What Is LSD?
LSD is a potent, long-lasting psychoactive drug derived from a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. The synthetic version has a similar chemical structure to serotonin, which is associated with good feelings.
LSD molecules bind with serotonin receptors, causing the drug’s visual and physical effects, such as color and shape distortions, auditory and visual hallucinations, and other psychedelic experiences. The interaction with serotonin receptors leads to prolonged effects that typically last 6 to 15 hours .[1]
How Long Does LSD Last?
A dose of acid can bring on effects within 20 to 90 minutes .[2] The average trip is 6 to 15 hours, but most trips last up to 12 hours. However, some people experience “afterglow” effects from LSD that can last hours after the initial effects have worn off. These may be positive, like joy, or negative, like anxiety and paranoia. The full scope of the initial trip to the comedown period can take up to 18 hours.
Stages of an Acid Trip
The stages of an acid trip can vary from person to person and trip to trip, but there are some distinct patterns.
The onset stage of an acid trip starts 30 to 90 minutes after ingesting LSD, but this can vary by metabolism, dosage, and method of use. During this stage, the drug starts to manifest and cause anticipation.
Next is the buildup, when the alterations in perception, mood, and consciousness begin. Colors can appear more vibrant, visual distortions or hallucinations begin, and sensory experiences feel heightened.
The peak of an acid trip occurs about 2 to 4 hours after ingestion, though the intensity and duration of the peak can vary by dosage and the individual. During this stage, you may experience ego dissolution, changes in consciousness, and a sense of interconnectedness to the universe. Hallucinations become more intense and immersive.
Next is the plateau. This stage is when the effects level off and stay consistent for much of the trip. During this stage, you may continue to experience visual distortions, intense emotional experiences, and altered thought patterns.
The descent is when the LSD effects are beginning to subside. The hallucinations become less intense and pronounced, emotions stabilize, and some people experience a period of introspection or contemplation.
The last stage is the afterglow. The acute effects have worn off, and some people may experience feelings of insight, euphoria, and creativity.
While these stages are common, acid trips are highly subjective and can vary significantly.
What Happens During an Acid Trip?
During a trip, people experience altered perceptions of themselves, their moods, thoughts, and the environment. It can be difficult to determine what’s real and what’s not.
LSD can heighten the senses and cause visual distortions, including brighter colors, unusual patterns, and trails behind objects.[3] Physical changes include higher body temperature, increased blood pressure, faster heart rate, nausea, shakiness, and insomnia.
The effects on your mood are variable and depend on the mood you were in before you took acid. For example, if you’re happy and relaxed, you may be content and joyful during your trip. However, if you take acid when you’re sad or angry, your trip may be frustrating, upsetting, or frightening. Given the length of a trip, it’s important to consider your mood before you take acid.
Risks of LSD
It’s hard to determine the exact dosage of LSD because it’s not regulated. It’s best to avoid using LSD on your own, especially if it’s your first time. Some people engage in risky behaviors when they’re under the influence of acid, leading to injuries.
There are several risks to be aware of with acid, including:[4]
Bad trip: A bad trip is a negative LSD experience that may involve confusion, fear, or other negative emotions brought on by the hallucinations. Trips last the same amount of time, whether good or bad, so you have to ride it out.
Tolerance: Acid tolerance develops quickly, especially with repeated acid use. This means you may need higher acid doses to produce the same effects. Tolerance is temporary, however. If you stop taking acid for a period, you will need to build up your tolerance again.
Psychotic issues: LSD can trigger psychotic issues in people who are predisposed to these conditions, such as schizophrenia.
Flashbacks: Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder is a rare but serious risk that can cause sensory disturbances similar to a trip, but they can happen days, weeks, or months after the last trip.
Is LSD Addictive?
LSD is not considered physically addictive like opioids, alcohol, or nicotine. It’s unlikely that you’ll develop a physical dependence on LSD or experience cravings and withdrawal if you quit.
That said, LSD can be habit-forming psychologically, meaning you may not experience withdrawal symptoms, but you can develop a psychological dependence. This means you have a desire to repeat the use of LSD to experience its effects.
Can You Overdose on LSD?
LSD itself is not considered lethal in recreational doses, and there are no known cases of fatal overdoses from LSD alone .[5] LD50, which is the lethal dose for 50% of the population, is estimated to be extremely high – far above what people would use recreationally.
This doesn’t mean LSD is without risks. While you may not overdose, taking high doses of LSD can lead to extremely intense and overwhelming trips that can cause severe paranoia, anxiety, delusions, and hallucinations.
LSD Addiction Treatment
LSD may not be as addictive as other drugs, but treatment can be effective if you’re experiencing psychological dependence or mental health effects caused by acid.
Because LSD has no withdrawal symptoms, detox may not be necessary to start addiction treatment. You can enter an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program to undergo therapies to address the psychological aspects of acid addiction, including individual therapy, support groups, and behavioral therapy like dialectical behavior therapy.
Take Precautions with LSD
LSD is used to experience a trip, including altered perception and vivid hallucinations. These trips can last up to 12 hours, which can be distressing if the trip is bad. There are other risks to LSD, including flashbacks and hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, to be aware of.
If you feel that you’re developing a psychological dependence on LSD, it’s important to seek help and understand the motivations. LSD’s risks increase with regular or excessive use.
