Short & Long-Term LSD Effects

LSD (acid) is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that can alter how a person thinks, feels, and perceives the world around them. While some people use LSD recreationally to experience its mind-altering effects, the drug can provoke unpredictable and potentially dangerous outcomes. From intense hallucinations to lasting mental health challenges, the short and long-term effects of LSD can profoundly impact a person’s life.

This page explores what LSD is, how it affects the body and mind, and the risks associated with its use.

What Is LSD?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic drug known for its strong hallucinogenic effects [1]. Created in 1938 by a Swiss chemist named Albert Hofmann, LSD is derived from a fungus that grows on grains, particularly rye. Hofmann initially researched the compound for medical purposes, but its intense mind-altering properties were discovered accidentally a few years later.

Commonly known as acid, LSD is illegal in most countries and classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States [2]. This means it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The drug is usually sold in small tablets, capsules, or liquid form, and it’s often soaked onto blotter paper placed on the tongue. LSD alters serotonin levels in the brain, prompting changes in perception, mood, and consciousness.

 While some people take LSD recreationally to experience its psychedelic effects, the drug’s unpredictable nature can lead to both euphoric and deeply distressing experiences.

Is Acid Bad for You?

Although LSD has a reputation for being a mind-expanding drug, it comes with serious risks. While acid is not considered physically addictive like opioids or alcohol, LSD can cause significant harm to mental and physical health.

One of the main dangers of LSD is its unpredictability. The effects of the drug depend on several factors, including the dose taken, the individual’s mental state, and their environment. A pleasant trip can quickly turn into a bad trip, resulting in intense fear, paranoia, and panic.

Physically, LSD can cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and elevated body temperature. These effects can be dangerous for individuals with underlying conditions. Mentally, the drug’s ability to distort reality can lead to risky behavior, self-harm, or accidental injuries.

 Long-term use of LSD is associated with persistent psychological issues like flashbacks or hallucinations, even long after the drug has left the body. For these reasons, while LSD may not carry the same risk of overdose as some drugs, its potential for mental and physical harm cannot be overlooked.

What Are the Effects of LSD?

LSD affects the brain and body powerfully and unpredictably, creating experiences that range from euphoric to terrifying.

 The effects of LSD can be grouped into immediate, short-term, and long-term impacts.

Immediate Effects of LSD

When someone takes LSD, the effects usually begin within 30 to 90 minutes and can last up to 12 hours. This occurs because LSD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, disrupting normal signaling. The immediate effects are often referred to as a trip and may include:

• Intense visual and auditory hallucinations
• Distorted sense of time and space
• Changes in thought patterns
• Heightened sensory perception, such as brighter colors or louder sounds
• Euphoria or intense joy

Not all trips are enjoyable, though. Some people experience a bad trip, which can cause:

• Severe anxiety or panic
• Feelings of detachment from reality
• Fear of dying or losing control

The immediate effects of LSD are highly unpredictable, making every trip a potential risk.

What Are the Short-Term Effects of LSD?

In addition to its immediate effects, LSD use can lead to many short-term physical and psychological symptoms. These effects often depend on the dose and individual tolerance, and they normally last as long as the drug remains active in the system. LSD short-term effects include:

• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Sweating or chills
• Dry mouth
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea and dizziness

Psychologically, LSD’s short-term effects may include:

• Altered perception of reality
• Extreme mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Paranoia or confusion
• Synesthesia, or blending of the senses—hearing colors or seeing sounds)

Mixing LSD with other substances like alcohol or stimulants can amplify these effects and provoke dangerous outcomes. Beyond this, LSD is made in unregulated environments, so people using the drug may unknowingly consume laced or contaminated substances, increasing the risk of harm.

Long-Term Effects of LSD

The long-term effects of acid are not completely understood, but research suggests that regular or high-dose use can trigger lasting health issues. One of the most well-documented conditions is HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder). HPPD is characterized by recurring hallucinations or visual disturbances long after the drug has worn off [3]. These may include:

• Seeing halos or trails of light around objects.
• Experiencing bright flashes of color.
• Distorted vision or patterns appearing out of nowhere.

In rare cases, these symptoms can disrupt daily life and last for years.

Persistent psychosis is among the rare LSD long-term effects. This involves ongoing mood disturbances, paranoia, and difficulty distinguishing reality from hallucinations.

While LSD is not considered physically addictive, repeated use can cause the rapid development of tolerance. This means people need increasingly higher doses to deliver the initial effects, heightening the chance of a bad trip or long-term damage.

 While LSD is not considered physically addictive, repeated use can lead to a rapid buildup of tolerance. This means users may need higher doses to achieve the same effects, increasing their risk of a bad trip or long-term damage.

 For some people, even a single use of LSD can trigger lasting mental health issues, especially if they have a history of psychological disorders. 

Other Short-Term Effects of Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens like LSD are known for their ability to alter perception and reality, but they also come with a wide range of short-term effects that can vary depending on the specific substance, dose, and individual using the drug. In addition to visual and auditory hallucinations, individuals using acid may experience:

• Blurred vision: This can make it difficult for people to focus or perceive their surroundings.
• Rapid emotional shifts: Intense joy may suddenly shift to anxiety or fear.
• Restlessness or increased energy: Hallucinogens can make people jittery or overly active.
• Loss of coordination: Movements may become clumsy or unsteady.
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound: Everyday stimuli can feel overwhelming.

Other physical symptoms may include nausea, sweating, chills, and tremors. In some cases, individuals may also experience a dangerous spike in heart rate or blood pressure. The unpredictable nature of these drugs adds to their risks, as the same dose may lead to drastically different reactions in different individuals or even for the same person on different occasions.

Hallucinogens like LSD distort reality, so they also increase the likelihood of risky behaviors, accidents, or injuries. People may not fully understand the dangers of their surroundings, putting themselves and others at risk.

Risks and Dangers of LSD

While some people may believe LSD is relatively safe because it doesn’t cause physical dependence, this Schedule I drug carries significant risks.

• Unpredictable effects: No two LSD trips are alike. Mood, setting, and physical health can influence whether the experience is euphoric or terrifying. A bad trip can result in paranoia, panic, or dangerous behaviors like attempting to flee from hallucinations or engaging in self-harm.
• Accidental injuries: LSD distorts perception, so people may not recognize hazards around them. They might wander into traffic or fall from a height, believing they are invincible or in a different environment.
• Contaminated substances: Street LSD is often made in unregulated labs, meaning it can be laced with other harmful substances. This increases the risk of severe side effects or overdose.
• Mental health challenges: Regular LSD use can contribute to long-term mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, or recurring flashbacks (HPPD). For those with a history of mental illness, using LSD may worsen existing symptoms.

While the drug itself is not considered addictive, its psychological risks make it dangerous, especially when used frequently or in high doses. 

LSD Psychological Risks

The psychological effects of LSD can be both profound and lasting. While some people report feelings of euphoria and expanded consciousness, others experience overwhelming fear, confusion, and panic.

A bad trip is a distressing experience that may include:

• Intense paranoia or fear of dying.
• Feeling detached from reality or self.
• Panic attacks or severe anxiety.
• Rapidly shifting emotions that feel out of control.

 These experiences can feel traumatic and, in rare cases, lead to lasting psychological scars.

 HPPD is a condition where individuals experience recurring hallucinations or visual distortions long after the drug has worn off. For example, they might see halos around lights or patterns that don’t exist. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and are often difficult to treat.

 In rare cases, LSD use may trigger psychosis, particularly in individuals with a history of mental illness [4].  Symptoms include paranoia, disorganized thinking, and difficulty distinguishing reality from hallucinations.

 The mental health risks of LSD mean that any use of this drug is inadvisable.

LSD Overdose Symptoms

LSD is considered a low-toxicity drug, meaning it’s unlikely to cause fatal overdoses. However, taking a very high dose can still result in severe physical and psychological symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

 Signs of an LSD overdose include:

• Dangerously high body temperature.
• Seizures or uncontrollable muscle spasms.
• Severe confusion or inability to communicate.
• Hallucinations so intense they lead to panic or dangerous behaviors.
• Violent outbursts or self-harm.

 Although LSD overdoses are rarely life-threatening, they can still cause significant harm. In some cases, people experiencing an overdose may hurt themselves or others due to impaired judgment or heightened fear. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care.

LSD Dependence

Unlike many other drugs, LSD is not considered physically addictive. This means people do not typically experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. However, psychological dependence can still develop, leading to a pattern of problematic use. Signs of psychological dependence on LSD include: 

• Craving the drug to escape reality or cope with emotions.
• Using LSD more frequently or in higher doses to achieve the same effects.
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships to prioritize drug use.

 Frequent use of LSD also leads to tolerance, meaning the body becomes less sensitive to the drug’s effects. This can encourage people to take increasingly higher doses, which raises the risk of bad trips and long-term psychological harm.

LSD Withdrawal Treatment

There is no specific medical detox process for the drug because the drug doesn’t cause physical dependence. That said, those who use LSD heavily or experience distressing effects may still benefit from professional support during withdrawal.

• Therapy and counseling: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can help people understand why they turned to LSD and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Group therapy may also provide valuable support by connecting individuals with others who have faced similar challenges.
• Mental health treatment: For those experiencing HPPD or persistent psychosis, treatment may involve medications such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. A mental health professional can help manage symptoms and provide strategies for improving daily functioning.
• Ongoing support: Long-term recovery often involves continued counseling and participation in support groups. Building a strong network of people who understand the challenges of drug use can make a significant difference in staying drug-free.

 Seeking help for LSD-related issues can prevent further harm and support a healthier, more stable future.

Get Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you or someone you love has been misusing hallucinogens, we’ll help you get back on track at Renaissance Recovery.

 We treat all addictions and mental health issues at our rehabs by the beach in Florida and California.

 When you choose a Renaissance outpatient program, you can access effective addiction treatment while remaining anchored to your everyday obligations and living at home.

 All addictions are unique, so all our treatment plans are personalized, with therapies such as:

• Talk therapies
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapy
• Group therapy
• Counseling
• Holistic treatments
• Family therapy
• Aftercare

 Start tackling substance abuse by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

 [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/lysergic-acid-diethylamide

 [2] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html

 [3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5870365/

 [4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6870484/