How long does LSD last?
The popularity of psychedelic drugs is making a comeback in more ways than one. LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a potent hallucinogenic synthetic substance that can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts and perceptions of reality. It is a Schedule I Controlled Substance with a high potential for abuse and currently no medical use or acceptance in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have taken LSD at one point in their lives.
LSD became popular in the 60’s and was also known simply as acid. Other street names include Dots, Mellow Yellow and Window Pane. LSD can cause a person to feel an altered sense of time, either sped up or slowed down. It can change the way a person views their own identity. It can cause a person to see colors and objects that aren’t real. It can cause a person to feel they can change the size and shape of objects. It can also create a sense of extreme happiness as well as extreme delusion.
Today, the psychedelic and dissociative drug has prompted interest in studies and clinical trials on the benefits of LSD treatment for addressing certain types of mental health conditions. A recent study on LSD showed signs of the drug’s benefits in treating anxiety and depression associated with alcohol withdrawal. A March 2024 research program involving and LSD formulation to treat generalized anxiety disorder was recognized by the FDA as an effective formulation of LSD with potential benefits in clinical trials. However, there is still very limited research and data on the benefits of this drug.
What is LSD?
LSD is a colorless and odorless substance with a slightly bitter taste. It is common for drops of LSD to be dried onto blotting paper and then cut up into pieces, which will be used for ingesting. Most recreational users will only take small doses of the substance. However, due to the high potency of the drug, even at small doses, the effects of LSD can be long-lasting. Despite the molecules being removed from the bloodstream fairly quickly, the effects of the drug can go on as long as a day or more.
How does LSD work?
LSD works by influencing the way serotonin is processed in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that is responsible for different functions in the brain including mood regulation and balance. When the LSD molecules enter the body and land on the serotonin receptors, they attach to the receptor pockets. The amino acids within the serotonin receptors will then trap the molecule by putting a “lid” over the LSD molecule keeping them snug in place. When this happens, it can produce effects such as an altered sense of perception, an increase in emotion and thoughts, color and shape distortions as well as visual and auditory hallucinations.
The effects last as long as the LSD molecule is trapped inside the serotonin receptor. This can go on for many hours. It is also known as an acid trip. Eventually the “lid” will finally open or move around and free the molecules making them come loose from the serotonin receptors. This is when the drug effects begin to taper off and users come down from their acid trip.
How long does LSD last?
LSD is a potent and long-lasting drug. The onset of effects from LSD can start anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours after taking an initial dose. The effects of the drug can last from 6 to 15 hours depending on the potency of the dose taken, the individual body mass, and the presence of other medications or drugs in the system. Other factors can include the age of the user, method of use and individual metabolism.
In general, most acid trips do not last more than 12 hours. Some users also experience what is called an “afterglow.” For another 6 hours or so the user can experience lingering effects of happiness or anxiety resulting in an “afterglow.”
LSD can remain detectable in urine between 1-4 days after the initial dose. LSD can remain detectable in blood samples for up to 16 hours after the initial dose. In total, between initial acid trips and comedowns, it can take up to 24 hours for the body to return to its normal state. Within 48 hours, the drug will most likely be fully metabolized and out of the system.
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Effects of LSD
- Euphoria and a sense of closeness and connectivity
- Dilated pupils
- High body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Sweating and nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeplessness and insomnia
- Tremors
- Visual changes and distortions
- Extreme mood changes
- Impaired time reception
- Impaired judgment
- Acute anxiety and depression
- Fear and paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Altered perception of sound
- Intense sense of closeness
One risk of using LSD is experiencing a bad trip. Bad trips often bring on feelings of anxiety, sadness and confusion. It can also cause unpredictable behavior from the user. In large doses of the drug, it can cause a person to panic and even become frightened by the surroundings of their own environment. This could lead to the development of psychotic issues.
Some users of LSD can experience what is called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. It is a non-psychotic disorder in which a person experiences lasting or persistent hallucinations after using drugs. They can experience recurrences of certain aspects of the drug experience or flashbacks that can occur for days or months after the last drug use.
One of the biggest risks of using LSD is the development of tolerance, dependence and addiction. LSD is highly potent and even when used in small amounts, can be dangerous and lead to an addiction over time.
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There are many types of psychedelic drugs including magic mushrooms, DMT and MDMA. LSD or acid is also one of the most popular hallucinogenic substances used recreationally. The drug is extremely potent. Many users opt for microdosing in order to experience its effects. The drug brings on vivid visions and sensations and feelings of altered self-awareness. During an acid trip users claim they see brighter colors, distorted shapes, unusual patterns and noisy colors. Because of these effects, LSD use can quickly become habit-forming and lead to an addiction.
Hotel California by the Sea provides effective behavioral health treatments for those who have become addicted to hallucinogenic substances such as LSD. We offer all levels of care such as medical detox, inpatient residential treatment, partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program. Our rehab utilizes evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, group therapy and family therapy to help our clients better understand the intricacies of their addiction. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our client achieve sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/lsd
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-acid-last
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315501
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-acid-stay-in-your-system
https://www.addictionadvocates.com/addiction-treatments/drug-rehab/how-long-does-lsd-last/
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/how-long-does-acid-last/
https://drugfree.org/drugs/what-is-lsd/