LSD Treatment and Rehab

LSD Info

• LSD Addiction and Abuse
• LSD Symptoms and Warning Signs
• LSD Treatment and Rehab
• LSD Withdrawal and Detox

If the use of LSD is taking a toll on your life, or you have a loved one who has abused the drug and is in need of care, help is available and accessible through professional treatment programmes and dedicated clinics. With the right help, you or your loved one can overcome the effects of LSD and lead a quality life again.

You may have been tempted to use LSD because of the kind of ‘rush’ it produces just a few minutes after being ingested, maybe without even knowing about the adverse side effects. You may have succumbed to peer pressure to take the drug or been convinced by other users that it is safe and could help you. However, due to the psychological effects of LSD, you may have found yourself returning to the substance to recreate what you felt previously.

When LSD is ingested, it creates illusions and hallucinations, colloquially called ‘trips,’ for those who take it. These trips can be positive experiences at the beginning, but you will easily encounter bad trips if you continue using the drug over time.

If you have abused the drug, the best way to get clean is by seeking professional help. You can get access to help in one of the dedicated centres across the country.

LSD Treatment and Rehab

LSD has the potential to cause severe psychiatric damage in people who use it. If you have been binging on the drug, you should cease use immediately or seek help if you don’t think you can quit on your own. People engaging in poly substance use (abusing multiple drugs along with LSD) face greater health risks, especially when withdrawing from these substances all at once.

LSD’s popularity stems from the fact it has been declared to have no physical addictive qualities and may not be life-threatening. It is easy to hold on to this belief and neglect the other damaging properties of the drug. Maybe people around you have used and abused LSD under the false impression that it is a safe drug and that misuse will have no fatal consequences. It probably affected you.

On the contrary, the lack of physical addiction makes it easy for your brain to build up a tolerance, thus facilitating a psychological dependence on the drug. An overdose of LSD can cause severe psychological damage and worsen pre-existing mental conditions. When used alongside other drugs, the effects of the drug escalate.

For these reasons, treatment and rehab are vital if you have chronically abused the drug. This is even more apparent if you have abused the drug alongside other physically addictive substances, and maybe had a mental condition prior to abusing LSD.

Addiction is a medical condition and there is sufficient treatment available. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you have abused LSD. The important thing right now is to get help and put your life back on track. A lot of people have been down this road and have overcome their struggles with proper help.

What Is LSD?

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), also known as ‘acid’, is a hallucinogenic drug synthesised from the ergot fungus. The fungus is mainly found growing on rye grains. LSD is classed as a psychedelic drug due to its psychological effects. The drug alters the way people experience, perceive and sense the world around them, making unrealistic auditory, visual, and even tactile hallucinations seem real.

LSD is typically taken in capsule, tablet, or liquid form. In its pure state, it is white in colour or colourless, odourless, and has a slight taste of bitterness. The drug begins to take effect about 20 minutes after ingestion, but will react faster if snorted or injected intravenously. Effects peak within the first four hours and may last for about 12 hours.

Although the drug isn’t physically addictive (that is, it doesn’t create a compulsive, uncontrollable behaviour of drug-seeking), it can cause disruptions in neurochemical activity to induce psychological dependence by creating tolerance. What this means is that, if you take the drug repeatedly, you will need to top up your dosage during the next use if you want to recreate the feelings that you originally experienced.

The ‘high’ induced by LSD rewires your brain to perceive reality in a different way. People who have used the drug have even reported out of body and ‘spiritual’ experiences. However, these are neurological malfunctions. The drug disconnects you from reality, which is why you may become deceived and think it can take your problems away.

LSD can cause substantial damages to your life and strip away your personality if you let it. You can be sober again and live without the need for the drug.

History of LSD and Current Drug Abuse Trends

LSD was first developed in Switzerland by a chemist, Albert Hofmann, from ergotamine – a chemical obtained from the ergot fungus. As the drug failed to produce the effects he had originally hoped for, he set it aside. It was later, in 1943, that he discovered the psychedelic quality of the drug. With further reinvestigation, he began to experience hallucinations, euphoria, and changes in visual perception.

He went on to further test the drug on his co-workers. Eventually, it was believed to be significantly useful in treating individuals with psychiatric conditions. The drug was then marketed as a promising aid for psychotherapy and was commercially introduced as a pharmaceutical under the trade name Delysid in 1947.

The hallucinogenic qualities of LSD were embraced by youth culture as part of the counterculture during the 1950s-1960s. The drug began to be abused during this era, especially in the US, which led the Drug Enforcement Agency to prohibit use of the substance. It was also subsequently banned in other countries.

Numerous research studies have been undertaken to fully understand the properties of LSD and while some are insightful as to how the drug might be helpful in select cases, the general consensus has been that uncontrolled usage can lead to dangerous complications. The current practice of the drug’s usage has been deemed hazardous.

Presently, the drug is still abused by a number of young adults for recreational purposes. Some have been using the drug for religious purposes as well to create ‘spiritual awakenings’ or ‘transcend into other realms.’ Continued use and abuse, in any case whatsoever, is advised against, as the drug has the potential for substantial psychiatric complications, especially when overdosed.

Why Is LSD Abuse Dangerous?

Abusing LSD is dangerous for a lot of reasons. LSD is a psychoactive stimulant and classed as a psychedelic and hallucinogen. The US National Institute on Drug Abuse termed LSD as one of the most powerful and potent hallucinogen-based substances in existence. While the drug does not possess addictive properties anywhere near those of heroin, cocaine or amphetamines, abusing LSD does come with certain dangers.

Like every other hallucinogen, LSD tampers with the brain’s chemistry, and charges up every neurochemical, leaving a few active at the same time. This leads to alterations in one’s sensory perceptions to the point where you are out of touch with the real world. LSD will not only cause psychological issues but will strip away one’s personality piece by piece, resulting in a serious decline in one’s quality of life.

If you have just started taking LSD, you should cease using immediately. Meanwhile, if you’re planning to take the drug, don’t start. You’ll potentially harm your psychological state and general well-being. If you have been abusing the drug for a while, it is important that you seek help. You can break the habit and live free of the drug again.

The Properties of LSD

LSD possesses psychedelic and hallucinogenic properties, which creates alterations in the sensory perceptions of those using and abusing the drug. The substance acts with a large number of neurochemicals and receptors in the brain to create these out-of-reality experiences in users.

The drug reacts with the serotonin system in the brain, a neurochemical network that runs throughout a large part of the body’s central nervous system. It also interacts with every known dopamine system in the body. The ability to interact and alter the activities of these neurochemicals in the brain and central nervous system explains why the drug possesses such powerful psychoactive properties.

Although physiological addiction is not one of LSD’s properties, it can create a level of high psychological dependence. With minimal usage, psychological dependence may disappear within a number of days of abstinence, but chronic abuse will be best treated by healthcare professionals.

Short-term effects depend on your physical condition, biological profile, and chemical makeup, as you may not exhibit the same effects as another person. Yours may be milder or more intense than that of others. Another factor is the amount of LSD consumed.

How LSD Abuse Impacts a User’s Life?

LSD has the ability to indirectly upend your life and turn you into an entirely different person in a bad way. The hallucinogenic effects of the drug will provide another kind of reality, in which you may become detached from the things and people around you. Your personal life will be shaken up and you may not even recognise yourself anymore.

The actions you take whilst on the drug may lead to accidents, life mistakes, and even criminal charges and/or legal issues. LSD abuse can cause problems in your relationships with others-, especially those you love. It may lead you to physically harm others or even yourself and could cause a rift between you and your family. Success in academics and career pursuits in life may also be affected due to continued abuse of LSD.

You deserve more than the experiences LSD has to offer. Your life can get better and back on track if you seek professional help today.

Issues with LSD Overdose

However, severe complications can occur from an overdose of LSD. Some of the documented effects include:

• Gastric complications, such as bleeding in the gastric system
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased body temperature
• Unconscious states and comatose in extreme cases
• Changes in respiration

Though the studies that exclusively investigated LSD overdose in abusers did not document any case of permanent damage, they never ruled out fatality in extreme cases of overdose. There is also a chance of fatal accidents occurring due to impaired perceptions of high-risk situations and poor judgement, especially when driving after using.

Signs and Symptoms of LSD Addiction

Symptoms and signs that indicate psychological dependence of LSD differ from other mainstream illicit drugs and addictive substances. These signs and symptoms will also vary from person to person and the severity will depend on the level of LSD abuse. Typical symptoms of LSD intoxication include:

p>Addiction to LSD indicates dependence on taking higher doses to recreate feelings experienced when last used. LSD addiction does not imply compulsive drug-seeking behaviours. If you notice any of these signs, reach for help immediately.

LSD Addiction: Treatment and Rehab

You can break free from the psychological dependence on LSD with professional help. If you have been experiencing persistent adverse effects of the substance and have been finding it hard to connect with reality, you can be healed through the various LSD addiction programmes developed to help addicts get back on their feet.

Treatment and rehab involve holistic plans to end your dependence on the drug, as well as any mental complications that may have occurred as a result of abusing the substance. Even though LSD changes the way you perceive things and tampers with your thoughts and emotions, you can get back to normal if you seek professional help.

Treatment also involves helping you get back on your feet if you have abused the drug alongside other addictive substances, such as alcohol and cocaine. This case is more severe than taking LSD alone and can cause more harmful consequences, which is why you need to get treated as soon as possible.

Why LSD Addiction Treatment?

Treatment for LSD abuse is important for so many reasons. Experiencing bad trips is difficult and you need to be aligned with reality again. There are medical specialities that deal with the kind of problems created by abusing LSD, and these can help you find yourself again.

Also, treatment can save your life if you have abused other drugs in addition. Though LSD isn’t directly life-threatening, its direct effects can lead you to take actions that may cost you your life. Treatment will teach you certain techniques that will help you cope without the drug and avoid future usage.

Entering an LSD Rehabilitation Programme

If you’re being dragged down by LSD and many aspects of your life are taking the fall as a result, you can fight back and soar again when you seek help. There’s no shame in trying to seize back control of your life. Rather, it is a brave thing to do.

Through rehab, you will be taught certain skills that will arm you with the ability to overcome the urge to use the drug again, as well as skills to lead a happier, better life. Acquiring these skills involves going through various individual and group counselling sessions, developed to address issues bordering on LSD abuse.

Residential Treatment Centres vs. Outpatient Services

The kind of treatment centre you go to will largely depend on the level of your abuse and a host of other personal factors. It is advisable that you consult a professional with regards this issue.

Residential treatment centres offer bespoke, round-the-clock recovery plans. It is considered the best way to go for your treatment, as you’ll be under the watchful eyes of medical professionals.

However, an outpatient service may be ideal, especially when you’re struggling with a mild case of abuse or have not been abusing LSD for too long.

Your doctor will educate you on the best route to take after a complete assessment has taken place. It is crucial that you adhere to the recommendations of your medical expert, as this will go a long way in determining the success of your recovery.

Choosing the Right LSD Rehab Centre for Me

It starts with choosing the right rehab centre in the first place. You need to know if going through an inpatient programme is ideal, or if you need an outpatient service. There are also other factors to put in place, like your environmental and social needs, as well as the kind of centre that will be ideal for meeting both.

What Happens During Treatment?

The experience during treatment will vary from person to person, as your needs are particular and your plan will have a distinct design. However, you should expect your doctors and health professionals to do everything in their power to see you free from addiction.

You’ll go through a detoxification process where your body will rid itself of LSD, and your doctors might help with medications such as anti-psychotics to ensure you go through this phase comfortably and safely.

During your rehab – after detox – you’ll be put through different therapies, including individual sessions with a therapist to address some behavioural tendencies towards LSD and your environment, as well as group therapies, where you’ll get to enjoy the company of other individuals with similar issues. You’ll be treated by a professional therapist as well.

Treatment Timeline

Time spent in treatment for LSD abuse will be different according to the unique situations of those who are undergoing treatment. Your treatment timeline will go according to the plan drawn up by your doctor.

However, if you are going through inpatient care, your treatment will typically span between 30 to 90 days. Staying for as long as necessary – as recommended by your doctor – is strongly advised. Here’s how a typical treatment timeline plays out:

Intake to detox – first 30 days

This period constitutes your evaluation process, as well as the detox stage. At the end of the first month, your body should be free of all LSD remnants.

Rehab – next 30 days

During this stage, you’ll be immersed in individual and group therapies to help heal the mental complications that may have occurred as a result of abusing LSD.

90 days treatment

Ideal treatments generally span up to 90 days to ensure you have made it to full recovery. However, the time span may be shorter or longer, depending on your situation or response to treatment.

Post-rehab

This starts after you’ve left the rehab centre. You’ll be provided aftercare on an outpatient basis, where you’ll be integrated into further treatment programmes and support groups.

Live a Clean and Sober Life Again

You don’t have to rely on LSD to feel better; you know that there are other more enjoyable means to happiness. Don’t give the drug the chance to erode your life and strip away your personality. You can live a clean life again with proper help.

Remember, your family and loved ones are counting on your recovery. The dangers of LSD, in the long run, may do you more harm than good. Take the right step now and call for help.

Support Group

You can attach yourself to a support group to get the kind of emotional and social support required to maintain sobriety. If things get rough, your group can provide the ideal support at the right time.

You don’t have to be alone, even after your rehabilitation. You can get more insights on how to stay clean from group members as well. Your rehab centre may integrate support groups into your aftercare programme.

You may think that detox and rehab permanently cure your LSD abuse. This is a misconception. You need further help to stay clean and maintain your sobriety, and a support group is ideal for that.

Get Help for LSD Addiction Now

If you’re tired of LSD taking so much away from you and want to return to when you were happy without the drug, you can get help to achieve that.

There’s life beyond LSD dependence. You can start that new era when you pick up the phone right now and request help. You need to make the brave decision to take back control of your life. With professional assistance, your life will be back in your hands again.

Make the Call and Make a Fresh Start Today

Are you ready for that fresh start? Has a loved one been struggling with false realities due to LSD usage? Are you tired of having to choose between what’s real and what’s not? You can begin to see things vividly again.

Take the bold step now and make the call to kick-start your recovery process. If you have a loved one in dire need of help, please do not hesitate to step up on their behalf. You or a loved one can be liberated from the hold of LSD and continue to lead a happy, quality life.

FAQs

What LSD rehab centre should I choose?

The kind of rehab centre you go through would generally rely on the level and length of your abuse. However, an inpatient rehab programme is the best and surest way to make it to recovery.

An outpatient programme may be recommended if it suits your unique situation, but you should consult a professional before making a choice. If you’re confused about what to do, there are people who will be happy to guide you on the best route to take.