LSD or D-lysergic acid diethylamide, is a hallucinogenic drug. It alters perceptions and the sense. In face, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has classified it as one of the most powerful mood altering chemicals that is abused. It is also an illegal drug, with no accepted medical use in the United States.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing is a new trend which involves taking a very small dose of either LSD or psilocybin, approximately 1/10th to 1/5th of a normal dose, regularly. Users who microdose, recommend microdosing in the morning, once every few days. A dose that small isn’t enough to cause the psychedelic side effects of LSD, but it can lead to other internal shifts. Microdosers report experiencing improvements in mood, enhanced focus, productivity or creativity, and in some cases, relief from depression. The practice of microdosing appears to be widespread in Silicon Valley, where professionals seem to be microdosing LSD for a boost in productivity, without the typical trip that comes with taking a full dose of the drug.
Long Term Effects of LSD Abuse and Microdosing
There is a danger to abusing LSD in any amount, including microdosing. When a user abuses LSD, they may experience flashbacks, and these could occur days, months or even years after stopping taking the drug. What is a flashback? It is a re-experiencing of the drug’s effects that may come on without warning. Such a flashback may contain positive or negative experiences and can be quite disruptive.
LSD use can also cause the onset of HPPD, which is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder. According to the Journal of Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, HPPD may cause visual disturbances at a rate that everyday life as well as the ability to function normally is impaired.
LSD is highly addictive. It affects the serotonin levels in the brain, which is one of the chemical messengers for signaling pleasure. Because of that it may be possible to disrupt the natural way the brain processes rewards and thus feels pleasure.
The potential long term side effects of microdosing, and indeed even microdosing itself, have not been properly studied yet. Thus it is difficult to fully assess the effects of the practice. However, according to Live Science, using LSD, even in tiny amounts may have unintended and far reaching side effects.
LSD Overdose
Individuals who are under the influence of LSD may not be able to make good decisions. They may have trouble with motor functions or suffer from poor judgment and impulse control. LSD overdoses are more likely to be psychological than physical, and they are not generally life threatening. Individuals are more likely to be a danger to themselves or others while overdosing. Some signs of LSD overdose are:
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Psychosis
- Panic attacks
- Extreme fear of losing control and/or death
If you are looking for more information on microdosing and LSD, call The Villa, and we will help you. Find out more about our programs to see what we offer to guide you in recovery.