LSD Addiction Treatment

A review of treatment and rehabilitation options for LSD addiction. Plus, learn how to help an LSD addict. More here.

8
minute read

Treatment Can Turn Your Life Around

Are you finding it difficult to quit LSD on your own?

People occasionally lose control over drug use. In fact, it’s estimated that about 10% of any population experiences addiction to psychoactive drugs. But it is nothing to be ashamed of. Addiction is a medical condition. As such, it is treated medically.

In this article, we’ll review the signs of a drug problem and what you can do about it. We’ll shed light on the best practices in addiction treatment and what to expect if you should seek help. Then, we invite your questions about addiction and its treatment at the end. We try to respond to all legitimate questions personally and promptlt

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NOTE HERE: Addiction is usually not a self-managed condition.
It often requires PROFESSIONAL HELP.
Medical treatment can help you learn how to live a satisfying life without drugs.
If you’re ready to start over and get help,
Call 1-877-869-8451.

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The Power of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

LSD can be found in the form of tables, capsules and liquid. Typically, LSD use can cause visual or auditory hallucinations, as well as dream-like states or paranoia. LSD produces strong psychological alertness and makes users go through a round of different emotions. There is no record of physical addiction to LSD, but the use and abuse of this drug causes strong psychological dependence.

Because LSD is a powerful drug with intense effects on the mind and body, it is important to seek help for addiction immediately at 1-877-869-8451.

Is LSD Addictive?

LSD is psychologically addictive.

LSD does not produce physical dependence and does not typically produce compulsive drug-seeking behavior. This drug is more commonly recognized by its strong psychological addictiveness. However, repeated use might lead to tolerance, which means you’ll need higher doses to achieve the same effects as the once experienced in the beginning.

REMEMBER: LSD is known to be responsible for many dangerous, even deadly side effects that you can’t predict and do not have control over. This is one of the main reasons why LSD is a schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

Hallucinogenics such as LSD are drugs that have been used for a variety of reasons in the past such as:

  • religious rituals
  • to induce states of detachment from reality
  • to have “psychic visions”
  • to make contact with the “spirit world”

Today that is not the case. Nowadays people use LSD primarily for social and/or recreational purposes. Young teenagers reported taking LSD at festivals, concerts, and clubs to have fun, relieve stress, or to escape the dullness of reality.

Signs of addiction to LSD

Those who abuse LSD regularly show visible changes in their appearance and behavior. This may serve as an advantage to recognize the signs at person who abuses LSD easily. Signs and symptoms of the use of LSD are different from the standard signs of other abused drugs. This is so because feelings and sensations change quickly. LSD (ab)users usually experience:

  • flashbacks
  • hallucinations (hearing colours and seeing sounds)
  • high blood pressure
  • rapid heart rate
  • reduced perception of reality
  • tremors

LSD is a psychologically addictive drug which when stopped may produce “flashbacks”. A flashback is a moment when the LSD user experiences a short “trip” after the effects of the drug have worn off. So if you used LSD for an extended period of time you may experience these flashback for days, months or years after quitting the drug. These flashback trips can be triggered by stress, sleepiness, or other drugs such as cannabis.

Still, the hallmark signs of addiction include the 4 C’S:

  1. COMPULSION to use.
  2. Loss of CONTROL of use.
  3. CONTINUED use despite negative CONSEQUENCES

3 Steps To Safely Break Free From LSD Addiction

STEP 1: Step out of denial and ask for help.

Denial is a refusal of a current state, problem or reality. Psychologists view this mental barrier as a defense mechanism of the human subconscious to existing problems. LSD abusers in denial usually lack an objective insight into their own condition. If you do not believe that LSD abuse is a problem for you, you could be in a state of denial. This state can be so extreme that you might continue to abuse LSD even though the destruction is obvious to everyone else. Denial is dangerous trap that can make an obvious problem left untreated.

Transitioning from denial to acceptance can be challenging, but it’s the only way to leave your destructive LSD abuse behind. Here’s what you can do to pass beyond denial:

  • Contact an addiction therapist. He/She will help you gain insight into your situation.
  • Keep a journal. Write in it each time you take an LSD and record your experiences. You might get surprised when you read how LSD impacts your life.
  • Attend recovery support group meetings.
  • Speak with other LSD abusers who have already achieved sobriety. They might help you see beyond your denial.
  • Educate yourself about the harming effects of LSD.

Do not wait for your situation to escalate. Reach out for help NOW 1-877-869-8451.

STEP 2: Find a customized treatment program that matches your needs. 

High-quality recovery plans treat the whole person. Because each person responds to treatment differently, individualized plans are crucial to recover. Successful recovery plan for LSD abuse should consist of the following:

  • Education on healthy lifestyle.
  • Group counseling to verbalize inner feelings and build support structures.
  • Integrated care for mental health issues.
  • Training on how to identify triggering situations (people, places, emotions and memories) associated with your LSD use.
  • Trauma therapy and counselling to overcome emotional suffering and internal conflicts.

STEP 3: Decide on an inpatient or outpatient program duration

Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment The severity of your LSD dependence will determine the level and type of treatment you’ll need to recover. Individuals who suffer from polydrug abuse or a dual diagnosis, will need a center that has the qualified staff and a personalized treatment program. The rehab you’ll choose needs to be familiar with, and has treated individuals with similar problems such as your own.

Inpatient (residential) programs require from you to live in the facility. Programs usually last 30, 60, 90 days or more. Residential facilities provide a safe and supportive environment free of triggers and temptations. During your residential stay at these type of facilities you’ll have the chance to attend group meetings, individual counseling sessions, and receive medications.

Outpatient (non-residential) programs offer therapy sessions and counseling during the week. These programs are recommended for those with a relatively low-level of LSD dependence issues and for those who can’t leave their family and work obligations. But, if you have abused LSD for a prolonged period, more intensive inpatient care may be more helpful.

How Long Does LSD Treatment Last?

Most commonly, treatment programs last 28-30 days. To receive more comprehensive services, LSD treatment can take the course of 60, 90 days or longer. Aftercare continues the treatment process after a stay in rehab, and can last for 3-4 months, 6 months, or even 12+ months, depending on your individual case.

What happens when you call our hotline?

When you call our hotline, highly trained staff listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and offer some positive solutions on what to do next. We will not only help you choose the appropriate treatment program, but we will also help you determine the costs and insurance options. Our goal is to help you pursue a healthy lifestyle without drugs.

Our helpline is:

TOLL FREE and
CONFIDENTIAL

When you’re ready, call us at 1-877-869-8451.
The best time to end the cycle of addiction to LSD is NOW!

What Are the Stages of LSD Addiction Treatment?

#1: INTAKE AND EVALUATION: Intake and evaluation are phases that are usually completed before you start any treatment program. Intake and evaluation include mental and physical health examinations during which addiction professionals gather information about your drug history in order to make an appropriate treatment plan. You may also undergo some blood or chemical testing.

#2: DETOX: The role of detox is to eliminate all the remaining toxins and traces of harmful substance from your system…safely! Detox is always done before treatment. LSD recovery will usually occur without the physical withdrawal symptoms common with other substances. LSD withdrawal symptoms may trigger imbalance in dopamine and serotonin levels. During detox you may experience anxiety and depression because of the impaired balance of these neurotransmitters in the brain. In the most extreme cases detox, from LSD may produce severe depression or psychotic disorders. Medical detox can minimize the intensity of these symptoms and address them as they occur.

#3: THERAPYTherapy will help you to repair relationships with friends and family, identify situations that trigger you to use LSD, and develop strategies to avoid relapse. The main therapies included in most rehabs are based on psychotherapy (talk therapy) and behavioral therapy. Medication assisted treatment may also be helpful to address imbalances in brain/central nervous system chemistry.

#4: AFTERCARE: Recovery is an ongoing process, so aftercare is a very important part of LSD recovery. The length of aftercare services can vary according to the intensity of your new lifestyle and can last from several weeks to 1-2 years. Aftercare programs include ongoing counseling, alumni groups tailored to meet the needs of teens, women, men or seniors, sober housing, and coaching.

If you struggle with an LSD dependence, we encourage you to call our 24/7 toll-free line 1-877-869-8451. We can help you find a recovery solution.

Fear of LSD Withdrawal: What’s the Process Like?

Factors that influence LSD withdrawal include:

  • Time Span – Longer LSD abuse causes permanent psychological changes.
  • Dosage – Larger doses make withdrawal more complex.
  • Individual Physiology – Each person metabolizes and processes LSD differently.

The most common symptom of LSD withdrawal are:

  • anxiety
  • concentration problems
  • confusion
  • depersonalization
  • depression
  • fear of going crazy
  • flashbacks
  • mood swings
  • psychosis
  • suicidal thoughts

However, medical detox and supervision for extreme cases can help stabilize many symptoms. The short term use of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or anti-psychotic medications can be helpful, as can the emotional and mental support from medical staff.  if you fear LSD withdrawal, give us a call now on 1-877-869-8451. We’ll talk about your treatment options together.

What Types of Co-occurring Disorders Exist?

When you experience addiction with another mental health disorder, this is called a “Co-Occurring Disorder”, or “Dual Diagnosis” case. Mental health disorders associated with LSD abuse include:

  • Depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Personality Disorders
  • Anxiety

Dual diagnosis treatment identifies Co-Occurring Disorders that may play a part in the formation of an LSD dependence. Dual diagnosis treatment focuses on finding the connection between the two disorders so that the addict has a better understanding of how to maintain a sober life. Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders often includes the following therapies:

  • Individual counseling
  • Support group meetings
  • 12-step programs
  • Meditation and mindfulness techniques

It is vital to treat all aspects of addiction. In order to do so rehabs should provide a customized treatment plan made just for you. Call 1-877-869-8451 and talk about Co-Occurring Disorders. There is no need to suffer in silence.

8 Suggestions On Helping A Loved One

  1. Educated yourself about LSD addiction.
  2. Offer your loved one support. Do not enable.
  3. Avoid supporting your loved one financially.
  4. Establish boundaries and stick to them.
  5. Don’t let your loved one addiction struggles take over your life. Take care of yourself as well.
  6. Look into professional LSD treatment and rehab services.
  7. Encourage your loved one to enter treatment.
  8. Participate in your loved one LSD recovery process.

If someone close to you is facing problems with LSD, you probably have a lot of questions about harmful consequences of LSD abuse and treatment options. To find out these information and more call us anytime at 1-877-869-8451.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Hallucinogens
NIH: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
NIH: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide
SAMHSA: Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
NCBI: Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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