How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System?

What Is LSD?

LSD, short for Lysergic acid diethylamide, is a psychedelic drug known for its hallucinogenic effects. It’s derived from the ergot fungus, which grows on rye and other grains, and then synthesized in a lab.

Common names for LSD include:

• Acid
• Blotter
• Dots
• Tabs
• Windowpane
• Microdots
• Lucy

LSD acts primarily on the serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. These receptors are involved in the regulation of a variety of brain functions, including mood, cognition, and perception.

The history of LSD dates back to 1938 when the drug was first synthesized in a lab by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman. For the first two decades, the drug was primarily used as a research chemical to replicate the symptoms of psychosis.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, various experiments were conducted into possible military applications of LSD. Entities like the CIA used the drug on thousands of unknowing participants to study its possible application for mind control.

Starting in the 1960s, LSD began being featured prominently in popular culture. Authors like Aldous Huxley and psychologist Timothy Leary touted the drug’s ability to expand consciousness and promote spiritual growth.

One of its nicknames, “Lucy,” was used prominently in the title of the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” a thinly veiled reference to the drug. Likewise, its influence could be seen in the psychedelic rock music of bands like The Doors, the Grateful Dead, Cream, and others.

Since the early 21st century, there has been a resurgence of interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of LSD and other psychedelics. Many researchers are excited about the potential benefits microdosing LSD can have for treating disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. However, more research is needed at this time.

What Are the Side Effects of LSD?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters the user’s thoughts, perceptions, and feelings. The effects of the drug can be unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person, depending on factors like the dose, the person’s mood, and their environment when they take the drug.

While some users have reported positive experiences such as spiritual revelations and enhanced creativity, the drug can also cause several potential adverse effects. These may include:

Physical Effects:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Nausea

Psychological Effects:

• Hallucinations, changes in perception of time and space
• Altered thought processes
• Feelings of euphoria, anxiety, or panic
• Paranoia, fear, and distress
• Impulsive behavior and poor decision-making
• Psychosis in rare cases

One particularly dangerous potential effect of LSD use is a “bad trip,” during which the person experiences intense fear, anxiety, and disturbing hallucinations. These can be profoundly traumatic and may even result in self-harm or harm to others in severe cases.

It’s important to note that while the drug has been used in research and therapeutic settings, it’s currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, which means it’s illegal and considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. As with any drug, its use can have serious legal and health implications.

This is not an exhaustive list and the effects can vary greatly from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare provider for information about the risks associated with drug use.

Can You Overdose on Acid?

You can overdose on acid, but not in the same way as you can heroin, alcohol, or other drugs. In other words, an acid overdose won’t kill you. And unlike those substances, acid is not physically addictive. However, it can be psychologically addictive, and this can lead to a habit of continually using the drug despite negative consequences.

An individual who takes a large amount of LSD may experience intense hallucinations, paranoia, panic, psychosis, and confusion. This can lead to risky behaviors, including accidents or self-harm. In extreme cases, these intense trips can trigger long-term mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If someone takes LSD and begins to experience distressing symptoms, it’s important to get them immediate medical help. Medical professionals can provide supportive care, including managing anxiety and panic, and ensuring the individual’s safety until the drug’s effects wear off.