LSD – History, Uses, and Dangers

Lysergic acid diethylamide – commonly known as LSD – has been highly controversial since its creation. While some people claim that it is enjoyable, medicinal, and non-habit-forming, others argue that it is dangerous and addictive. Regardless of these differing opinions, it is a potentially harmful substance which carries stiff legal penalties. Understanding the history, purpose, and dangers of LSD is crucial for communities to address their drug problems and curb their rates of addiction. LSD was first synthesized by Swiss chemists in the late 1940s as part of a larger project for the development of medicinal drugs. The extent of its psychoactive effects was actually not discovered until its inventor accidentally ingested it in his laboratory five years later. After he reported this experience, LSD began to be marketed as a helpful, mind-altering drug for psychiatric patients. Like other psychoactive drugs, LSD became wildly popular in the United States and other Western countries during the rebellious movements of the 1960s. Its popularity within the counterculture may also have played a role in its subsequent prohibition in the 1970 United States Controlled Substances Act. Though some researchers continue to legally test the effects of LSD, it currently carries the same federal penalties as cocaine, marijuana, and other Schedule I drugs. LSD has a variety of effects on users. Many of them are similar to the effects of psilocybin mushrooms – hallucinations, increased visual and auditory acuity, and general feelings of calm and well-being. Physical effects include dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, and insomnia. “Trips” on LSD can last for hours at a time, and even one-time users report long-term effects and flashbacks months after consumption. Unfortunately, many LSD users experience bad trips. Those who take the drug in uncomfortable settings or under mental stress often report nightmarish hallucinations. Unpredictable flashbacks can cause sober people to do completely irrational things which put themselves and others at risk of physical harm. Finally, some people experience persistent mood swings, mania, and depression for years after LSD use. LSD does not cause the development of addictive neurological pathways the way cocaine, opiates, and other drugs do. However, it is still potentially habit-forming. Most people develop short-term tolerances after just one use, so those who seek continual trips sometimes take enormous doses. Given its unpredictable and potentially long-term effects, this is extremely dangerous behavior. Furthermore, many people who use LSD become psychologically dependent. They may take LSD along with psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, and other psychoactive drugs to escape their everyday lives or to relieve the chronic emotional problems associated with co-occurring mental illnesses. Even without physical drug dependencies, these abusers display many of the same destructive behavior patterns as other addicts. They obsess over their next trips, they take irrational risks to obtain more drugs, and they ignore the consequences of habitual use. Even if they don’t experience long-term physiological harm, they put themselves at risk of fines, jail time, and other legal penalties. Overall, LSD is a highly dangerous drug. If you are struggling with addiction to LSD or other drugs, use the links below to get powerful help right now. Our dedicated addiction specialists are standing by day and night for your toll-free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you find a treatment program and get your life back on track.

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