Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a psychedelic substance that can alter your feelings, thoughts, and how you perceive the world in general. For starters, you can always count on an online dispensary that sells lab-tested acid. The effects of using LSD are usually informally called an acid trip. Depending on the dosage used, the LSD trip can last up to twelve hours. The trip can be pleasant or unpleasant depending on various factors, including environmental factors and mental state.
How LSD Works
LSD, just like many other psychedelic substances, works by changing some neural circuits in the brain. They particularly act on the circuits that make use of the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin refers to a neurotransmitter that controls a person’s feelings, mood, perceptions, social behavior, hunger, sexual function, and body temperature. The changes in the neural circuits are what usually results in perception-altering effects. Acid also binds to adrenergic and dopamine receptors. Adrenergic receptors control responses to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic systems, and dopamine is involved in emotional and movement responses.
Short-Term Effects of LSD
The effects of LSD usually take about twenty to ninety minutes to kick in and last for up to twelve hours. Some of the short-term effects you can experience after using the substance include hallucinations, mixed senses, severe mood shifts, impaired muscle function, lack of attention or concentration, physical changes, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and dizziness. Different individuals usually have different experiences, which are always unpredictable. The short-term effects can be influenced by personality, mood, and surroundings, among many other factors.
The Comedown
The comedown refers to when you begin to recognize reality again after the effects of LSD wear off until when everything goes back to normal. The comedown can last for an entire day, at times even longer for individuals who take high doses. During that period, you are likely to feel extremely tired because of the overwhelming experiences and emotions you just had. Lack of sleep may also contribute to making you tired.
Some individuals also experience depression during the comedown. It is that feeling that usually results in individuals taking another dose of LSD or turning to other sources of pleasure and euphoria, such as shopping and gambling. To minimize the comedown effects, you should get as much rest as possible and drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drinks.
Long-Term Effects of LSD
LSD is not considered a highly addictive substance and does not cause significant withdrawal symptoms when usage is stopped. However, it has a high tolerance degree. That means that you will need higher doses of the substance for each subsequent use for you to get the same effects. Some studies indicate that LSD can cause long-term psychosis and HPPD.
Potential Benefits
Some studies indicate that LSD can potentially be used to treat various mental conditions, especially those that cannot be treated by traditional methods.