Table of contents:
- LSD at a glance
- The dangers of the hallucinogenic effects of LSD on the human body
- What are the signs and symptoms of LSD withdrawal?
- Rehabilitation as the main way out of drug dependence
LSD stands for lysergic acid diethylamide, a hallucinogenic drug that can cause hallucinations. The hallucinogenic effects of LSD are said to be so strong that they can alter moods to confuse the body's perceptions and sensations of the world around them, while also creating unreal images. So, what will happen to the body of an LSD user when they are on a withdrawal?
LSD at a glance
LSD was first discovered in 1943 by a chemist named Albert Hoffman after processing the ergotamine compound obtained from the ergot mushroom. At first, LSD was used to treat psychiatric disorders. But unfortunately, LSD began to be abused by irresponsible hands to become a hangover drug thanks to its strong stimulant effect.
This effect is obtained because LSD affects the interaction between brain cells and serotonin, a hormone in the brain that affects mood, perception, emotions and feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Because of this side effect, users often use LSD repeatedly to get a similar reaction. The effect of this drug lasts 30-60 minutes after use and can be felt for almost 12 hours.
LSD has a variety of market names, such as acid, sugar cubes, blotter, dots, microdot, and others. This dangerous drug is odorless, colorless, and has a slightly bitter taste. You can find LSD in the form of colored tablets, pills, clear liquids, capsules, blotter paper (similar to postage stamps), and gelatin.
LSD type stamps are used by licking or just sticking it on the tongue, then after some time the effect will be felt. Meanwhile, LSD in the form of gelatin and liquid is usually used by dropping it directly into the eye similar to when using eye drops.
The dangers of the hallucinogenic effects of LSD on the human body
No matter what form or how you use it, the hallucinogenic effects will immediately and intensely cause hallucinations even if a person is using LSD for the first time. The more you use, the stronger and more durable the effects of this drug will be. The side effects of hallucinations felt by users are often referred to as "tripping " or if Indonesianized, "going on a trip".
LSD users generally experience loss of appetite, lack of sleep, dry mouth, tremors, and feel visual changes. Usually, LSD users will focus on one color with a certain intensity.
The hallucinogenic effects of LSD can also cause massive mood shifts, often accompanied by behavioral and emotional disturbances. This disorder is often referred to as a "bad trip", which is a symptom of anxiety, fear, and panic that occurs in LSD users. Thanks to this bad trip, even casual touches can be felt redundantly and intimidated by the users. Many LSD users experience frequent “bad trips” even days and weeks after using LSD.
In addition, there can also be a complication called ergotism, a series of symptoms that occur as a result of narrowing of the arteries. Ergotism can cause painful sensations such as heat in the feet, loss of sensation in the tips of the hands and feet, and swelling. Ergotism can also lead to headaches, seizures, and other nervous disorders.
The effects of these hallucinogens depend on how much LSD is used. After LSD is absorbed into the body, the user will experience side effects within 30 minutes to 40 minutes after taking the drug and will continue to be felt for 12 hours or more. that is, a hallucinatory journey that can cause changes in mood, perceptions, and sensations.
What are the signs and symptoms of LSD withdrawal?
Like most other drugs, LSD can cause the user to become addicted to the sensation of euphoria or similar pleasures and sensations. In addition, addiction can also occur when the user's body builds a tolerance for the effects of the drug so that they will need more doses to achieve the same sensation.
When the user stops taking the drug suddenly or decreases the dose drastically in a short time, withdrawal symptoms will appear. Symptoms of LSD withdrawal include emotional and physical symptoms.
Here are some of the most common symptoms when someone has LSD withdrawal:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Enlarged pupils
- Tremor or shaking
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Body temperature increases
- Blood pressure increases
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Weak and lethargic
- Visual hallucinations
- Time distortions, such as difficulty distinguishing between morning, evening, or night
- Easily offended
The above symptoms are relatively mild withdrawal symptoms of LSD. When someone experiences " bad tripOr a bad hallucination trip, the symptoms may get more intense and so wear off. LSD users may experience extreme, frightening changes in their thoughts and moods, which in turn can increase the risk of injury and even fatal consequences.
Some of the potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms of LSD include:
- Extreme anxiety
- The feeling of losing their identity, assuming they never existed / lived in this world
- Panic
- High level of paranoia
- Mood swings are rapid and significant
- Aggressive towards others, including the desire to kill others
- Suicidal tendencies or attempts
However, in general, people who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms of LSD are more likely to notice the drastic changes in their emotions and moods than the physical signs.
Rehabilitation as the main way out of drug dependence
People who are experiencing withdrawal are often ignored or shunned. In fact, everyone who is already dependent on drugs will also go through the withdrawal stage if they want to be “clean” and stop being drug users.
Since withdrawal generally peaks after a few days of the last dose, detoxification is the main method of recovery from withdrawal dependence and symptoms, as well as preventing the potential for relapse of addiction, by flushing out the rest of the drug in the body.
Detoxification programs can be done on an outpatient basis or inpatient at a drug rehabilitation center. However, inpatient rehab is the most suitable option so that the patient can control and manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which will be especially intense during the detox, under the close supervision of a professional medical team.
