What Does LSD Do to Your Brain?
What is LSD?
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a popular psychedelic drug that alters the state of your mind in significant ways. This potent drug binds to specific brain cell receptors and alters how the brain responds to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates emotions, moods, and perceptions.1 By binding to these receptors LSD modifies neural pathways, producing visual hallucinations and altering the perception of things such sound and time.2,3
In addition to the mind-altering effects experienced during an “acid trip” that could last for up to 12 hours, there is substantial evidence showing more detrimental, long-term effects associated with the use of LSD.
Long-Term Effects on the Brain
After the initial effects of LSD begin to subside, the individual may suffer from acute anxiety or depression.4 Many individuals who use LSD also experience flashbacks, the recurrences of effects associated with the drug many days or months after taking the last dose. Flashbacks typically follow a short-term, reversible, and benign course. The reemergence of visual images is typically accompanied by pleasant feelings, and there is usually not significant concern, distress, or impairment in the individual experiencing a flashback.5
Unlike flashbacks, a condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) has a much more sinister effect on those who use LSD. Although similar to flashbacks in that it occurs well after the cessation of LSD use, HPPD is a dangerous and frightening disorder that follows a long-term and irreversible course.6 The impairment associated with HPPD can be so severe that many individuals are unable to adapt to living with these long-lasting recurrent “trips,” and many need constant treatment to overcome the pervasive symptoms associated with this condition, though more research is needed to determine how likely this is to occur.7
Flashbacks and HPPD are only some of the risks associated with LSD. Individuals who regularly use the drug are also at risk of developing long-lasting, drug-induced psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. When LSD binds to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, it produces symptoms that are similar to the hallucinations experienced by people diagnosed with schizophrenia.1 And the fact that drugs used to treat schizophrenia are able to block the hallucinogenic effects of LSD, further supports a connection between LSD and schizophrenia.5
Treatment Options
If you have used LSD in the past and are now experiencing flashbacks or suffering from HPPD, there may be pharmacologic treatments that can help you deal with the visual disturbances associated with these conditions. Some of the medications that have shown previous success in treating flashbacks and HPPD include:5
- Benzodiazepines.
- Antiepileptic drugs.
- Dopamine receptor antagonists.
- Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Long-acting opioid receptor antagonists.
- Calcium channel blockers.
- Beta blockers.
- Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors.
Getting Help for LSD Addiction
If you currently using LSD and suffer from psychological addiction or want to stop but can’t, help is available. Treatment—which may take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting—typically includes a combination of behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and group therapy.
Reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) to connect with an admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and assist you in getting the help you need.
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