LSD is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless drug that is potent in mood-changing and hallucinogenic chemicals. Though a physical addiction is not well known, LSD abuse is dangerous and can lead to a psychological addiction that requires professional help to overcome.

If a friend is abusing LSD, he or she will project signs and symptoms that can be caught by their loved ones. For more information on intervention techniques, call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) .

The Symptoms of Abuse

Symptoms are evidence of a drug’s usage that can be felt and recognized by the user. According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction, hallucinogen drugs, such as LSD, interfere with the chemical process of serotonin, which is used to regulate things such as:

• Sensory perception
• Mood
• Hunger
• Sleep
• Sexual behavior
• Body temperature
• Muscle control

Symptoms of LSD include:

• Dilated pupils
• Blurred vision
• Sweating or chills
• Anxiety
• Tingling in the fingers and/or toes
• Depression
• Dry mouth or salivation
• Disorientation
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Irregular behavior
• Convulsions

The Signs of LSD Abuse

LSD abuse can cause severe mental disturbances.

Signs are characteristics of drug use that can be recognized in the user. LSD can cause very noticeable signs that signal that a person is abusing the drug. Psychologically, the individual may suffer from:

• Hallucinations
• Flashbacks
• A permanent change in perception
• A confused view on reality

Physical short-term symptoms are among the most obvious signs that a loved one is abusing LSD and can include:

• Feelings of numbness
• Poor coordination
• Goose bumps
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Heavy perspiration
• Loss of appetite
• Bad body odor
• Weakness in the muscles
• Trembling
• Heart palpitations

The Long-Term Effects

According to the Administrative Office of the Courts, flashbacks and hallucinations can become one of the biggest problems of long-term use because they can cause:

• Increase in delusions
• Panic
• Prolonged depression, due to a guilt over drug use
• Severe mental disturbances
• Psychosis

They can also be triggered by physical exercise or other drugs and can range from pleasant to nightmarish. These extended flashbacks and hallucinations can continue for several years and last up to two minutes. Additionally, long-term effects of LSD abuse can also include:

• A decrease in motivation
• Unpredictable bad “trips” that can last months at a time
• Impairment of memory and concentration
• Psychological dependency
• Schizophrenia
• Fatal liver damage
• Birth defects and miscarriage

Seeking Treatment for LSD

Many people who abuse LSD do not see it as a problem until they have become psychologically dependent on it or when the long-term effects develop. When talking to a friend about abuse, it is important not to make judgments or angry statements.

Instead, you should be calm and understanding when they try to discuss the problem and be open to hearing their side. If this option does not work, it can be a good idea to speak with his or her family about staging an intervention, where each party expresses their feelings.

Another option would be hiring a professional interventionist who can help convince the friend to seek treatment.

When a friend is abusing LSD, it can be tough to see the signs and symptoms if someone doesn’t know what to look for. If left untreated, LSD can cause many severe long-term effects that could last years after the individual has become sober.

Treatment is available and while convincing someone to go is difficult, it can be the most important step in getting them the help they need to become sober.

If you or someone you know is suffering from LSD abuse and needs treatment, call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) to speak with a specialist who can help.

How is Treating LSD Addiction Different from Treating Other Types of Drug Addiction?