An acid trip is a psychedelic experience brought on by the use of LSD. Acid trips will feature intense, unpredictable hallucinations and can cause long-term and short-term harm to your physical and mental health.
What Is LSD?
Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD or acid, is a synthetic chemical that is commonly extracted from a fungus known as ergot. It comes in a white powder form, though it is usually diluted in liquid or sugar and ingested orally, commonly on pieces of blotting paper. LSD can also be taken by injection, smoking, snorting, or even through skin contact.
How does LSD affect the brain?
LSD bonds itself to the serotonin receptors, a protein that helps send communications throughout your brain and central nervous system. It creates a sort of ‘lid’ over itself that keeps the bond from separating quickly, which could be why reactions to LSD last for so long.
Common Experiences During an Acid Trip
There is no way to truly guess what the brain will experience on an acid trip. The experience is very personal and can range from enjoyable and pleasant to anxious and nightmarish. However, some common experiences include:
- Visual hallucinations, including an intensifying of lights or a warping/wrapping of everything
- Heightened senses of sound, taste, smell, and touch
- Intense euphoria
- Extreme anxiety and paranoia
- Blended sensations (i.e. ‘tasting colors’)
- Mood swings and intense feelings of fear and dread
- Warped perception of time (i.e. time slowing down)
Physical symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sweating and increased body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
Risks and Dangers of Acid Trips
Physical Dangers
The increased blood pressure and heart rate could be potentially very dangerous for anyone with heart conditions or high blood pressure, possibly leading to heart attacks and strokes. Nausea, vomiting, and sweating can also lead to dehydration.
Mental Dangers
The extreme fear and anxiety that can be brought on by LSD can cause users to make poor decisions while tripping. Furthermore, acid trips may intensify feelings present in individuals already suffering from mental health issues.
Long-Term Effects
LSD can sometimes bring about a ‘comedown period’. During this period, usually a few days after the acid trip, a person may experience depression-like symptoms or fatigue and exhaustion.
There is also the risk of developing what is known as ‘serotonin syndrome’. This is a disease caused by using drugs that increase or modify serotonin and features symptoms such as:
- Goosebumps
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Muscle rigidity
- Shivering
- Heavy sweating
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Twitching muscles or a loss of coordination with your muscles
- Agitation or restlessness
Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening. If a person experiences a high fever, an irregular heartbeat, tremors and seizures, or goes unconscious, they should be taken to a hospital immediately.
Seeking Help for LSD Addiction
LSD can be a life-threatening drug. Addiction to LSD is very dangerous and must be taken seriously. If you believe your loved one is addicted to LSD, you should try to get them help immediately. The long-term effects on the brain and body can be devastating. Help is available, though, and treatment can be provided. Call us today to find out more on overcoming addiction with EagleCrest Recovery.
