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LSD Addiction

Is there such a thing as LSD addiction? There are two types of addiction - physical and psychological. In the case of LSD, there is no potential for physical addiction, and unlike cocaine or heroin, or alcohol, it is not a drug that people do again right away. However, people can get psychologically hooked on LSD, as the high people seek from LSD can be satisfying to them and they will want to repeat the experience.

Regular LSD users who stop using the drug do not show any withdrawal symptoms (a classic sign of drug addiction). Some of the psychiatric effects that may be present are probably a result of the long term effects of LSD abuse rather than being LSD addiction withdrawal symptoms. However, LSD users may also be abusing other narcotics simultaneously and could be prone to withdrawal symptoms related to these drugs. Generally LSD users do not exhibit compulsive behavior in order to acquire the drug on a constant basis (another classic sign of drug addiction).

While LSD addiction is not physical in nature, psychological dependence may vary among users. The trouble with using LSD on a regular basis is the hallucinogenic effect of the drug can prevent, or at least make it highly improbably, that a person can even function or have a sense of reality. A combination of social factors and pre-existing psychological conditions could make a drug user dependent on any substance, including LSD. However, the unpredictable nature of LSD means that the "trip" may vary significantly and could create undesirable effects (bad LSD trip). This may play a part in discouraging users from continuing with frequent use of the drug.

LSD addiction overdoses may cause a prolonged or exacerbated "acid trip". Apart from hallucinations and distorted sensory perceptions, the effects of overdose can be physical as well. This can be life threatening. By stimulating the central nervous system, it strains the heart, increase water and electrolyte loss with sweating and frequent urination. It may also affect blood glucose levels. In a person with pre-existing cardiovascular and kidney disorders, or diabetes, this can cause serious effects. If left untreated or if the effects are severe, LSD addiction can cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack), dehydration or a diabetic coma. Frightening or emotionally stressful hallucinations may also trigger the body's "flight or fight" response which can impact on users with pre-existing conditions.

Long term psychosis is one of the most common side effects of LSD addiction. This does not occur in every LSD user and it may be short term or chronic. The long term psychosis that is possible with long term use should not be mistaken for substance-induced psychotic disorder. The latter is common during the use and withdrawal from any addictive substance including alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine.

In terms of chronic mental health problems associated with LSD addiction, this can vary from schizophrenia to severe depression. The user may have been prone to developing these conditions, even without using LSD, so it has not been ascertained if LSD is the sole cause or only a trigger.

Unsuspecting users may not be aware of the effects of LSD addiction, both psychological and physical. These effects may be seen as side effects but the reality is that LSD addiction impacts on the body in multiple ways which are part of its normal mechanism action. Like other narcotics, LSD does not only institute a sense of euphoria �?? it causes a range of adverse effects as well.

LSD addiction side effects may be a result of overdose or a �??bad acid trip�?? due to the individual's tolerance/susceptibility to the drug or the quality of the drug.

  • Disruptions in neural activity may lead to temporary paralysis.
  • Dizziness or lack of coordination may reach a point where the user is unable to walk.
  • Excessive sweating and urine output can lead to dehydration.
  • Fainting may occur.
  • Increased body temperature (hyperthermia) similar to that of a high fever leading to complications.
  • Loss of electrolytes and water can affect heart functioning.
  • Palpitations as a result of rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure.
  • Severe nausea may lead to vomiting, further exacerbating the dehydration.
Chronic use of this Chloral Hydrate, a club drug, can lead to liver damages and serious withdrawal symptoms.
Young adults who experiment with club drugs are at the very same risk as continually users, only because club drugs are unpredictable and dangerous.
Club drugs are popular to young adults because they are cheap and because of the effects that last for several hours.
In 2008, 2.9% of the 10th grade population reported abusing LSD at least once within that year.
More serious side effects of using ecstasy are heart problems, kidney failure, and or liver problems and sometimes lead to death.
Signs that young adults are abusing ecstasy are grinding teeth and or clenching his or her jaw, mood swings, slow or slurred speech, poor memory or a hard time concentrating or focusing and decline in academic production.
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