LSD Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox Treatment Options
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a hallucinogen sold on the streets with a high potential for abuse. Commonly known as acid, LSD comes in absorbent paper, tablets, or liquid sold in small bottles. This synthetic drug has been widely abused since the 1960s, and when consumed in large enough doses, causes delusions and visual hallucinations.
The effects of LSD are unpredictable and are highly dependent on the dose taken. Unlike other substances, LSD does not typically cause withdrawal symptoms. However, residual effects are a vital area of concern, including flashbacks and delayed perceptual illusions with anxiety. The reason why users begin taking LSD is also relevant to ongoing treatment.
If you have been taking LSD for an extended period of time, mixing LSD with other substances, or have a loved one that abuses LSD, this guide covers everything you need to know about LSD withdrawal symptoms, the detoxification period, and next steps.
What Are the Symptoms of LSD Withdrawal?
The use of LSD was once associated with the 1960s and 70s. However, recent data shows that between 2015 and 2018, LSD use increased by 56%. The paper’s author estimates that numbers are even higher now following the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers believe this spike may be fueled by a need for “chemical escapism” — becoming a means of self-medication for anxiety, depression, and general stress symptoms. People are looking for an escape, but the negative effects can be significant.
This spike in LSD use was particularly high among individuals with college degrees (representing an over 70% increase), people aged 26 to 34 (59%), 35 to 49 (223%), and 50 or older (45%).
LSD is not considered an addictive drug. However, an LSD addiction can develop. People who abuse other drugs will frequently take hallucinogens based on their mind-altering properties. This combination can create complicated LSD withdrawal symptoms and often require a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Although LSD is not generally classified as an addictive substance, it does produce tolerance. Users who regularly take LSD must continue taking higher doses to achieve the same effects. Increasing doses of LSD is dangerous because it is such an unpredictable drug. As you take more and more of this drug, LSD dependence can develop.
Unlike most other drugs, this dependence is not physical — it’s psychological. Some individuals want to keep re-experiencing the same type of high, leading to antisocial behavior and abuse. That is why some individuals do require treatment for LSD abuse.
“Withdrawal symptoms” are not typically associated with LSD.
However, there are adverse effects that can create issues. One of the most disturbing side effects of LSD is flashbacks. If you experience stress or fatigue or use other drugs, you can have flashbacks. There are cases where individuals have sought psychiatric help because of these flashbacks.
These flashbacks relate to hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). This condition causes LSD users to re-experience one or more perceptual symptoms, resulting in distress and impairment. Flashbacks can be overwhelming, and when they exacerbate mental health symptoms, professional treatment is recommended.
Since LSD withdrawal symptoms are not typically displayed as physical signs, researchers continue to study the mental and emotional implications of continued LSD use.
For example, a user may not sweat or have tremors when withdrawing. However, they can experience unpredictable emotions and thoughts. They may also have a strong desire to take more LSD to reach that desired high once again. In these cases, prolonged LSD use is problematic.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with continued use and then sudden discontinued use include:
- Anxiety
- Lack of concentration or awareness
- Confusion
- Flashbacks
- Depersonalization because they often experience an altered sense of reality
Since LSD trips can last a long time, it’s not uncommon for users to feel exhausted and be dehydrated when the drug finally wears off. For example, exhaustion and headaches can last up to 72 hours after taking an initial dose.
LSD: History and Side Effects
LSD has a long history, yet this drug is still not fully understood. First synthesized in 1938, LSD’s psychoactive properties were not discovered until 1943. The effects of LSD and symptoms of schizophrenia were noted in 1947, resulting in the experimental use of LSD. From 1949 to 1966, LSD was given to researchers and psychiatrists to gain insights and assist with psychotherapy. Studies are limited because in most countries studying this drug is virtually impossible.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies LSD as a Schedule I drug, which yields a serious risk of abuse and has no accepted medical value. Some researchers disagree, but that doesn’t mean LSD isn’t dangerous. There have been reports of accidental overdoses. Fatal overdoses typically involve a cocktail of drugs. LSD may be in someone’s system. However, it is not likely the direct cause of death.
Today, over 100 studies on LSD have been published. However, there are still many unanswered questions. After all, the brain is incredibly complex, and so is LSD’s effect on it. Among these studies, some of the findings (LSD vs. placebo) include:
- Altered consciousness
- Increased cortisol levels
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Decreased recognition of fear
- Reduced left amygdala reactivity
- Delusions and paranoia
Physically, LSD is not considered a toxic substance, particularly in comparison to other substances of abuse, like alcohol or methamphetamine. The psychological risks are of the greatest concern, especially when LSD is taken in unsupervised settings (e.g., outside of research settings). The other primary concern is that other hallucinogens are sold as LSD.
However, these drugs have different pharmacology, making the experience unpredictable. This lack of regulation can cause serious complications, especially when you’re combining various substances. Like any drug bought on the street, its chemical makeup is never guaranteed. An example is fentanyl, which is sold at unknown doses, causing a spike in opioid-related deaths.
As discussed, LSD withdrawal symptoms are not common. However, to better understand how this drug works, it’s important to consider its mechanism of action. Research shows that LSD mainly activates serotonin receptors. Once taken, LSD influences several brain regions, reducing activity in some areas while increasing activity in others.
Research shows that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can trigger LSD flashback syndrome. There was even a case where a man experienced an LSD flashback after 25 years of abstinence from LSD use.
Flashbacks have been a topic of interest since the initial discovery of the hallucinogenic properties of LSD in the 1940s. Studies continued in the 1970s and 1980s, but the long-term effects of LSD remain unclear to this day.
The greatest concern among researchers is the possibility that LSD and other hallucinogens may permanently alter key neuronal systems increasing vulnerability to flashbacks, even years after discontinued use.
This effect makes LSD extremely unique. Although this is not necessarily an LSD withdrawal symptom, it is a residual effect that can surface years after using this drug.
How Long Does LSD Withdrawal Take?
When a user first takes LSD, the effects of a single tab can be felt within 20 to 90 minutes. The average “trip” will then last around 6 to 15 hours, with most trips being less than 12 hours (although it’s not overly uncommon to experience a 24-hour trip).
Following the initial trip, it can take up to 24 hours before your body fully returns to its typical state of being. So, in that sense, this comedown period could be viewed as an LSD withdrawal period, even though it differs from the withdrawal experience associated with other drugs.
In most cases, this period is when symptoms slowly fade away. You will slowly no longer see shape or color distortions, experience hallucinations, or other psychedelic effects. This ‘LSD withdrawal’ period is what’s often referred to as the “comedown” — as the peak of the acid trip wears off.
It was unclear why the high from LSD lasted so long for years. A paper published in Cell found that although your bloodstream removes LSD in a matter of hours, your brain does not. More specifically, your serotonin receptors.
LSD appears to bind to receptors in a unique and unexpected configuration. It’s as if a “lid” forms at the entrance of the binding pocket, blocking LSD molecules inside.
LSD can cause unique and complex issues, particularly those predisposed to psychotic conditions like schizophrenia. In certain cases, prolonged psychosis may occur, lasting days or even months.
Flashbacks, although not necessarily an LSD withdrawal symptom, are often experienced years later. These flashbacks may be correlated to other drug use. Research shows that LSD users who report flashbacks use significantly more marijuana.
Again, it’s important to consider why individuals use these drugs. If the goal is to help mask mental health symptoms, it’s important to complete the LSD withdrawal process and move into a comprehensive treatment plan.
How to Safely Manage an LSD Detox
LSD withdrawal is treated alongside other substance use disorders and mental health conditions in most cases. For example, an individual being treated for alcohol withdrawal may be a frequent user of LSD, and following the detoxification process, requires ongoing therapy for depression.
Although researchers continue to investigate the potential link between LSD and addiction, this substance does not induce drug-seeking behavior like many other drugs, including alcohol or heroin.
With that being said, compulsive patterns of abuse aren’t uncommon and are often lead to users neglecting responsibilities. Once LSD begins interfering with everyday life, it is essential to seek treatment.
Supervised detox will be highly recommended when other symptoms are involved, especially if you abuse substances such as alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Although medications are not often prescribed from LSD withdrawal symptoms, medication may be prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan depending on the circumstance.
Research shows that clonazepam is effective in treating people withdrawing from LSD. However, your personalized detoxification plan will depend on several variables, including your drug and medical history.
Once the body is rid of LSD and all other intoxicating substances, a treatment plan may be required to address underlying conditions. The goal is to intervene so that users stop taking LSD to prevent long-term complications, especially if users are taking LSD to help mask symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. If LSD is being used as an escape, it’s important to face symptoms of diminishing mental health.
A treatment facility specializing in holistic treatment will ensure that any concerns surrounding mental health are addressed. Treating addictions, such as LSD addiction, alongside mental health conditions is what’s known as a dual-diagnosis treatment approach. Your recovery journey begins with an LSD withdrawal treatment plan.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you are using substances of abuse, the first step is to reach out to a professional clinical team. Substance abuse and mental experts have the experience and resources to help you overcome the challenges associated with addiction and poor mental health.
For years, you may have decided that this is your norm — but that’s not the case. You can live a life free from LSD and other substances of abuse.
Many evidence-based treatment options are available that will help you overcome your dependence on drugs, including LSD. You can then target the underlying conditions that cause you to use. LSD withdrawal is the initial step. You may not even realize how your current drug use negatively affects your health and overall life until you’re free from the grips of addiction.
Being preoccupied or obsessed with drugs, including LSD, in your daily life means you’re missing out on every other aspect of life. Often, there is a trickle-down effect. Loved ones suffer, and families become estranged.
If you need help with the LSD withdrawal process, have questions about what treatment options are available, or are ready to press the reset button, there are professional addiction and mental health facilities waiting to assist you every step of the way.
Zinnia Health is here for you and ready to help. Don’t let LSD withdrawal symptoms hold you back. Reach out to us today.
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