicate that the drug is still a problem in society.
  • There are many signs and symptoms of LSD use, most of which are behavioral changes.
  • Polysubstance abuse increases the risks associated with LSD.
  • It is possible to overdose on LSD, and it causes extreme symptoms such as psychosis.
  • Treatment and help for LSD misuse is available.

If you or a loved one is struggling with LSD misuse or addiction, help is available at The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized and confidential services that can help you achieve long-term recovery.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.