Acid is the street name for LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) which comes in the form of a liquid, in capsules or tablets, or on small sheets of paper. Acid doesn’t have a color or smell, but has a slightly bitter taste and is used to bring about hallucinations. LSD is classified as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a high risk for abuse, is not currently accepted for medical use in treatment in the United States, and lacks accepted safety for use. Can one become addicted to acid? Possibly, but LSD addiction is rare.
LSD’s effects aren’t predictable, and often its biggest effect is on the mind. The acid works by interrupting the interaction of the neurotransmitter serotonin and nerve cells. Serotonin controls regulatory systems, behavior, and perception, including hunger, mood, body temperature, muscle control, sexual behavior, and sensory perception. Physiological effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils. Sensory effects include perceptual distortions that are dependent on mood, setting, and dosage. Psychic effects include distorted thoughts associated with space and time. Effects last for around 12 hours following the last dose, although LSD can be detected in urine even 2 to 5 days after use.
On some acid “trips”, time may seem as though it’s standing still, and colors and forms seem to change and take on new significance. Even if a person quits taking LSD, he or she can still be plagued by some of the mental effects for days, months, or even years after. Weeks or even months after some hallucinogens are taken, the user may experience flashbacks, which are fragmentary recurrences of certain aspects of the drug experience in the absence of taking the drug in reality. The occurrence of a flashback is unpredictable but is more likely to take place during periods of stress, and seemingly occurs more frequently in younger individuals. Over time, these experiences diminish and become less intense.
Cases of a fatal overdose on acid are rare, but definitely possible. Emergency room and EMS data support claim that while not often, deaths can indeed occur when a person uses LSD. This is even truer when it is combined with alcohol. Cases of acid trips have been reported where overstimulation of the nervous system was a catalyst for stroke, heart attack, or respiratory failure. Again, these cases are typically rare; normally people who abuse LSD die because their minds trick them into participating in dangerous activities. LSD related deaths usually occur due to accidents, suicide, and dangerous behavior.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions can be. Therapy and aftercare processes can help you find new and more efficient ways to better cope with life, minus this life-threatening habit.
The supervised detoxification programs and residential treatment in California at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, inspiring, disciplined, yet relaxing environment. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment in California today!
