LSD

LSD Ketamine addiction

LSD, also known as lysergic acid diethyl-amide, is a widely recognised hallucinogenic substance that falls under the category of psychoactive drugs. It has been used for recreational purposes for centuries due to its ability to induce alterations in perception. While LSD is generally considered to have a low potential for addiction, some individuals may develop a psychological dependence on the sensory experiences and hallucinations it produces, which can significantly impact their perception of reality and lead to profound personal insights. The characteristics of LSD addiction include frequent and escalating usage, often despite experiencing adverse consequences. Individuals with LSD addiction may experience strong cravings or compulsions to use the drug. Tolerance to LSD may develop, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects, although this tolerance often diminishes after a period of abstinence. Those struggling with LSD addiction may spend a substantial amount of time and resources obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of the drug, indicating a preoccupation with its use. Neglect of responsibilities such as work, school, or social obligations in favour of LSD use is a common feature of addiction to this substance. Despite being aware of the potential for harm, including mental health issues like anxiety or depression, individuals may continue to use LSD, reflecting a disregard for the associated risks. If you are worried about a loved one’s potential LSD addiction, it is important to seek guidance from our Treatment Advisors for a complimentary assessment. Tel: 07811 606 606 (24 hours)

Regular use of LSD

Regular use of LSD can lead to a tolerance for the drug, prompting the user to consume higher doses more frequently in order to achieve the same hallucinatory effects. Individuals who are susceptible to peer pressure or engage in risk-taking behaviour may be more prone to developing an addiction to LSD. The signs and symptoms of LSD addiction encompass significant physical and behavioural changes, which are the direct result of the drug’s effects. Physical symptoms of LSD addiction may include dilated pupils, nausea, increased heart rate, dry mouth, weakness and tremors, tingling in fingers and toes, sweating or chills, blurred vision, loss of coordination, impulsiveness, seizures, and hallucinations. Behavioural symptoms of LSD addiction may manifest as anxiety, depression, paranoia, aggression, and suicidal thoughts. LSD abuse differs from LSD addiction in that abuse is often the initial stage preceding addiction. It can lead to mental disorders, flashbacks, and a severe impact on one’s ability to fulfil responsibilities such as work. LSD addiction develops when the individual seeks the drug more frequently to experience the hallucinogenic effects and develops a tolerance, necessitating a full LSD detox. Tel: 07811 606 606 (24 hours)

LSD is not considered to be physically addictive, but regular recreational use can lead to behavioural addiction. Users may experience psychological addiction due to craving the drug for its hallucinogenic effects. Those who develop psychological addiction to LSD are at a higher risk of suffering flashbacks and developing long-term mental illness. Long-term use of LSD can lead to tolerance, requiring larger amounts of the drug to feel its effects, posing a risk of toxicity and overdose. Increased drug amounts also raise the chance of users suffering injury due to impaired actions while under the influence of LSD. Despite lacking physical addiction potential, LSD still carries a risk of psychological dependence due to various biological processes. The brain’s reward system, especially the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, is stimulated by LSD, leading to feelings of pleasure and reinforcing addictive behaviour. LSD’s influence on dopamine levels enhances the sense of reward and pleasure, contributing to psychological dependence. LSD primarily acts on serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A receptors, altering perception, mood, and cognition, which can be highly reinforcing. The profound changes in mood and perception caused by LSD can contribute to psychological dependence as users crave these altered states. Repeated LSD use can lead to changes in synaptic plasticity, affecting learning and memory and reinforcing the desire to use the drug. Over time, cues associated with LSD use can trigger strong cravings and psychological dependence due to learned associations. LSD’s impact on the prefrontal cortex can impair decision-making and self-control, making it harder for individuals to resist the urge to use the drug. LSD can make drug-related cues more noticeable, increasing the likelihood of repeated use due to the prefrontal cortex’s altered assessment of stimuli. Although LSD does not lead to physical addiction like cocaine, it can cause behavioural addiction and tolerance, leading to a need for more of the drug. Tel: 07811 606 606 (24 hours)