Short and Long-Term Effects of LSD: Physical and Psychological Impacts

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug often used for recreational purposes. LSD is sold under dozens of street names, including acid, window pane, blotter, microdots, and mellow yellow. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has classified LSD as a Schedule I drug due to its high risk of substance abuse and dependency. [1]

Preliminary research is looking into any positive effects of LSD and other psychedelic drugs on mood disorders and other mental health conditions. [2] No conclusive findings are available, and LSD remains an illicit drug with no currently approved medical use. If you possess, use, or sell LSD, you can face serious legal consequences, including a felony arrest, heavy fines, and even prison time.

What Are the Short and Long-Term Effects of LSD?

The short-term effects of LSD can be unpredictable and vary by person. Many people classify their experiences into two categories: good trips and bad trips. Common physical effects include dilated pupils, high blood pressure, nausea, and hallucinations. Psychologically, individuals may experience extreme euphoria, paranoia, panic, anxiety, and depersonalization.

Long-term effects of LSD can include both physical and cognitive effects, including hallucinogen persistent perception disorder (HPPD), memory problems, kidney damage, and even brain damage. Short-term, the drug can also cause adverse effects, including high blood pressure, seizures, anxiety, and extreme fear.

Short-Term Effects of LSD

When you take LSD, you will begin to experience its effects within 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the method of administration. [3]

Short-Term Physical Effects

The immediate physical effects of taking LSD can vary from person to person; these may include: [4]

• Hallucinations
• Distorted visual perception
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Increase in body temperature
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Tremors
• Seizures

Short-Term Psychological Effects

The short-term psychological effects of LSD can also vary, with people reporting both “good” and “bad” trips: [5]

• Extreme mood changes
• Psychosis
• Euphoria
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Panic attacks
• Distorted sense of time
• Derealization (feeling your surroundings aren’t real or distorted)
• Depersonalization (feeling detached from your mind or body)
• Synesthesia (sensory crossover of two or more senses)

These short-term effects of LSD use can last up to 12 hours, depending on the dose and the person’s metabolism. [6]

Long-Term Effects of LSD

The long-term negative effects of using LSD, including both physical and psychological effects, can be particularly concerning.

Long-Term Physical Effects

Long-term physical effects of LSD may depend on how long the person has used LSD and how heavily they have used the drug. Some negative health effects associated with the long-term use of psychedelics can include: [7]

• Memory problems
• Brain damage
• Kidney problems
• Heart valve disease

Long-Term Psychological Effects

Psychologically, one of the primary concerns is the development of a condition known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, or HPPD. This is a condition that causes repeated flashbacks of a trip months or even years after using LSD or other psychedelic drugs. [8] Some people experience the same mood changes as they did when under the influence of these drugs, including depression and anxiety.

Other long-term psychological effects of LSD use can include:

• Panic
• Paranoia
• Persistent psychosis
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts

Signs of Hallucinogen Use Disorder

While LSD may not be physically addictive, it is possible to develop a psychological dependence on this and other psychedelic drugs. The American Psychological Association (APA) classifies this condition as a hallucinogen use disorder. The APA lists the criteria for this condition in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5): [9]

• Intense cravings or urges to use LSD
• Spending a lot of time using, acquiring, or recovering from LSD
• Difficulty meeting personal and professional responsibilities due to LSD use
• No longer participating in usual activities due to LSD use
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop using LSD or cut back on use
• Taking LSD in higher doses or for longer than intended
• Continuing to use LSD even though it’s causing problems in life and relationships
• Using LSD in dangerous or risky situations (e.g., while driving)
• Continued use of LSD despite worsening physical or mental health issues

Displaying just two or more of these symptoms could point to a mild hallucinogen use disorder. The more symptoms a person demonstrates, the more serious their condition could be. Substance use disorders don’t usually get better on their own. In fact, they tend to progress without proper treatment.

Addiction Treatment for LSD

If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction to LSD or other psychedelic drugs, evidence-based treatment is available. A compassionate substance use and rehabilitation counselor can help you explore treatment options for hallucinogen use disorder, including medical detoxification, inpatient and partial hospitalization services, intensive outpatient treatment, and aftercare support. You don’t have to face substance abuse and addiction alone.