LSD Addiction

LSD, a psychedelic drug synonymous with party culture, doesn’t always bring a positive experience; some users recall intense ‘bad trips.’ Despite its association with high energy, the drug’s history reveals a darker side, including links to CIA mind control experiments.
LSD may be associated with a happy, high-energy counterculture: dancing, raving, carefree, and electric socialising. But to fully understand the drug, we may need to probe further to consider its full spectrum of effects. This may leave us with a range of questions – how popular is LSD use today? What are the laws around LSD? What is in LSD that makes it such a powerful hallucinogen? And how can I get help for LSD addiction?

What is LSD?

First synthesised by Albert Hoffman in 1938, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is known as a ‘classic hallucinogen’. This means that it fits under the umbrella of psychedelics. Psychedelic drugs are wide-ranging substances that produce a variety of effects. Other hallucinogens include mushrooms, ketamine and DMT.
Hallucinogens are known for temporarily distorting the user’s perception of reality. This can include changes in the processing of sensory material, heightening or changing mood alongside instances of hallucinations.

Different names for LSD

How Is LSD taken?

LSD can be taken in a range of ways. The ways that someone can use drugs are often referred to as a substance’s ‘mode of use.’

LSD has two key modes of use:

• swallowing
• and dropping

The mode of use is typically determined by the form of the LSD you have access to. LSD can be purchased in three different forms:

1. Blotter paper: LSD is commonly associated with small squares of blotter paper, available in sheets, strips, or singles, each representing a single dose. These squares often feature designs like smiley faces, skulls, or colourful animal drawings and can be dissolved on the tongue for consumption.
2. Tablet: LSD can also come in the form of small tablets or pellets known as ‘microdots.’ When it comes as a tablet, LSD is usually swallowed by the user like with any other pill.
3. Liquid: After synthesis, LSD exists in liquid form. Liquid LSD is usually used through ‘dropping.’ Dropping is a colloquial term for the administration of liquid LSD in small quantities. Some people drop LSD directly onto their tongues. Other people may add liquid LSD to their food or drink.

The effects of LSD

Physical sensations

The primary reason for using LSD is to stimulate a hallucinogen high. But that does not mean that taking hallucinogens does not impact your body. You may find that when you use LSD, you feel the following sensations in your body:

• nausea or sickness
• weakness
• dizziness
• disconnection from the body
• shaking or trembling
• feeling cold or sweating
• decrease in appetite
• insomnia
• dryness in the mouth

Hallucinogenic effects of LSD

Psychedelic highs are popular as, for most users, they tend to feel quite pleasant. In heightening our senses, boosting our mood and catalysing hallucinations, using LSD can be quite a novel experience.

Common psychological effects of LSD include:

• euphoria (intense rush of pleasant feelings)
• feeling carefree, light or giddy
• experiencing hallucinations
• feeling excited
• a dramatic increase in energy levels
• a surge of empathy; feeling more connected or open to others
• feeling easy to please or seemingly mesmerised by everyday objects, people and events
• change in sensory perception (colours are brighter, touch is more intense, tastes are stronger)

These symptoms are associated with a ‘good’ trip on LSD. But the existence of a good trip also indicates the existence of a bad one. Using hallucinogens is somewhat of a gamble. Whilst people around you may find an LSD high to be very pleasant, that does not mean that you will necessarily share the same experience.

Some people do experience ‘bad trips,’ an intense unpleasant high with fewer of the sensations typically associated with a substance like LSD. A bad trip on LSD can include:

• panic attacks
• feeling confused or disoriented
• feeling anxious, panicked or scared
• feeling overwhelmed
• feeling a general loss of control
• feeling suspicious or paranoid of those around you
• feeling dissociated – as though you are not in or connected to your body
• unpleasant, persistent or frightening hallucinations

These symptoms are less likely to map onto the euphoria expected of a party drug and are more likely to emulate a kind of short-term psychosis.

Many factors can affect whether a trip turns into a ‘good’ or ‘bad trip.’ This makes it very hard to identify how an LSD high will manifest until during or after the substance starts working. Some of the various components that dictate the effect a drug will have on use include:

• our general health and wellbeing
• our age, height and weight
• if we are currently using other drugs (prescription or otherwise)
• if we are currently receiving any form of medical treatment
• how quickly our metabolism works
• if we have underlying mental health conditions
• if we have previous experiences of trauma
• if we have used drugs before
• what type of drugs we are using
• if we are using several substances together (known as polydrug use)
• if we are using drugs and drinking alcohol
• our mental state and stress level at the time of drug use
• the strength of the drug
• the amount of the drug we take
• the frequency of which we use the drug
• if the drug has been ‘cut’ with other substances

Long-term effects of LSD

LSD and addiction

The long-term effects of LSD are quite difficult to pinpoint. This is because, unlike other substances, frequently using LSD does not typically lead to the development of dependency. Often, drugs are addictive because we can begin to become physically dependent on them. That is the case with many class A drugs like heroin and cocaine.

Becoming physically dependent on a drug means that you can feel intense withdrawals and cravings when in between uses. This typically leads to hit-seeking behaviour, when you repetitively use a drug not only to feel the effects of the high but also to relieve uncomfortable symptoms associated with withdrawals.

With LSD – and actually, with many hallucinogens – this is not the case. You may find that you build a tolerance to LSD (meaning that over time, you need more of a drug to stimulate the same highs), but becoming dependent on LSD is not typically a long-term symptom of using acid. This means that the long-term risks associated with LSD are not usually related to the drug’s addictive potential and are more linked to the physical and psychological risks of LSD.

Coming to harm whilst high

Hallucinogens work by altering our perception of reality. Whilst this sometimes can be pleasurable, it also comes with a genuine risk. If we are less in control of our thoughts and feelings, less aware of our surroundings and unable to tell what may or may not be real, then there is a risk we could come into danger.

During a bad trip, you could be a danger to yourself or the people around you. For this reason, a common tip for risk management is to only use substances when you are with someone that you trust. Do not take them alone or in the presence of only people you do not know very well.

If you are high on LSD, your risk of harm in the following situations may be temporarily increased:

• you may be at increased risk of having a fall or otherwise injuring yourself
• you may be at increased risk of being involved in a traffic accident (either as a driver or pedestrian)
• you may be at increased risk of accidents around hazards such as bodies of water, cliffs, or train tracks
• you may be at increased risk of being targeted by individuals with ill intent (leading to assault, robbery, spiking, or sexual crimes)
• you may be at increased risk of engaging in sex that is not safe (leading to unexpected pregnancy or the development of sexual diseases)

Whilst high on any drug, generally, there is a heightened risk that you could come to harm. Your situation may mean you are unaware of the danger or cannot access help after an event. This is because drugs tend to impair our judgement temporarily. We may find that our ‘fear instinct’ is dampened when high, which can make us unsafe.

Equally, this can work the other way. If you are dealing with intense, unpleasant hallucinations, you may react irrationally out of fear. This can lead to potentially causing harm to yourself, either with or without intent.

Highs and criminal activity

One paper published in the late 1960s raised concerns over the effect of LSD on ‘criminal responsibility.’ In this paper, Philip Wolin writes, ‘with the increasing use of LSD, a problem concerning the legal responsibility of a person who commits a crime while under the influence of such a drug arises.’

While Wolin’s worry is valid, it’s crucial to note that not all LSD users exhibit violent tendencies. While two patients at Bellevue Hospital attempted murder, seventy-three did not. This suggests that LSD doesn’t automatically induce murderous impulses but hints at an increased risk of violence among users. The concern stems from the belief that hallucinogens alter mental processes, potentially leading to irrational or criminal behaviour, similar to other mind-altering substances.

LSD: The law

LSD is classified as a Class A drug in the UK, making its use, possession, and supply criminal offences in the eyes of the legal system. Similarly, in the United States, LSD is categorised as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, subjecting individuals to legal consequences for its use or distribution.

LSD: The chemistry

We are aware now of the multifaceted ways in which LSD can change the way we perceive the world. But how are these effects possible? What is inside LSD that makes its hallucinogenic qualities so potent?

Lysergic acid diethylamide was first synthesised in the 1930s. That means that LSD is a synthetic chemical. However, the substance that lysergic acid is derived from is naturally occurring: ergot.

The ergot effect

Lysergic acid, a key component of LSD, is derived from the ergot fungus, which is commonly found on grains like rye. Albert Hoffman synthesised LSD while exploring ergot’s potential circulatory and respiratory stimulants. Throughout history, ergot-contaminated crops have been linked to severe blights, shaping our understanding of agricultural challenges.
Ergotism, resulting from ingesting ergot-infected food, manifests symptoms ranging from gangrene and spasms to sickness and hallucinations. These symptoms bear an eerie resemblance to those attributed to suspected witches and their supposed victims during mediaeval witch hunts, including the notorious Salem witch trials. Some researchers have proposed the role of ergot in these historical events, particularly as a potential explanation for bewitchment.
The LSD hypothesis connecting ergot to witch trials, introduced in the 1970s, is a subject of debate and has been rejected by some researchers and institutions, including the Salem Witch Museum. While LSD use itself does not cause ergotism, the intense hallucinogenic effects may evoke the historical impact of St Anthony’s Fire. St. Anthony’s Fire refers to the symptoms of ergotism and has been associated with persecution throughout history, potentially leaving a dark imprint on cultural narratives and historical events.

The history of LSD

We know that LSD is derived from ergot, which is a type of fungus that naturally grows on crops. But what happened in the history of LSD between Hoffman’s initial synthesis and the recreational use of today?

Project MK-Ultra

Whilst we do not know for sure if ergot was involved in the events that led to the witch trials, we do have concrete evidence that LSD has been used in experiments in mind control. In the 1950s and 1960s, there were a range of studies that tested the efficacy of hallucinogenic drugs as a mode of mind control. The most renowned of these were related to Project MK-Ultra, an initiative led by America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Project MK-Ultra aimed to see if drugs with psychedelic properties could be used as psychological weapons. This research was conducted in the midst of the Cold War, a complex and brutal conflict that was waged between America and the Soviet powers between 1947 and 1991.

Project MK-Ultra also investigated the utility of hypnosis, shock and mind control at this time. The experiments with LSD incorporated the investigative action of researchers, scientists and medical practitioners. This research was disbanded after researchers decided that the drug was too risky and predictable to be used in such contexts.

Medical uses of LSD

LSD was not only used by the CIA in the 50s and 60s. In the fifteen years between Hofmann’s first writings on LSD, over a thousand articles on the medical application of LSD were published. Following Hoffman’s realisation that LSD seemed to provoke a psychotic state, researchers began using LSD in order to study psychosis and schizophrenia in particular.

It was also used in the context of addiction treatment. The hope was that LSD could act by ‘compressing years of psychotherapy into a single, intensive, self-reflective session.’ The aim of using LSD in these situations was to provide people the opportunity to reflect in a particularly novel, powerful way. This reflection was intended to give them both the means and the ‘willpower’ to curb their addictions long-term.

This use of LSD did not remain in the medical mainstream for very long. Given the rise of the recreational use of LSD, the drug became more and more firmly associated with illicit use than with science. LSD was seen as a sign of counterculture, rave and revolt and was, therefore, all but banished from the clinical sphere for some time.

Can LSD be helpful in psychiatric treatment?

In recent decades, there’s been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics, particularly in their potential for psychiatric treatment. Some believe psychedelics could aid in treating anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, and schizophrenia, while others explore the historical context of LSD, contemplating its potential in addiction treatment. Hallucinogens are also suggested to enhance general well-being in a holistic sense.

The hypotheses for LSD’s medical applications differ. In treating mood disorders, LSD is thought to encourage neuroplasticity, fostering the growth of new brain networks. This, in turn, may provide more opportunities for positive interactions with neurotransmitters like serotonin.

The debate over the utility of psychedelic drugs in treating psychological disorders has persisted for over 80 years since the first synthesis of LSD. While psychedelics are gradually finding a place in some fringe treatments, LSD is not widely accepted in mainstream medicine today.

As for LSD addiction, it’s essential to note that LSD itself is not considered addictive in the same way as some other substances. Unlike opioids or stimulants, LSD does not create physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. However, misuse and psychological dependence on its effects can be concerns in certain cases, warranting careful consideration in any discussion of LSD’s potential applications.

Getting help for LSD addiction

In seeking help for LSD addiction, individuals may explore various avenues to reclaim control over their lives. Both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programmes offer supportive environments tailored to individual needs. Inpatient rehab provides immersive, around-the-clock care, often recommended for those with severe addiction or co-occurring disorders. Outpatient rehab, on the other hand, allows individuals to receive treatment while maintaining daily responsibilities.

Reaching out for help is the crucial first step, and the choice between inpatient and outpatient rehab depends on individual circumstances and preferences. Each person’s journey to recovery is unique, and professional guidance ensures a tailored approach. If you or someone you know faces the challenge of LSD addiction, take that crucial step toward help, embracing the support available every step of the way.