Lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD as it is commonly known as a hallucinogenic drug. Research estimates that 0.3% of adults use LSD for leisure. LSD is not addictive, like other common drugs. It can produce hallucinations and alter the mental state of users. Sometimes it can cause synesthesia and the crossing of senses. For example, when you can ‘hear’ colors or ‘see’ sounds. Some artistic people praise LSD for the crossing effects saying that it enhances their creativity. But, like any drug, the dangers can outweigh any perceived benefit. Understanding the effects of LSD is the first step in getting the necessary addiction treatment program needed to overcome drug abuse.
How LSD Affects the Brain
Researchers believe that LSD affects two specific neurotransmitters in the brain. These are serotonin and glutamate. LSD activates serotonin receptors in the brain. The activation can impair our cognitive abilities and induce hallucinations. The activation also increases our appetite, enhances our mood and sexual functioning in addition to altering the sleep cycle.
With regards to glutamate, LSD initiates a cascade of signaling events that affect the activity of glutamate in the entire brain. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is vital in the body’s cognitive, memory, and learning abilities. Glutamate, together with serotonin mediates the brain’s response to a myriad of sensory stimuli. Such mediation can produce intense hallucinations. Hallucinations are among the common effects of LSD.
Effects of LSD
The effects of LSD fall into three categories. These are:
- The Physical Effects: Physical effects occur because LSD stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. The stimulation can lead to dilation of pupils, loss of appetite, insomnia, and sweating. Users can also experience drying of the mouth, variation in body temperature and hypothermia in extreme cases.
- Visual Effects: Visual changes are common among LSD users. LSD can make the user’s sensitivity to certain colors to heighten. The sensations also produce a cross-over effect. Where users can see sounds or hear colors.
- Behavioral and Emotional Effects: The use of LSD trigger paranoia, anxiety, or even panic attacks. But this will depend on the user’s environment and the people surrounding them. Users refer to these adverse effects as “bad trips”. Some users never recover from their “bad trips” until they end up in a mental health treatment center. Positive emotional responses include feeling happier and the enhancement of the user’s emotional empathy.
Treatment at Oceanfront Recovery
LSD is not as addictive as other drugs. But you can still develop a dependence on them. Oceanfront Recovery will help you get over the dependence so that you can lead a healthy lifestyle. LSD use can trigger other underlying conditions, such as anxiety disorder. Luckily, some programs and centers can also help with such issues.
Some of them are:
- Anxiety treatment program: The program is ideal for LSD users who experience anxiety when they use drugs. It will help treat the anxiety issue and identify the triggers that cause it. Therapies are available to help with the process.
- Drug and alcohol detox center: The center allows you to detox from the LSD. Medications are available to help you with the process. The medication will also help you to endure the urge to relapse while detoxing.
- Dual-diagnosis treatment program: The program will determine if you have any other mental health issue that results from LSD use. It will then prescribe the appropriate treatment for the patient.
- Aftercare treatment program: Aftercare offers support to people who have quit drug use. It follows up to ensure you stay sober, and it encourages you to embrace healthier lifestyle choices.
Seek Help Today at Oceanfront Recovery
Don’t let an addiction to LSD disrupt how you conduct your daily activities. Some effects of LSD can also be detrimental to the health of the user. That is why it is advisable to get treatment before it is too late. If you have an LSD addiction and you need help, contact Oceanfront Recovery at 877.296.7477. Our addiction treatment staff can help you get your life back on track.
